Do you need a licence to paddle board in the UK?
It’s not just narrowboats that need a licence on our canals and rivers. All portable, unpowered craft such as canoes, kayaks, dinghies, rowing boats, paddleboards and even light inflatable craft do too. Do I need a licence? Yes, you do need a licence to use a paddleboard on a canal. If you try stand-up paddleboarding with a club, they will arrange the licence for you. If you want to go on your own, have a look at our short term licences.Unlock 4,500km of Waterway Adventure – Get Your Waterways Licence Membership (new members only) for just £60. We are the official paddle boarding partner of Paddle UK (formally British Canoeing), allowing us to offer the exclusive Waterways Licence Membership (new members only).
Can I take my paddle board on a plane?
The short answer is yes, but there are some important considerations and guidelines to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience with your paddle board. Before booking your flight, it’s crucial to check with your airline’s specific policies regarding the transportation of paddle boards. If you weigh less than 150lb, you’ll want to go for a shorter paddleboard in the 9’6 range, and if you get the right design, these boards can give the rider a lot of stability. Make sure the width is appropriate for the length at around 30-32 inches, as anything wider will be slow to paddle.Yes, you can wear leggings for paddle boarding. During summer, opt for leggings made from moisture-wicking materials like lycra, nylon, or spandex. In colder weather, choose thick or thermal leggings to keep you warm.Paddle boarding is generally easier to pick up, with good balance being the primary skill needed. Surfing has a steeper learning curve and requires practice paddling while lying down, popping up to your feet, and riding waves. You may consider how much time you’re willing to invest in learning a new activity.As long as your weight is at or below the suggested weight limit, you should be fine. However, you don’t want to be too heavy for a board. When the paddler is heavier than the board’s weight capacity, the board will ride lower, dragging in the water and making in inefficient to paddle.
Is paddle boarding hard for beginners?
Paddle boarding is not hard and is considered relatively easy to learn because paddlers can learn enough to have fun in no time with just a little effort. Anyone can learn to handle a SUP board in a short amount of time. Even if you’re not very athletic, you can still figure it out without any trouble. Traditional paddleboarding, also known as prone paddleboarding, predates SUP by many decades. Unlike SUP, paddleboarding involves either kneeling or lying flat on a paddleboard, and the rider propels themselves by paddling with their hands instead of using a paddle.No matter how hard you try to stay balanced on your paddle board, you’re going to fall into the water at some point. Even the most experienced paddlers take the plunge from time to time. So, if you’re feeling wobbly, don’t worry about it and remember, SUP is a watersport, so it’s OK to get wet.One of the biggest differences between SUP and kayaking is the level of balance and stability you need. Stand up paddleboarding requires more balance and core strength, as you’re standing on a board and using a paddle to move yourself forward. This can be challenging for beginners, but with practice, it gets easier.We know SUP is an acronym for ‘Stand Up Paddleboard’ or ‘Stand up paddleboarding’.Why Do My Legs Shake When I SUP? Shaking legs while paddleboarding can indicate that your stabilizing muscles in your legs are working hard to maintain balance and stability on the board.
Is there a weight limit for paddle boarding?
While paddle boards do have a weight limit, it’s not an absolute number, and each one has its own weight capacity. However, typically, a standard paddle board can accommodate around 200 to 500 pounds. There are also larger ones with higher weight limits that are capable of holding more than 700 pounds. The most commonly used SUP boards are 10 to 12. Boards 10 to 11 feet are ideal for beginners and casual all-around paddlers and SUP yoga. If you want touring and longer distances, opt for 11 to 12.The best paddle board for kids should be around eight feet long and 28 to 30 inches wide. A light overall weight is important so your child can carry their board to and from the water.However a smaller child will have a much easier time paddling and reaching for the forward stroke on a smaller SUP. Just make sure the 10′ board isn’t too wide for them to maneuver well – keep it 30″ or less.Boards 10 to 11 feet are ideal for beginners and casual all-around paddlers and SUP yoga. If you want touring and longer distances, opt for 11 to 12.Length: Finding the Right Balance For most adults, the ideal length for an all-around beginner paddle board ranges from 10 feet to 12 feet 6 inches. This range provides a good balance, making the board manageable and versatile.
Is it OK to paddle board alone?
It’s important to remember that, as with any watersport, stand up paddle boarding alone can be dangerous, especially if you get into difficulty. If deciding to head out alone, you need to think carefully about the location where you will be paddling. Will it be a static spot? Or are you going on a journey or loop? Most paddlers prefer to paddle with bare feet. This enables you to have greater grip on the board, you can easily utilise your toes and you can easily put shoes (like sandals/Tevas) on and off for when you launch and exit the water.Can you wear Crocs paddleboarding? While crocs are not nearly as good as proper water shoes, they are a fine alternative for the summer months. Crocs won’t keep your feet warm, but they can protect your feet when launching the board. Plus they float which is always an advantage.In the winter, SUP shoes are a must, but in the summer, we suggest you go barefoot. In the cold months, you’ll need to wear a neoprene shoe or bootie. That said, if you’re launching your board in a shallow spot where there are rocks or sharp debris under the water, shoes are a good idea.
When should you not paddle board?
Avoid paddle boarding in heavy rain or thunderstorms due to the risk of lightning and reduced visibility. Light rain can be manageable, but always monitor weather updates for any changes. Windy Conditions Winds above 15 mph are generally not recommended for paddle boarding. Paddle Technique: Learn and practice proper paddle techniques to navigate windy conditions more effectively. Stay Close to Shore: In strong winds, it’s safer to stay close to the shoreline to avoid being blown off course.