Do you need a permit 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. 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.In England and Wales, you will need a Waterways Licence to paddle on all Environment Agency and Canal & River Trust waterways, plus a few other stretches of water across the country.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.You can paddle board if you can’t swim, but it isn’t recommended, and it will hamper your SUP experience. You have to do it in shallow, calm waters, about waist-deep and with an instructor present. Deeper waters will require swimming skills, like how to tread water and hold your breath – skills that you may not have.
Are you allowed to paddle board on the Thames?
Stand-up paddleboarding is a growing recreational activity on the tidal Thames. Providing you follow the ‘Paddling on the Tidal Thames’ guide then you may paddleboard between Teddington Lock and Putney Pier during the day. Falling into the water and not being efficiently prepared or trained can cause major issues for those taking part in SUP. Weather conditions can also make paddle boarding difficult and could hamper participants being able to return to the board fully.Do I have to be fit to try paddleboarding? The beauty of stand-up paddleboarding is that anyone of any age or fitness can give it a go. The hardest part is learning how to stand up, but once you have mastered this technique, you can very much take it at your own pace.Stand up paddle boarding is an incredibly easy water sport to learn, and you can become an expert paddle boarder in no time. People of all ages and fitness levels are capable of learning to paddle board in just a few hours with proper instruction.While you can’t always paddle board anywhere at any time, discovering legal spots for paddle boarding can actually be part of the adventure; many regions in the UK have designated areas for water sports, offering safe and legal environments for enthusiasts to enjoy.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?
How hard is paddle boarding?
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.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.We know SUP is an acronym for ‘Stand Up Paddleboard’ or ‘Stand up paddleboarding’.A Love of Paddle Boarding Knows No Age Limit. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I just don’t think I could stand up on a paddle board,” or, “I’m too old for that,” think again! ROCKER paddlers range in age from young kids to senior explorers, all finding joy in living their best lives on the water.All paddle boards have maximum weight guidelines, if you’re nearing these weight limits (remember to include the weight of belongings, pets and passengers!
Can you paddle board without lessons?
While it’s possible to paddle board without taking lessons, there are undeniable benefits to seeking instruction from a certified instructor. One of the best components of stand-up paddle boarding is that all levels of fitness and body sizes are welcome to try this watersport. It is not limited to a specific fitness level, making the sport beginner-friendly and easy to learn.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.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.On average, 45 minutes of paddle boarding can burn 247 to 345 calories, based on the typical rate of 330–460 calories per hour during recreational paddling. That’s nearly double what you’d burn walking at a relaxed pace, making paddle boarding an efficient and enjoyable way to stay active.
What is the risk of paddle boarding?
Heatstroke and dehydration. One of the most significant dangers when stand-up paddleboarding is that of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats from a combination of hot weather and prolonged physical activity. Make sure your summertime paddleboarding outfit includes these basic pieces: Quick-dry top. Quick-dry shorts or bottoms.Wear comfortable clothes that you can move about easily in and that you don’t mind getting wet. Shorts and/or leggings are a great option. The boards will sometimes get a bit wet and we are often moving between kneeling and standing up so clothes can get a bit wet.Enhance your paddleboarding with a wetsuit. It keeps you warm and comfortable on the water, making your experience better, regardless of temperature.