Ness' bit of everything

I wrote this blog before lockdown and the Covid19 pandemic. So please, be aware of current travel restrictions and social distancing measures.

Finding the right place to paddle board has been a learning curve. I found it confusing where I could or couldn’t paddle. When there was water I was so excited to just jump on. Then I read about ‘rules’, launch fees and ownerships. This made it more complicated. But once I had figured it out, it became simpler. I wanted to share with you what I had learnt to hopefully make it easier for you to get out on your board and feel comfortable in doing so.

For me, like many others, I don’t like doing anything wrong. I want to know I’m not breaking any rules or annoying people. Some outdoor enthusiasts are more laid back and say, if I can access it, I’m paddling it. And thats great for some people, I just can’t bare the thought of been shouted at.

Permissions

Scotland is more open with their access to the waterways with The Land Reform Act. The Act provides a statutory right of access to most land and water – perfect for paddling. But England has no such Act, meaning a license must be obtained for most waterways and access is more restrictive due to land ownerships.

Always get permission from the landowner before launching. Some lakes have a launch fee or a day permit. CHECK BEFORE YOU PADDLE.

Here are some example paddle locations, categorised by the type of water.

I will write a post later with more in depth information for some of my favourite spots. 

Canals

For many canals you need a licence to paddle. The licence gives you legal access to the waterways. A good idea is to become a member of British Canoeing because that gives you your licence and includes public liability insurance. Other companies such as the Water Skills Association (specialising in paddling and coaching courses) also include the Canals and rivers trust license within their membership. For canals in Wales please see Canoe Wales for information.

Not all waterways allow stand up paddle boarding, for example Bridgewater canal and Cromford Canal.

Here’s some examples of canals I have been on:

Grand Union Canal

I Launched from Paddington Basin with a session ran by Active360 and Gutsy girls.

Lancaster Canal

I Launched from The Hand and Dagger Inn in Preston. There are many great spots that make this canal very accessible. In addition, the 41 mile stretch of canal has NO locks. Great for getting your timed PB’s or not having to worry about portages.

Rivers

I haven’t paddled on many rivers but I have a few local spots near to me in the North West of England that are on my to do list. If you have any favourite river spots to paddle, let me know!

River Roe

Londonderry, Northern Ireland. I did this trip with Gutsy Girls and Longline Surf in Benone. A great surf and SUP school if you are in the area or planning a trip to Northern Ireland.

Lakes

Each lake has different permissions. The best thing is do some research, search in a SUP facebook page to see if anyone has discussed it before. I have found the National Parks to be the best lakes to paddle, so beautiful and no hassle in regards to permits. Some spots within the National Parks require launch fees (if you are using their jetties for example) however, I have been known to pull up in a lay by next to the lake and jump in that way. This comes with local knowledge and confidence.

lake Vynrw

I launched from Bethania Adventure Water sports and there was a small launch and permit fee of £5. The lake has a max of 30 paddlers at a time due to Severn Trent restrictions. It’s worth ringing to check theres no large groups headed out the same day as you. Buoyancy aids and whistles are mandatory here and strictly enforced.

Ullswater

My favourite. On different occasions I have launched from Another Place hotel (with permission when using facilities),  Pooley Bridge and Glenridding Pier.

Lake Windermere

Here’s me launching from National Trust Fell Foot carpark. It is free to park for National Trust members and free to launch to the public.

Coniston

I launched from Monk Coniston Car Park.

Sea

The sea is free! No permissions are needed. But, you can be a lot more exposed and in some cases it is not for the faint hearted. Paddling on the sea in the UK is not like having a paddle somewhere off an island in the Med. More research is needed before hand such as tides, weather and RNLI information. It is always important to tell someone where you are paddling and taking a phone is essential when paddling on the ocean.

Yorkshire coast

I have launched from Filey Beach or Reighton Gap. Also see a previous post.

Somerset coast

See my previous blog post for more details. I have launched from Dunster beach, Minehead Beach or Porlock.

Poole Harbour

I launched from Lake Pier.

Reservoirs

I’ve never had much fun with reservoirs. I live close to the Peak District and had little luck in using any of them. They are heavily managed by water companies and pass this enforcement to the Sailing clubs that are on them. You can paddle on them, but there seems to be too many hoops to jump through for my liking (eg, times you can paddle, buddy systems, dingy sailing takes priority). If you like paddling in the same spots and live local to a Res, it could be worth becoming a member and therefore eligible to launch. But going to the same spot every weekend isn’ t something that appeals to me, so I’ve never done it.

Let me know if you’ve had any luck paddling on reservoirs near you.

Useful resources

Go Paddling has paddle points and also paddle trails  both extremely useful tools for finding launch spots or routes. I have found the App version of this particularly good when out and about.

Other apps for finding launch spots or paddle routes are GeoSUP and Paddle Logger. They are great for tracking your paddle and then making it accessible with other paddlers.

I have also found Lizzie Carrs book ‘Paddling Britain’ a great source of information, especially when it comes to the practical information such access and egress.

Instagram and Facebook have also been a fountain of knowledge, searching within the groups or posts has helped me find a wealth of spots. I liked knowing someone else had paddled from a certain point and it was achievable before I set off on an impossible trip.

Weather apps are a must; XCweather/ Magic Seaweed to name a few.

I really hope this has helped give you more confidence and a greater insight about where you can paddle.

Now stop reading and get paddling.

Ness x