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

A young woman on a stand up paddle board

Stand up paddle board leashes | Which one’s right for you?

24/11/202024/02/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

The growth of stand up paddle boarding over recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal. But such sporadic growth also leaves room for safety mishaps. Stand up paddle boards have seen their fair share of controversy. BA or no BA? Ankle leash? Calf leash or Waist leash? Quick release…

Paddling adventures and periods | Keep paddling on your period

13/11/202020/11/2020 by Rebecca

Rebecca

We don't 'do' the word taboo here at Go Paddling. We've covered the topics of paddling when pregnant, and paddling through the menopause, but one topic that has been noticeably absent is paddling on your period. We thought it was about time to tackle that! Whether you have a cycle…

Autumn Paddle Adventures | Top 5 scenic places to paddle

27/10/202002/09/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

In autumn, the different weather and water conditions make for an entirely new paddling experience than you’d get in the calmer spring and summer months. Plus, the landscape is starting to change colour which gives us incredible scenery and photos. So with that, here's a guide to our top autumn…

How to clean your kayak, canoe and SUP to stop the spread of invasive species

02/09/202019/04/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

Things to look out for when buying your first inflatable kayak

24/08/202026/07/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

The female paddling community: 3 ways to embrace #ShePaddles online

21/08/202013/09/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Whether you’re new to paddling or you’ve been doing it for years, it’s always great to link up with other female paddlers. The Women’s Paddling Community on Facebook is the perfect place for you to do that. This super supportive group was set up to encourage more women to start…

Canoe Camping: how to get started

21/08/202015/06/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Some hybrids work, some don’t. In this case, canoe camping is definitely one of the better hybrids we’ve seen! But how do you get started? How do you make the leap from just canoeing, to taking all your camping gear with you too? Time in a canoe gives you a…

Pitch up and paddle in England this summer

13/08/202030/01/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Places in England to pitch up and paddle... now that's a tongue twister for you! Looking for somewhere to see out the summer? To help you find your perfect paddling staycation, we’ve compiled a list of top Caravan and Motorhome Club campsites across England where you can pitch up and…

First time stand up paddle boarding? Here’s some things you’ll want to know!

12/08/202020/08/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

Things to look out for when buying your first inflatable SUP

10/08/202011/05/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Thinking about buying your first inflatable stand up paddleboard (or SUP for short)? 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 things to consider when making your purchase…

Reading the weather: How weather can affect your paddling plans

20/07/202009/11/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Reading the weather. 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…

Paddling holidays in England and staycation inspiration

02/07/202024/01/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

With more and more people considering the idea of a staycation, the choice of where to go can be overwhelming. The idea of going to packed out beaches and popular seaside towns can be nerve-wracking. So to help you wade through the information of where on earth to go on…

Top 5 stand up paddleboarding city adventures in England

18/06/202013/09/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Stand up paddleboarding isn't just for idyllic, weeping willow draped rivers in the countryside. Most cities have really accessible canal networks that are just waiting to be discovered. And, they're actually prettier than you'd think! City adventures while stand up paddleboarding are not to be sniffed at! When most people…

10 ways to #sharethespace and paddle responsibly

05/06/202003/05/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

We know that going for a paddle is fun that's why we do it! But you also need to paddle responsibly. Part of being outdoors and in nature is about sharing the space. Not just with fellow humans and boats, but also with our native wildlife too. It's easy to…

Stand Up Paddle Boarding when Pregnant

01/06/202021/08/2020 by Rebecca

Rebecca

The idea of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) when pregnant can raise all kinds of questions. Am I still ok to paddle board if I’m pregnant? Can I try paddle boarding when I’m pregnant? Are there any additional safety elements I should be aware of around SUP'ing when pregnant? The answers…

Paddling through the Menopause

29/05/202021/08/2020 by Rebecca

Rebecca

It's a topic that pops up on most women's paddling forums with questions ranging from advice and lifestyle tips to physical changes in paddling and beyond. Paddling through the menopause is not only absolutely possible, it should be encouraged for both physical and mental well being! To help us write…

Kayaking safety checklist

15/05/202031/03/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Kayaking safety. Before you head off on your paddle, whether it's a jolly flat water adventure or a white water thrill, you need to do your kayaking safety checks. It's not just about the state of your boat or paddle though, there's a few more things to consider before you…

The river licence explained

13/05/202010/03/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

If you’ve recently started paddling, the advice around where you can paddle and what you can do can be stifling. Different waterways are effectively managed by different bodies which can cause a bit of a headache, especially when you only want to put your boat on the water and go…

Kayak vs Canoe: which should I buy?

