There’s something special about heading out onto the UK’s lakes, rivers, canals, and coastlines. But honestly, you don’t need to own a kayak, canoe, or SUP to enjoy it. Maybe you’re new to paddling, just visiting, or you’re not keen on spending big or finding space for gear. Hiring is…
Tell a paddler about inflatable kayaks ten years ago and watch them roll their eyes. For a long time, inflatables were basically punchlines, cheap, floppy, meant for splashing around near the beach, not actual kayaking. If there was any wind? Good luck steering. You can thank the infamous "banana boat"…
SUP Ready is a brand new Paddle UK eLearning resource which has been designed for new and novice paddleboarders to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to get started in stand up paddleboarding. It's ideal if you are new to paddling and will help you to feel better prepared to get…
Jumping into kayaking is a blast, but picking your first boat can feel overwhelming, there are just so many choices. In the UK, our waters are diverse: think calm Scottish lochs, the meandering Thames, or the rugged Cornish coastline. So, the best kayak really comes down to where you want…
Buying a pre-loved paddleboard is a fantastic way to get on the water without a heavy initial investment. Whether you are looking for your first all-rounder or upgrading to a touring board, the second-hand market is full of great opportunities. However, your board is more than just a piece of…
Stand up paddleboarding, SUP if you’re into acronyms, has taken off across the UK. People love it for different reasons. Some want peace and quiet on the water, others just want a fun workout. Either way, it’s easy to pick up and pretty satisfying once you get going. Here’s a…
A busy mum’s guide to getting kids outdoors, on the water, and loving every minute of it. “Keep your kids active and they’ll generally be happier and healthier.” That was the advice a mum I deeply respected gave me when I had three young boys. Maybe I focused a bit…
With Christmas just around the corner, its time to start thinking about gifts. One of the most important parts of picking a gift is making it thoughtful, something that means something to that person. There are so many things you could buy a paddler to help them on their adventures.…
Every hobby has its own language, right? And paddling is no different! You don't have to speak fluent "paddlese" to enjoy your time on the water, but knowing some of the common terms can definitely help you chat with other paddlers, understand instructions more easily, and just feel more at…
So, you've caught the paddleboarding bug, huh? Awesome! Gliding across the water, feeling the sun on your face – it's pretty addictive. Whether you're just finding your balance or dreaming of leading your own SUP adventures, having some solid skills and know-how is key to staying safe and having a…
The UK is home to some of the most vibrant cities in Europe, and many of them offer incredible opportunities for paddling, whether you're a seasoned kayaker or a casual stand-up paddleboard enthusiast. Paddling in an urban environment is a unique way to experience a city, offering a blend of…
Did you know a contribution of Paddle UK membership income is passed onto the waterway authority? As paddlers the environment and waterways are vitally important to us. Part of the joy of paddling is being immersed in nature, wildlife and green spaces. We're committed to helping protect these special places…
What do you know about cold water shock? Likelihood is very little, or maybe you just think about losing your breath when you are suddenly faced with a bucket of ice water. But the consequences of cold water shock can be deadly. It’s really important you know a little about…
We know we keep harping on about how good paddling is for your mental health, but really, it is great! If you need more convincing though, we've made a list of 10 reasons why paddling is great for everything from busting bad moods to helping improve more serious issues such…
Canoe vs Kayak. The big question. Canoes and kayaks are two great ways to get on the water for an adventure. But of the two, canoe vs kayak, which one is best for you? Canoeing and kayaking, despite always being lumped together, are actually two different activities. You can find…
PaddlePoints is a brilliant tool to help you find new places to paddle and share your favourite places with others. Heading away for a holiday and fancy a paddle, check PaddlePoints. Fancy seeing your city from the water, check PaddlePoints. Want to find out if there is a pub or…
Having a paddle board opens up a world of opportunities for exploration and adventure. First of all you’ll want to learn to paddle board safely. Then, we know you will be chomping at the bit to find out where you can go on paddling adventures. But where can you stand…
Paddleboarding has rapidly risen in popularity, becoming one of the most popular water sports in the UK.It’s rise in popularity can be attributed to how accessible it is. It requires no special skills, no bizarre environment, and can be adapted for any person. With this said, there are a few…
No matter what paddleboard you buy, borrow, or rent, you’ll notice that they all have a slot for a fin to go. But what is the point of it? And why do some boards have more than others? In this article we will explain a few bits about the fin,…
We all love a good natter about the weather, and it’s the perfect thing to think about before we go paddling. Just how the weather can affect your paddling plans is vital to know. It’s important to understand what the forecast is and how reading the weather can help a…
Paddle UK membership doesn’t just fund waterways licences. We’d like to share with you some of the other ways membership money benefits paddlers and the wonderful waterways you paddle. Member Hub and Exclusive Benefits Member benefits give you the chance to save money on everything from kit and equipment to…
It’s great getting out on the water, and at times the chance to have some time alone is one of the biggest draws. Spending some time with the water, immersed in nature can help with mindfulness and inner peace. However, paddling is also an incredibly social sport that is enhanced…
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) has rapidly shot up in popularity in recent years. The freedom of rocking up at the water, quickly pumping a board up and cruising along in the sun has largely contributed to this success. How accessible it is to anyone wanting to give it a…
Living in Britain means we are surrounded by some beautiful coastline. Coastal or sea paddling is an exciting way to get a new view of the coastline and the natural environment. If you’re considering moving from inland to coastal paddling there are a few extra things you need to think…
Buying gifts for the people you care about can bring lots of joy to all involved. And what makes it even better is really nailing that gift, and seeing their face light up. So what can you get that paddler in your life? Are there any paddling related gifts that…
