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

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…

How to get into paddling… and stay into it!

26/11/201828/02/2019 by cadilambert

cadilambert

It can be a daunting getting started in a new hobby, but trying paddling is as easy as 1,2,3. Want to get into paddling (and stay into it)? We've made a quick list of things to consider before you get started... GET into paddling... Choose the craft that’s right for…

Kayaking for beginners: getting started

23/11/201816/08/2019 by cadilambert

cadilambert

Covering all the basics you need, our basic foolproof kayaking for beginners list will have you out on the water in no time! Let's start at the beginning shall we... What is a kayak? Unlike canoes, in a kayak you sit down and paddle with your legs stretched infront of…

Paddling for women: 5 reasons to get involved

23/11/201821/08/2020 by cadilambert

cadilambert

Paddling is for everyone. It's accessible, easy and social. Many paddling centres promote paddling for women because it's open and welcoming with something for all ages and abilities. The variety and flexibility makes it a great sport or pastime for all. So what are you waiting for? If you needed…

Introduction to Paddling

22/11/201819/07/2022 by cadilambert

cadilambert

Want to learn all about the world of paddling but not sure where to start? When you take up a new hobby the information on offer can be intimidating. But do not fear! We’ve put together this bite sized guide to give you a head start on the water. What…

Canoeing for beginners: getting started

21/11/201816/08/2019 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Canoeing is a term that has been used for thousands of years, but today when we think of a canoe it’s usually a recreational craft somewhere between 14 and 17 feet long with an open space to paddle from and carry equipment. But there’s a little more to it than…

Paddling with a disability

14/11/201815/05/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Paddling with a disability might sound like a challenge, but it shouldn’t stop you from getting on the water. To help you, we’ve broken down some of the top worries people have when they want to try paddling for the first time. Take a look and hatch your plan for…

Choosing a SUP: made simple!

09/11/201808/12/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Choosing a SUP can be a bit of a headache, even for the most seasoned of paddler. Inflatable or hardboard? All rounder or tourer? Surf or white water? If you’re new to the sport, the amount of information out there is quite frankly mind-blowing. So below, we’ve tried to simplify…

Sea kayaking: 6 top tips to get started

09/11/201801/08/2019 by cadilambert

cadilambert

Sea kayaking is a fantastic way for you to see the coastline from a new perspective. Spot seals and sea birds whilst taking in stunning views in this wild environment. We know you're bursting to get started, so we've put together 5 top tips to get you from landlubber to…

SUP for beginners: introducing SUPs

09/11/201810/01/2019 by Rebecca

Rebecca

SUP, or stand up paddle boarding, is one of the easiest ways to get started on the water. SUPs are fun, versatile, and totally instagrammable, meaning an adventure is more accessible than ever. Whether you live by the sea or near a river, lake or canal, you can join the…

Top tips for paddling with kids

09/11/201806/09/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Paddling with kids can be tricky if you’re not prepared. But don’t fret! We’ve put together a series of tips to help save the day! Here are our top 11 things to think about when paddling with kids. Take some snacks and maybe a picnic (it acts as a carrot…

Personalise awards. Start and Discover Awards personalisation.

Reprinting Start and Discover Awards

02/10/201807/01/2019 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

If you have already accessed and shared your Start and Discover Award certificates and want to reprint Awards, then this is the page for you. If you haven't taken a Start or Discover course then you can find one using our provider look-up here. How to reprint awards When you…

The differences between paddling and rowing

12/09/201822/07/2020 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

Some people believe these are the same thing. But, there are many differences between paddling and rowing. After all, you don't row a kayak or paddle a boat. Yes, there are similarities. For example, they are both manually propelled through the water. But that's where the similarities end. To help…

Five differences between canoes and kayaks

11/09/201825/03/2021 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

It's a question we've all asked at some point. What is the difference between a canoe and kayak? After all, they look very similar. The main way to know the difference is by looking at the type of paddle being used. Canoeists use a paddle with a blade at just one…

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