Do you need a licence to paddleboard in the UK?
Anyone can get a licence, but it’s something you should probably buy if you paddle on inland waterways in England and Wales. An On The Water individual licence costs £60 for the year when you purchase through Paddle UK and covers around 4,500km of waterways. For renewing members the cost is £47 per year. If you want to canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard on most rivers and canals in England and Wales, you’ll need a waterways licence. Without one, you risk fines or being asked to leave the water.You can take your paddleboard along canals, rivers and lakes in the UK. Many inland waterways are calm and suited to beginners and those interested in leisurely paddleboarding. If you are a more experienced and confident paddleboarder, the UK has some beautiful coasts too.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. Our 30-day licence can be used on 30 different days throughout the year.
Do you need a wetsuit for paddleboarding in the UK?
If it’s a cold day with some wind it’s best to wear wetsuit gloves. On my head I wear a woolly or neoprene beanie. Only in extremely cold conditions or when you’re planning a very long paddleboard should you consider wearing a dry suit. Swimwear Or Other Suitable Quick-Drying Clothing Especially if you’re new, you should be expecting to get wet when you’re out on the water. Because of that, it makes sense to dress appropriately, which means that when you’re choosing what to wear paddleboarding, you’ll want to be in swimwear.When stand-up paddleboarding in warm summer temperatures, you’re likely to also spend some time in the water cooling off, so you may want to wear a swimsuit or swim trunks too.
What to wear for paddleboarding in the UK?
Bare feet, or neoprene shoes if getting in and out of rivers. Coiled leash and Personal Flotation Device or gas inflatable aid. Quick dry shorts, quick dry t-shirt, bare feet. A rash vest or thin neoprene rash vest in more extreme surf environments, or where weather is reducing the temperature a little. If the water is warm, you’ll benefit from lightweight, quick-drying clothing like a t-shirt and shorts made from synthetic materials, or swim shorts with a rash guard. However, in colder conditions, wearing a wetsuit or drysuit (more on this later) will help you keep warm and prevent hypothermia.
When not to paddleboard?
Avoid offshore winds. They will quickly blow your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore. Avoid launching in windy conditions. You should wear a suitable personal flotation device. The real world shows us that paddle boarders come in all shapes and sizes and people over 50 kg can play too. To anyone who is big-boned, burly, extremely tall or just plain overweight, there is a board for you.Stand up paddle boarding is an excellent full-body workout, meaning, it works all the muscles in your body – your shoulders, chest, back, core, arms and legs. And while you’re getting fit, you get to be outside, in the sun, enjoying beautiful views and the sounds of nature.If you’re a beginner in paddle boarding, you’ll want a longer and broader board, between 10 and 12 feet in length and 30 to 32 inches in width. This size will give you better stability, allowing you to balance and handle the board.
What is the best time of year to paddle in the UK?
During summer, popular paddle boarding spots in the UK can be buzzing with activity. Autumn, however, brings a calmness to the water that’s hard to find during peak season. A good paddle boarding session will raise your pulse and quicken your breathing in order to keep all your working muscles supplied with oxygenated blood. In other words, paddle boarding provides excellent cardiovascular exercise, which promotes general fitness.