08/05/202019/04/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

Top 10 paddling films to watch during lockdown

29/04/2020 by Rebecca

Rebecca

We know you're all itching to get back on the water, and we are too. But until the day comes when we can paddle the lovely canals, rivers, seas and lakes once more, we thought we'd give you some film inspiration to keep you going! Below are our top 10…

4 paddling related things to do in lockdown

03/04/202010/11/2020 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Not being able to get out on the water at the moment might be tough. But that doesn't mean you can't use your time wisely to help you learn, gather skills and knowledge, and keep connected with your paddling buddies. For ideas on what to do if you're twiddling your…

Packrafting: what it is and how to do it

17/01/202019/04/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

You might have heard the word 'packrafting' banded about your circle of friends. Or even read about it in a recent article. Packrafting is not exactly the new kid on the block, but it is making a big impact on the adventure and outdoor travel world at the moment. And…

#DustOffYourInflatable – Paddling an inflatable kayak, canoe or SUP

16/12/201921/02/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Are you guilty of inflatable craft neglect? Did you buy an inflatable kayak, canoe or SUP months ago? Has it been sat in your attic or garage ever since? Paddling an inflatable can be a great way to get on the water and connect with nature! And inflatables are born…

River gradings and what they mean

15/10/201902/02/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

River gradings. You might have noticed when you look for a Paddle Trail or PaddlePoint or look up your local river, there is usually a 'grade' comment next to it. These range from grade 1 to grade 6 and have significant meanings when it comes to paddling those rivers. You…

Nine health benefits of paddling

19/08/201920/05/2021 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

There is no denying that paddling, such as kayaking, canoeing, and SUP, is good for you. The health benefits of paddling include releasing the stresses of the week, or working your heart a little without overdoing it. There are many reasons paddling is good you for, but here are our…

Canoeing safety checklist

15/08/201930/08/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Canoeing safety is all part of the planning with water sports. It's the same as having to do warm ups to prevent injuries on dry land. You need to make safety checks on your canoe part of your paddling adventure. To help you get your canoeing safety checks down to…

Stand up paddle board safety checklist

09/08/201917/05/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Stand up paddle board safety. SUP is a brilliant way to enjoy a day out on the water. From paddling calm, sheltered water to surfing the waves at the beach. But, you need to be mindful of keeping safe before you set off. It's worth running through a few safety…

Paddling when pregnant – what you need to know

02/08/201910/05/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Can you go paddling when pregnant? It’s a difficult question to answer, and everyone will have a different opinion depending on who they are, what they do, and their level of paddling experience. The general answer is, yes, paddling when pregnant is safe. But as with everything during those nine…

How to use a stand up paddle board – SUP tips

16/07/201913/05/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

You might have seen pictures and videos of people stand up paddle boarding. You can see them while browsing holiday sites or smashing through your Instagram feed. But SUPs aren’t just a holiday selfie essential. We’ve compiled a list of our top 9 SUP tips so when you hit the…

Buying a canoe – things you need to know

02/07/201910/11/2020 by Rebecca

Rebecca

There are several considerations when buying your first canoe. With so many to choose from and your hard earned cash at stake, you want to make sure you’re buying the right canoe for the job. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of things to think about when you make…

Best kayaks for beginners – types of kayak

23/06/201919/04/2021 by cadilambert

cadilambert

Aren't all kayaks the same? Well yes, but the shape and size of different types of kayak can make a big difference to its stability and how it moves on water. As a basic rule the longer the craft the faster it will go in a straight line, the shorter…

Types of canoe: best canoes for beginners

11/06/201910/11/2020 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Aren't all canoes the same? When looking at canoes for beginners, most types will look the same to the untrained eye. They are typically between 14 and 17 feet long with an open space to paddle from. But, there’s a little more to it than that, but we’re going to…

How to kayak in a straight line

01/06/201925/03/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Learning how to kayak in a straight line when you first get started isn't necessarily a top priority. You want to be able to get where you're going first and foremost, then work on the details. So, to help you kayak in a straight line and hone in on those…

4 simple ways to make paddling more sociable

21/05/201917/05/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

We've said it before and we'll say it again. Paddling is much more fun when you have some paddle buddies to hit the water with. If you're struggling for ideas on how to make paddling more sociable, fear not! We've put together a list of 4 ways that will help…

Get on the water with a Sit on Top kayak

09/05/201910/01/2020 by Rebecca

Rebecca

You'll have seen plenty of sit on top kayaks around, but you probably didn't know their name. Coming in either an inflatable or hard form, the sit on top kayak is a popular choice for recreational paddlers in the UK. If you don't like being 'in' a traditional style kayak…

How to organise a river clean up with your friends

02/05/201924/05/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

You can't get away from all the talk about plastic pollution in the news right now. From mainstream to social media, there is a lot of noise around plastics in our waterways and how this affects our eco-system and beyond. One way you can do your bit for the environment…

preparing for the three lakes challenge. Tips from those who have done it.

