Paddling safely | Canoe safety | Kayak safety

a water levelmeasure attached to a wall with water coming up it

What Rising River Levels Means for Paddlers

13/02/202413/03/2024 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Living in Britain we have a very common feature in our weather……. rain! We get it all year round, from the odd shower to torrential downpours. Through autumn and winter, we see the most of this rain, but spring and summer are rarely dry. With the rain comes an increase…

a man paddle boarding on a calm river wrapped up in a wooly hat and gloves

What to Wear Paddle Boarding in Winter

16/01/202413/03/2024 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.…

What To Do If You Fall In The Water

28/12/202313/03/2024 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, falling in the water can be a shock for anyone. The whole reason you are on your paddleboard, in your kayak, or in your canoe is to avoid being in the water! So here are our top tips to avoid being…

Staying Safe with PaddleLIVE® on the Paddle Logger App

09/11/202313/03/2024 by bethhall

bethhall

When it comes to paddling safely, we always recommend having a means of communication on you, so you can call for help if you get into any trouble. Well, why not take things one paddle stroke further, and level up your paddling by using the Paddle Logger app. Paddle Logger…

group of kayakers launching after a lock

How to Paddle Around Locks

24/10/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Across the UK there is over 4700 miles of canal, linking up towns and cities across the country. These canals are managed by a wide number of authorities, with a British Canoeing membership giving you access to almost all of them. The Canal and River Trust are in charge of…

Paddling In Tides And Currents

25/08/202307/09/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Whether you are paddling at the coast or inland, the water likes to move. At times this movement can be gentle and help you along as you paddle, or create some fun playful waves for you to enjoy. However, the tides and currents of the water can also be quite…

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…

Avoiding Paddling in Offshore Winds

13/07/202309/09/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

As the weather is warming up, more people are heading to the coast for some time on the UK’s sandy beaches and fun on the water. The diverse seas, inlets and estuaries that surround the UK allows for all different kinds of fun. From kayaking coastlines, to playing with friends…

kayaks and sups on the water with the title #paddlesafely

Water Safety

27/06/202314/03/2024 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

The water is an amazing place to be, and draws us to it all year round. And year on year, more people are enticed into the world of paddling as a way to enjoy the water. But whether you are enjoying a summer paddle, or taking advantage of a crisp winter…

Carlyon Bay is near St Austell on the south coast of Cornwall

Coastal Paddling

31/05/202314/03/2024 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…

Navigating Weirs Safely: What Every Paddler Should Know

27/04/202304/04/2024 by Rebecca

Rebecca

You’ll find weirs on many rivers up and down the country, but what are they? And why do you need to know about them? Welcome to our beginners guide to weirs and weir safety. Well, whilst they can be really exciting to shoot (paddle down), they can also be powerful…

Developing Your Paddling Skills

08/03/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

When starting your paddlesport journey, no matter what craft you use, there are a range of courses on offer to support the development of your skills. The following courses are open to all ages and great for individuals, families and groups wanting to develop their paddling skills. Paddle Start Award…

group of people listening to an instructor in full safety kit

Courses You Can Take To Be Safer on the Water

01/03/202303/03/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Safety is a really important part of paddling, and it doesn't matter if you are new to thew sport or have been doing it for years. If you know you are safe on the water then you can have a great time. But what can you do to be as…

What to do if you lose some kit

14/02/2023 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

We never plan on losing anything, but sometimes it happens. This is especially sad when it is your much loved paddling kit. From leaving shoes in car parks to kayaks floating away on the tide. Whenever we lose anything it sucks. But what can you do to try and get…

two women paddle boarding on a lake with some hills in the background

Top 10 Common Paddle Boarding Mistakes

12/12/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Paddle boarding is great. You can rock up almost anywhere, pump your board up and get on the water. This is what has led to the recent boom in popularity. Also how simple it is to get going. But with this simplicity also comes room for mistakes. So here we…

What to Do if You Find Something Unexpected During Your Paddle

25/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

We all love being out on the water, even as the weather gets colder. The morning mist, afternoon downpours, and everything in between makes our sport magical at times. While paddling all you would expect to see is some wildlife, calm water, and cheery people sharing the water with you.…

Paddling Near Shipping Lanes

11/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

It is easy to get lost in the beauty of paddling when our on your paddle board or in you kayak. However, you do need to keep your eye out on what is going on around you. Our waterways have a huge range of users, used for a huge range…

kayaker stretching arms out in fron tof them to warm up

Warm Up for Paddling This Winter

08/11/202217/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

With the temperatures dropping to winter levels, the need to warm up your body ready for a paddle is more important than usual. Climbing into your extra layers may seem like a warm up, but there is more to a warm up than this. It is your body’s chance to…

group walking into the sea with paddle boards ready to paddle

How to Paddle on the Sea

03/11/202222/02/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

The UK is an island, meaning we are lucky enough to have over 31,000km of coastlines. And to us, that sounds like 31,000km of potential paddling on the sea! The coast is a very popular destination for staycations and day trips. So why not take your kayak, canoe, or paddle…

