New to Paddling? | Tips and services to start you off in the water

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…

the front of a wooden SUP paddling into mass greenary

Brian Farley – A Poem from a SUP

30/01/202330/01/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

Anastasia Mylona kayaking with a large smile

Anastasia Mylona – How learning to kayak helped my mental and physical health

18/01/202318/01/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

The Value of British Canoeing Membership

17/01/2023 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. Stronger Together Fund In December 2022 British Canoeing launched the Stronger Together Fund, a way of distributing funding to benefit paddling…

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…

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…

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…

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…

a group of new paddler look on as a coach explains some basic skills

Paddling Safety Courses for New Paddlers

23/08/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

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....…

Places to Paddle in the North West

29/07/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

What should I wear on the water?

27/07/202230/08/2022 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…

SUP Safer

20/06/202221/12/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

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…

Paddle Safer

31/05/202210/01/2023 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

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…

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…

Where can I learn to kayak near me?

08/04/202223/05/2022 by charlottepattinson

charlottepattinson

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…

Family stand up paddle boarding on the sea in the UK

Where can I stand up paddle board in the UK?

22/02/202222/03/2022 by charlottepattinson

charlottepattinson

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…

Paddlers on lake at sunset showing how to take a great paddling photo. Join British Canoeing

Top 5 tips for taking paddling photos

01/02/202225/05/2022 by charlottepattinson

charlottepattinson

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.…

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…

Winter paddling. Top 10 tips for paddling in winter

Winter paddling: Top 10 tips for paddling during Winter

08/11/202108/11/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

Relaxed juvenile female seal resting and digesting on offshore rocks

How to avoid disturbing seals with your kayak or paddleboard

21/10/202121/03/2023 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

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…

SUP where to stand on the board

06/05/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

7 useful paddling apps to download to your phone NOW!

16/02/202119/07/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

Woman dressed ready for kayaking in the cold weather

Cold water shock: what is it, and how can I prevent it?

03/12/202008/11/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

Paddling books top picks: what to read off the water

02/12/202010/05/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

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…

How to: clean your kayak or SUP and stop the spread!

02/09/202002/09/2020 by Rebecca

Rebecca

It's really easy and really simple to clean your kayak or SUP. More on that within the article... but do you know WHY it's so important to keep your kit clean? And no, it's not just for aesthetic reasons! For the last few hundred years since the first explorers sailed…

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…

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

10/08/202020/07/2022 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…

Kayaking safety checklist

15/05/202013/07/2022 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…

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…

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

09/08/201928/07/2021 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…

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