Paddling is quite a social activity. It brings people together to enjoy the water, support each other, and keep each other safe. It’s one of the best things about paddling. And even if you set off on your own, chances are you’ll meet some like minded people along the way.…
Paddling is a great activity for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a white water adrenaline rush, a chilled glide through nature or anything in between, the water is your space. If you’re a woman looking to get into stand up paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking or a current paddler wanting signposting…
I enjoy looking at nature, just standing still to observe it - but on a SUP! I wrote this poem based on William Davies poem “Leisure”, but totally rewritten from the point of view of a chilled out paddler, aged 75. I’ve spent most of my life as a carer…
We caught up with Anastasia Mylona, a member of Isis Canoe Club in Oxford. Anastasia took up paddling during the pandemic. She shares with us how learning to kayak has significantly improved her mental health. It has also allowed her to connect with nature. I have always lived near the…
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is still on the increase after a huge surge over the last couple of years. Leisure paddling leads the way for most paddlers, but did you know there is a strong SUP racing scene in the UK and indeed worldwide? The GBSUP National Series was set…
The Paddlers’ Code has been created to help guide paddlers into best practice and give easy guidelines to follow when out on the water. The code follows three basic principles: respect, protect, and enjoy. Inspired by the Countryside Code, The Paddlers’ Code looks to give clear and concise direction for…
Hopefully you have seen that British Canoeing run a whole range of paddling safety courses through their delivery partners. From Paddleboarding technique to whitewater rafting, there are courses for almost everything. But when starting your paddling journey, no matter what craft you use, safety is always an important element to…
In a world where shopping is moving online, our beloved paddlesport retailer shops are still as important as ever. We caught up with Sam Wilson at Kent canoes to find out why exactly paddlesport retailers are so important when it comes to buying your paddling kit. Over to the expert....…
The North West of England is home to some truly unique coastlines and stunning lakes. With so many places to paddle in the North West, we have pulled together just a couple of our highlights. With coastlines, the Lake District, Cumbria, and a few cities too, there is a huge…
Getting out on the water on a paddleboard, canoe, or kayak is a brilliant way to spend your free time. However, you need to be dressed appropriately to get the most out of your time on the water. Wearing the wrong clothes may well lead to you getting cold quickly…
No matter what type of paddling you are doing, and on what type of craft, your Buying your first buoyancy aid is one of the most important bits of safety kit you will carry. Even if you are attached to an inflatable paddleboard, you still need to be wearing some…
If you’re a new or novice stand up paddleboarder and want to raise your safety awareness and personal safely, then the SUP Safer course is for you! It’ll help you develop a better understanding of how to be safe when on the water. During this award, your instructor will work…
If you’re a new or novice paddler and want to raise your awareness of paddling safely, then the Paddle Safer is for you! It’ll help you develop a better understanding of how to be safe when taking to the water. During this award, your instructor will work with you to…
Now you have yourself a lovely new kayak, canoe, or paddleboard it’s time to get it out on the water. But how do you take it from your home to the river, lake, sea? Unless you are one of the very lucky ones, you are going to have to drive…
If you’re thinking of starting out in paddling you’re bound to wonder where you can learn to kayak. Kayaking beginner courses are the perfect way to build skills and knowledge, allowing you to feel confident on your kayak adventures. You’ll be glad to hear there are lots of options for…
Learn how to take better paddling photos with our top 5 tips. Paddling offers you a unique perspective of the world, taking you places that you cannot reach on foot. Photographing your paddling adventures is a great way to document your trips and capture those special moments on the water.…
So you've decided to paddle through winter. Excellent news! Not only will you be privy to some different wildlife, especially as our resident summer birds migrate to southern climes, some epic frosts and beautiful paddles throughout the winter will be a real treat. It really is worth braving the cold…
Winter paddling can look uninviting to say the least. Cold weather, rain, snow, early nights and limited daylight in general. We're not selling it to you right.... But paddling through winter can be absolutely beautiful and very rewarding. You just need to consider a few more things before you head…
Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are fantastic ways to explore our breathtaking coastline but did you know that the UK is home to both grey seals and common seals? These much-loved marine mammals are a real treat to spot on your paddling adventures, but sadly they are facing an extensive…
So you've bought your first stand up paddle board. You get it out the packaging. If it's an iSUP you inflate it and realise that pumping it up is more of a work out than actually paddling. But hey, added exercise right! Then... what!? The main reason we see people…
Technology can be both good and bad at the same time, we're sure you'd agree. But when it comes to safety and keeping yourself up to scratch on what's going on, you can't beat a bit of technology! It is even one of the bits of kit we advise you…
We recognise that getting out on the water when the weather is well, cold, damp and windy, isn't to everyone's taste. However, just because you're not physically paddling, doesn't mean you can't expand your paddling knowledge, research adventures, or learn about the tides for example! With so many different routes…
About 2,000 plants and animals have been introduced, often accidentally, to the UK from all over the world. Many are harmless, but some species have had a detrimental impact on our native species as well as our own health and the activities we enjoy. These invasive non-native species not only…
Thinking about buying your first inflatable kayak? You’ll notice there’s quite a few on the market with varying price ranges and quality assurances too. This really simple, quick guide is designed to give you an overview of the three main types of inflatable kayaks and some things to consider when…
With so many more people heading to the rivers, canals and sea at the moment, making the most of that Great British summertime we came to realise… a lot of our advice doesn’t necessarily cover things you might experience on your first adventure. It covers how to get started, and…
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