Tips and Advice | General guidance to help you get into paddling

wooden pier spanning out into a wintery coniston water

Top 5 places to Stay and Paddle

08/09/202308/09/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

As the days are slowly starting to get shorter and autumn sets in , the water is a very special place to be. And just because it’s autumn doesn’t mean we don’t want to get away for a weekend or a week. So we have gathered up our top five…

Paddling In Tides And Currents

25/08/202307/09/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Whether you are paddling at the coast or inland, the water likes to move. At times this movement can be gentle and help you along as you paddle, or create some fun playful waves for you to enjoy. However, the tides and currents of the water can also be quite…

man on a sit on top kayak on the water looking at shacks and hills

How To Paddle On Holiday

10/08/202310/08/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Holidays are great. They get you away from your normal surroundings and into some new and exciting places. Whether you are having a staycation or crossing the seas to international lands, we all look forward to that holiday. But why limit your exploring to land? Why not look at having…

How to paddle through the weather

10/08/202310/08/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

The Value of British Canoeing Membership

08/08/202309/08/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

British Canoeing 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 Your British Canoeing membership offers you great discounts both on and off the water! With discounts…

Top 5 Place to Paddle in the East of England

01/08/202309/08/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

The east of England is a hotspot for paddling adventures. With a huge range of waterways and coastlines open to paddle on, you are sure to find a route perfect for you. To make sure we highlight the crème de la crème of routes in the area, we enlisted the…

Go Green British Canoeing Membership

28/07/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

British Canoeing’s Go Green membership option helps make membership more environmentally friendly and offers members more choice. Based on member feedback members can choose whether they want to receive a membership card and pack, or choose a digital membership. The Go Green option means members can use a PDF membership…

A Beginners Guide to Touring Paddleboards

26/07/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

So, you’ve been up and down your local stretch of water so much you could now paddle it with your eyes closed. You’re craving something new and exciting, a way to spread your paddleboarding wings and take your paddleboarding to the next level. One option is paddleboard touring. Touring paddleboards…

pair of women paddling on paddleboards together

Carers or Companions British Canoeing Membership

14/07/202318/07/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

British Canoeing is committed to making paddling accessible for everyone, regardless of their identity, background or circumstances. Should you need a carer or companion to accompany you when you go paddling we don’t want British Canoeing membership requirements to pose a barrier. British Canoeing has looked to create a solution…

Avoiding Paddling in Offshore Winds

13/07/202309/09/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

As the weather is warming up, more people are heading to the coast for some time on the UK’s sandy beaches and fun on the water. The diverse seas, inlets and estuaries that surround the UK allows for all different kinds of fun. From kayaking coastlines, to playing with friends…

Why Join a Club?

10/07/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

A quick guide to picking a kids stand up paddleboard

06/07/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is an exciting water sport that offers an opportunity to have fun, develop balance and coordination skills and explore nature. The fun is not only for adults however, it is a great activity to get your kids involved in! But, as any parent or guardian knows, if…

kayaks and sups on the water with the title #paddlesafely

Water Safety

27/06/202320/09/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

The water is an amazing place to be, and draws us to it all year round. And year on year, more people are enticed into the world of paddling as a way to enjoy the water. But whether you are enjoying a summer paddle, or taking advantage of a crisp winter…

A woman sat on a SUP with a kayak seat attachment

SUP Kayak Seats

09/06/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

Carlyon Bay is near St Austell on the south coast of Cornwall

Coastal Paddling

31/05/202302/06/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

two women on paddle boards chatting while on the water

Gifts to get a Paddler

16/05/202325/05/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

10 reasons why paddling is good for your mental health

09/05/202310/05/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

a buoyancy aid and helmet on a wooden bench

Reuse, Repair, Recycle Your Kit

02/05/202309/05/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Nobody wants to be throwing away paddling kit, no matter its age or level of use. Especially in the current climate, the cost of new kit is something that most could do without. We are also becoming more conscious of our waste, what we put in landfill, and the sustainability…

Weir Safety | A beginners guide to weirs

27/04/202328/04/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

You’ll find weirs on many rivers up and down the country, but what are they? And why do you need to know about them? Welcome to our beginners guide to weirs and weir safety. Well, whilst they can be really exciting to shoot (paddle down), they can also be powerful…

