Paddling and Environment | Tips, Guidance, Advice, and more

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…

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…

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…

Signs Of Early Spring

20/02/202321/02/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

With spring right around the corner, you may start to see the first signs of it. From the water you get the opportunity to see plants, birds, and other wildlife up close and personal. With this view you may be able to spot the tiny changes that start to happen…

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…

Paddling during fish spawning season

03/05/2022 by charlottepattinson

charlottepattinson

Did you know spring is the breeding season for much of the UK’s fish population? As paddlers, it's important to be aware of when and where fish may be spawning so we can avoid interference during the fish spawning season. We have put together a guide to help you know…

Top 5 migrant birds to spot when paddling this winter

25/11/202106/06/2022 by charlottepattinson

charlottepattinson

As the nights draw in and the landscape turns from golden hues to muted shades, the influx of winter migratory birds is a welcome sight in the colder months. These winter visitors bring a splash of colour and a symphony of sound to our shores before heading back to their…

Four non-native species paddlers may encounter

Four invasive Non-Native species paddlers may encounter

26/10/202126/10/2021 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

Did you know there are over 50 non-native invasive species paddlers may encounter with many looking to wreak havoc across our rivers, lakes, canals and other waterways? Here are four of the most prolific villains of our waterways to give you a glimpse of some of the beasties paddlers may…

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…

Let’s talk about… Jellyfish where you paddle!

18/05/202104/01/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

With warmer weather coming many of you will be heading for the beaches, and the chances are you could come across jellyfish where you paddle. So we’ve put together a list of 5 commonly found jellyfish you may come across around the UK coastline and how to identify them. And…

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…

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…

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…

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