How to Paddle on Lakes

27/10/202208/11/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Lakes, lochs, loughs, and llyns are all large bodies of water that offer some scenic paddling for everyone to enjoy. The water is calm and there is land the whole way around them, making them relatively safe for paddling. But there are still things you need to consider before you…

group of paddle boards paddling down a calm river

How to Paddle on Rivers

24/10/202227/10/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

There are around 1500 rivers in the UK, covering over 200,000km. So it only makes sense that you should waterways be take advantage of and utilized for paddling. No matter where you are paddling on these rivers, there are a few basic rules and nuggets of advise that are worth…

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…

two people paddling up a canal in kayaks

How to Paddle on Canals

13/10/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

Canals are possibly the most accessible body of water that most people can reach. The canal system spans over 2000 miles across Britain, passing through cities, towns, and country villages. Canals are available for a range of crafts to use, from paddle boards to canal boats, so there are a…

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…

Paddling in Low Water Levels

16/08/202218/08/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

It’s time to crack out your best rain dance and hope the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs start to fill back up. There are a number of issues with the distinct lack of water at the minute, from environmental problems, less water to play on, and potential health impacts. It is…

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 in a thunderstorm: top tips for staying safe if you get caught out

13/07/202220/07/2022 by Rebecca

Rebecca

We’d never recommend going paddling in a thunderstorm. If the weather looks like it’s going to be stormy, just hang up your paddles and go another day. However, as we know the weather can catch you out by surprise and the weather forecasts aren’t always 100% accurate. So, if you…

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…

Your Paddle Challenge Checklist

05/07/202205/07/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

The summer is a perfect time to take on a paddling challenge as the days are getting longer, and the weather warmer. Challenging yourself to a distance, time, or number of laps paddled is a great way for you to raise some money for amazing charities. However, it is not…

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…

Taking your mobile paddling

20/06/202205/07/2022 by jamesibbotson

jamesibbotson

No matter where you are paddling, there is always a list of safety kit you should take with you. From a simple buoyancy aid to satellite radios, what you need is always going to be different based on your location. However, one simple bit of kit you should always have…

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…

Take care when paddle boarding in shallow water

17/01/202208/11/2022 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

When stand up paddle boarding it is really important to take extra care in and around shallow water to avoid injuring yourself. Whilst exploring there will be times you come across shallow water, rather than attempting to remain standing, we strongly recommend kneeling down until the water becomes deep enough…

Stay Safe On The Water

09/11/202103/03/2023 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

Welcome to Go Paddling’s Stay Safe On The Water. We want everyone to enjoy paddling whether on holiday, day adventures or weekends out. And so, for those of you new to paddling, here are ten simple things you can do to stay safe… Always wear your buoyancy aid or personal…

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…

Weil’s disease and other waterborne diseases to be aware of

08/11/202108/11/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

We wish they weren’t, but waterborne diseases and illnesses are something all of us paddlers should be aware of and have good knowledge of. Why? So we know when it’s safe to paddle, and how to keep ourselves safe post paddle too. We all know we should be wearing the…

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…

A guide on how to paddle board with your dog

26/08/202113/09/2022 by Barry Wade

Barry Wade

Ever thought about taking your dog out on your stand up paddle board adventures? If so, you’re probably wondering how best to go about getting your four-legged friend on board. Well, luckily for you we’ve put together the following safety information and five step guide on how to paddle board…

All you need to know before paddling through canal tunnels!

16/06/202103/09/2021 by Rebecca

Rebecca

The Canal & River Trust offers paddlers the fantastic opportunity to pass through some of their network’s 47 tunnels. But there's some things to be aware of before you go off paddling through canal tunnels. For safety reasons there are some tunnels which are restricted so be sure to check…

5 reasons for wearing shoes when paddling

26/04/202107/11/2023 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…

A young woman on a stand up paddle board

Stand up paddle board leashes | Which one’s right for you?

24/11/202012/09/2023 by Rebecca

Rebecca

The growth of stand up paddle boarding over recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal. But such sporadic growth also leaves room for safety mishaps. Stand up paddle boards have seen their fair share of controversy. BA or no BA? Ankle leash? Calf leash or Waist leash? Quick release…

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…

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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