Making Paddling Social

26/04/202302/05/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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.…

group f animated kayakers paddling past a palace on the thames

Top 5 Royal Paddling Trails

18/04/202320/04/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

With King Charles III being crowned in May 2023, we thought we would get into the royal mood and hunt down some of our more regal paddle trails. From palace views to royal history, you can find all sorts on our waters. So here are our top 5 royal paddling…

a woman paddleboarding wearing a cap and long sleeve top

Paddling In The Sun

06/04/202319/04/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Paddling in the sun is one of the best feelings around. Being on the water with the sun coming down makes the paddle 100% better, and that’s a proven fact. But while you are out on the water enjoying the sun, you need to remember a few things to stay…

old row boats pulled up on a pebble beach in a old town harbour

How To Paddle In Harbours

23/03/202331/05/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Dotted all around Britain's coastline are harbours, tucked away to shelter boats from the sea’s conditions. From tiny historic harbours to huge modern ones, they come in all shapes and sizes with different surroundings. For example, some may make use of cliffs and naturally occurring shelter, whereas others are man-made…

a man and two children enjoying time in an inflatable kayak

Paddling as a Family

14/03/202306/09/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Paddling is the perfect activity for everyone in the family to enjoy together. Age and ability really don’t matter as everyone can take it at their own pace and it’s always possible to choose a trip everyone will enjoy. Spending time bonding as a family, whilst discovering a new world…

Developing Your Paddling Skills

08/03/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

When starting your paddlesport journey, no matter what craft you use, there are a range of courses on offer to support the development of your skills. The following courses are open to all ages and great for individuals, families and groups wanting to develop their paddling skills. Paddle Start Award…

group of people listening to an instructor in full safety kit

Courses You Can Take To Be Safer on the Water

01/03/202303/03/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Safety is a really important part of paddling, and it doesn't matter if you are new to thew sport or have been doing it for years. If you know you are safe on the water then you can have a great time. But what can you do to be as…

Woman on a paddle board with paddle above her head and big smile

Why more women are choosing paddling

27/02/202307/03/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

Signs Of Early Spring

20/02/202321/02/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

With spring right around the corner, you may start to see the first signs of it. From the water you get the opportunity to see plants, birds, and other wildlife up close and personal. With this view you may be able to spot the tiny changes that start to happen…

What to do if you lose some kit

14/02/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

We never plan on losing anything, but sometimes it happens. This is especially sad when it is your much loved paddling kit. From leaving shoes in car parks to kayaks floating away on the tide. Whenever we lose anything it sucks. But what can you do to try and get…

Two people talking together next to their paddle boards

Why paddling makes the perfect date

06/02/202307/02/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

When thinking of date ideas, so many things spring to mind. Cinema, food, romantic walk… paddling? It isn’t the first thing that you may think of, but it is a brilliant activity to take your date on. Here are a couple of reasons why paddling makes the perfect date. You…

What to consider when planning a family paddling holiday!

22/01/202324/01/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

A family paddling holiday is a fabulous way to explore new places away from the crowds. Being away from all the noise you will find the space to talk and bond as a family, whilst being able to experience nature through your children’s eyes. To help you plan a magical…

person on a kayak with blue skies and blue water

Planning Paddling Holidays Abroad

12/01/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

The UK is full of amazing places to go on a paddling holiday. From ancient coastlines to picturesque lakes. However, it is always nice to get abroad at times, find some new paddling spots, and soak up some sun. Making plans to go paddling in a foreign country can be…

a group of sup racers sprinting from the beach into the sea

Have You Heard About SUP Racing?

