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

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…

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…

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 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…

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.…

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…

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?

27/07/202206/06/2023 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…

SUP Safer

20/06/202223/05/2023 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…

6 useful paddling apps to download to your phone NOW!

16/02/202129/06/2023 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, 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…

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…

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

15/05/202031/03/2023 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

13/05/202025/08/2023 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

09/08/201917/05/2023 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…

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