Easy tips for preparing for the Three Lakes Challenge

30/04/201902/05/2019 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Preparing for the Three Lakes Challenge is vital. It may be one of the original Go Paddling challenges, but that doesn't mean it's the easiest, definitely not! If you're looking for something to push your limits, completing the challenge could be perfect for a whole host of reasons! But preparing…

6 things to consider when planning a paddle adventure

15/04/201913/07/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Whether you've been out paddling before or you're brand new, it's always good to have a refresher on planning for an adventure! So to help, we've put together our top 6 things to consider when planning a paddle adventure! Take a look, absorb and get planning your paddle! Canoe, kayak…

Wildlife when paddling: what to look out for

12/04/201913/09/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Paddling is one of the best ways to see wildlife up close and personal without disturbing the natural balance. When you first start out, you might be spending more time looking at the water or what your arms are doing than the nature around you, but as you become more…

Paddling with friends: 5 ways to get your pals paddling

09/04/201913/09/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Paddling with friends is a great way to get fit, socialise, exercise and chill out from the daily stresses of life all at the same time. If you're struggling to find ways to persuade your pals to pick up a paddle, or just want some fresh ideas on how to…

What to wear for a SUP yoga session

11/02/201913/09/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

We know it can be a bit daunting when you’re trying something new. So, we want to take some of that ‘unknown’ element away. Here's our advice on what to wear for a SUP yoga session. Specialist kit isn’t necessary for SUP yoga unlike many of the other paddling disciplines.…

SUP yoga: the basics

07/02/201913/09/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

SUP yoga has really exploded onto the scene in the last few years, appealing to water sports enthusiasts, yogis and outdoor lovers alike. It’s appeal, mainly down to the fact that it’s something different, visually appealing and fun, has meant this once unknown form of exercise has catapulted into the…

What to wear sea kayaking

06/02/201909/04/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

We love sea kayaking, fact. We love everything from the different environments you paddle in, to the animals you come into contact with and everything else in between. Like most outdoor sports, there’s no doubt that wearing the right clothing makes a huge difference to your experience. You don’t need…

Tips for taking your dog paddling

28/01/201926/07/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Thinking about taking your dog paddling? You should! Paddling with your dog is a great way to include them on your adventures. After all, dogs are part of the family, so it’s only natural that you want to take them with you, and they want to join you. To help…

Canoe clothing: what to wear on the water

21/01/201910/11/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Buying paddlesport clothing can be a confusing business, with numerous products for every occasion. Fortunately we have plenty of expert shops and manufacturers in the UK who can provide you with all the guidance you need. Have a think about the following to give you some initial food for though.…

10 reasons you should get an inflatable SUP

18/01/201919/04/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

You may not even realise, but a lot of the stand up paddleboards you see on the water are actually inflatable SUPs. These accessible boards have exploded in popularity over the last few years and it’s easy to see why. So, what’s to love about an inflatable SUP? They’re lightweight.…

How to paddle a canoe

18/01/201916/08/2019 by Rebecca

Rebecca

If you are looking for a way to get your family together on the water, learn how to paddle a canoe. They are traditional by design and adaptable to many different adventures. If it’s your first time, there are a few things you should know about how to paddle a…

Top tips for paddling a kayak

17/01/201916/08/2019 by Rebecca

Rebecca

In the beginning, paddling a kayak can seem as alien as riding a bike without stabilisers. Although there is a specific technique to paddling, truth is, to get started, as long as you are moving around and getting where you want to, that’s all you need. So don’t sweat the…

Kayak clothing: what you need to wear on the water

08/01/201926/07/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

At the risk of sounding like your parent, the clothes you wear really will affect how much you enjoy your experience on the water. Kayak clothing doesn’t need to be expensive or specialist. You can still have a great time on the water with the basics. To help, we’ve made…

Buying a kayak: top tips

30/11/201802/02/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

When you’re new to any sport, one of the most daunting things can be the amount of information out there. People telling you what to do, where to do it, what to buy… the internet is packed full of information. To help your separate the wheat from chaff, we’ve compiled…

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