Choosing Paddling Gear | Finding the right equipment and clothing

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

pair of people paddle boarding in autumnal setting

What to Wear Paddling in the Autumn

26/09/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

As we move through the month of September, the days are getting shorter and the temperature is starting to drop. But this shouldn’t mean that you pack away your kayak, canoe or paddle board. We have lots of great autumn paddles and make the most of the changing scenery. As…

The Benefits of a Physical Paddlesports Retailer

04/08/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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....…

What should I wear on the water?

27/07/202206/06/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

Buying your first PFD

19/07/202230/08/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

No matter what type of paddling you are doing, and on what type of craft, your personal floatation device (PFD) 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 form…

Paddling safely in the summer

12/07/202215/07/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

As summer is rolling and warming up we all look for ways to cool down and fun things to do in the sun. When the sun is out it is the perfect time to get on the water on your paddleboard or in your kayak and cool down. But it…

Transporting your kayak, canoe, and paddleboard

13/05/202201/02/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

What to wear when paddling in spring: a head to toe layering guide

25/04/202226/04/2022 by bethhall

bethhall

Spring has finally arrived! The days are getting longer and warmer and we don’t know about you, but we’re excited to see the sunshine again. But knowing what to wear when paddling in spring can be a challenge. The weather can change from warm and sunny to cold and rainy…

Essential kit for your paddling wardrobe

22/03/202222/03/2022 by bethhall

bethhall

Whether you’re kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddle boarding, chances are you’re going to get wet. Plus, you'll likely be going out in a range of temperatures and conditions as well, which means you’ll need to be wearing the right kit. This doesn’t need to break the bank. We’ve put…

Various types of gloves used for Canoeing, Kayaking and Paddle boarding

Gloves for Canoeing, Kayaking and Paddle boarding

30/11/202110/11/2022 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

Wearing a pair of gloves for canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding is something all paddlers should consider, especially throughout the autumn and winter months. Here are five reasons why we would recommend you think about wearing gloves when paddling: Keep your hands warm and dry, especially throughout the colder months.…

Winter paddling clothing: What to wear for paddling in winter

08/11/202108/11/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

How to check and look after your buoyancy aid

29/09/202108/11/2022 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

It’s important to know how to check and look after your buoyancy aid (also known as a Personal Flotation Device) to ensure that it can continue to protect you whilst out on the water. One important check you need to do before you purchase the buoyancy aid is that it…

5 reasons for wearing shoes when paddling

26/04/202126/10/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

Whether you’re stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing, wearing shoes when paddling is an important consideration. Yes, we know they might not be the ‘coolest’ piece of kit to rock on the water, BUT there are some important reasons why you might want to consider wearing them. Here's a…

Should I wear a buoyancy aid when stand up paddle boarding?

20/04/202130/08/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

It’s a question we get asked all the time - should I wear a buoyancy aid when stand up paddle boarding? And the answer is, probably yes, BUT, read the below guidance first to choose which one will be most suitable for the type of paddling you do. Recently, British…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

Paddling equipment hire

21/09/201816/04/2021 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

When you start out you may not be ready to dive straight in and buy the gear you need. Paddling equipment hire can be a better option until you are ready for the next step. What is paddling equipment hire? Kayak hire near you will be able to supply kayaks,…

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