04/01/202311/01/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

two women paddle boarding on a lake with some hills in the background

Top 10 Common Paddle Boarding Mistakes

12/12/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Paddle boarding is great. You can rock up almost anywhere, pump your board up and get on the water. This is what has led to the recent boom in popularity. Also how simple it is to get going. But with this simplicity also comes room for mistakes. So here we…

a man paddle boarding on a calm river wrapped up in a wooly hat and gloves

What to Wear Paddle Boarding in Winter

05/12/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

With winter quickly setting in, paddling is getting colder. But with winter also comes a change in the scenery, a new set of animals out to see, and more adventures to have. However, there are a few more considerations you need to make before setting out on a winter paddle.…

20 gifts for paddlers under £20 | Stocking fillers for paddlers

01/12/202205/12/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

As Christmas fast approaches, and with many people on a budget this year, we thought it might be a good time to look at the less expensive side of our sport. If you’re looking for paddles or boats, you won’t find them in this article! However, there are plenty of…

What to Do if You Find Something Unexpected During Your Paddle

25/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

We all love being out on the water, even as the weather gets colder. The morning mist, afternoon downpours, and everything in between makes our sport magical at times. While paddling all you would expect to see is some wildlife, calm water, and cheery people sharing the water with you.…

a water levelmeasure attached to a wall with water coming up it

What Rising River Levels Means for Paddlers

17/11/202217/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Living in Britain we have a very common feature in our weather……. Rain! We get it all year round, from the odd shower to torrential downpours. Through autumn and winter we see the most of this rain, but spring and summer are rarely dry. With the rain comes an increase…

an aerial view of a lake in the lake district with snowy mountains in the background

Paddling in the National Parks

16/11/202222/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

A total of 15 national parks dot the UK, protecting the environment for the enjoyment of all. Scattered around each park are popular tourist destinations, with each place offering unique attractions. Some of these places are home to amazing lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and canals that all share some amazing views.…

Paddling Near Shipping Lanes

11/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

It is easy to get lost in the beauty of paddling when our on your paddle board or in you kayak. However, you do need to keep your eye out on what is going on around you. Our waterways have a huge range of users, used for a huge range…

kayaker stretching arms out in fron tof them to warm up

Warm Up for Paddling This Winter

08/11/202217/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

With the temperatures dropping to winter levels, the need to warm up your body ready for a paddle is more important than usual. Climbing into your extra layers may seem like a warm up, but there is more to a warm up than this. It is your body’s chance to…

group walking into the sea with paddle boards ready to paddle

How to Paddle on the Sea

03/11/202222/02/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

The UK is an island, meaning we are lucky enough to have over 31,000km of coastlines. And to us, that sounds like 31,000km of potential paddling on the sea! The coast is a very popular destination for staycations and day trips. So why not take your kayak, canoe, or paddle…

How to Paddle on Lakes

27/10/202208/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Lakes, lochs, loughs, and llyns are all large bodies of water that offer some scenic paddling for everyone to enjoy. The water is calm and there is land the whole way around them, making them relatively safe for paddling. But there are still things you need to consider before you…

group of paddle boards paddling down a calm river

How to Paddle on Rivers

24/10/202227/10/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

There are around 1500 rivers in the UK, covering over 200,000km. So it only makes sense that you should waterways be take advantage of and utilized for paddling. No matter where you are paddling on these rivers, there are a few basic rules and nuggets of advise that are worth…

5 ways to enjoy paddling this Halloween

20/10/202220/10/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

So the weather is turning and the leaves are beginning to fall from the trees. And that means one thing.... Halloween is just around the corner! Whilst it's now customary to hit up your local pumpkin patch and enjoy a Halloween film night, we've got some paddle-related activities for you…

The Paddlers’ Code

18/10/202220/10/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

two people paddling up a canal in kayaks

How to Paddle on Canals

13/10/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Canals are possibly the most accessible body of water that most people can reach. The canal system spans over 2000 miles across Britain, passing through cities, towns, and country villages. Canals are available for a range of crafts to use, from paddle boards to canal boats, so there are a…

group of paddle boarders on a calm body of water with a blue sky above

Mindfulness in Paddling

10/10/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Let's start with a very basic question, what is mindfulness? Mindfulness is having an awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment in the present moment. So how can this be achieved while paddling? Take a read below about mindfulness in paddling. Thoughts Allow your thoughts to turn…

How to use PaddlePoints

03/10/202202/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

PaddlePoints is a brilliant tool to help you find new places to paddle and share your favorite 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…

man getting changed into kit ready to paddle

Keeping Your Kit Clean

28/09/202230/09/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Looking after your gear is key to making it last and perform how it should. Making sure it is all washed, cleaned, and dried properly is at the centre of looking after your kit. But all know that sometimes accidents happen and you forget to fully clean it, you haven't…

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