Words: Tez PlavenieksPhotos: Tez Plavenieks, Howard Shepherd, Peter Tranter & VisitBritain/Jason HawkesPaddle boarding is one of the best ways to explore the UKs stunning coastline, rivers, and lakes. Whether youre gliding over crystal-clear waters, navigating rugged coastlines, or exploring hidden inlets, theres no shortage of breathtaking locations. This guide highlights five top paddle boarding spots in the UK, including some underrated gems that every paddleboarder should experience. Getting out there this season and exploring is definitely worthwhile. Got SUP; will travel as they say!Pembrokeshire Coast, WalesAerial view of Tenby with sandy beaches and Tenby Castle on the Pembrokeshire coastline on the west side of Carmarthen Bay.Photo: VisitBritain/Jason HawkesBest for: dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, crystal-clear waters and surf.The Pembrokeshire coastline is one of the most stunning places to paddleboard in the UK. With dramatic cliffs, hidden sea caves, and golden beaches, its a paradise for those who love coastal exploration and the odd wave or two.Why its great for paddle boardingCrystal-clear waters and incredible wildlife, including dolphinsand puffins.Generally, these are quiet spots with plenty of opportunity for a wave or flat water session away from crowds.There are plenty of sheltered bays for easy paddling, such as Barafundle Bay and Tenby.Adventure paddlers can explore the sea caves and rock formations around Stackpole or head to the waves of Freshwater West or Manorbier if you have the skills.Top tipsStart at Freshwater West or Stackpole Quay for calm and adventurous paddling when the swells small or flat.Be mindful of tides and currents some areas can be challenging.Consider a guided paddle tour to explore sea caves safely.Hayling Island, HampshireDropping in at Hayling Island. Photo: Howard ShepherdBest for: coastal paddling with a mix of calm and open waters.Located on the south coast of England, Hayling Island is a fantastic spot for paddle boarding. It offers a combination of sheltered harbours and open sea conditions. This island is known for its long, sandy beaches and calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers. Its also my local stretch and backyard paddle boarding and watersports spot, so I had to include it!Why its great for paddle boardingLangstone Harbour offers calm waters, perfect for a relaxed paddle.More experienced paddlers can take on the open sea at sea at West Beach.If theres a wave running along the sand bar, then its worth getting involved as its extremely SUP surf-friendly.Stunning views across the Solent, with opportunities to spot seals and seabirds.Top tipsStart your paddle at Langstone Harbour or Chichester Harbour for more sheltered conditions (high tide only).Be mindful of tides and wind direction if venturing into open water.Visit during sunrise or sunset for spectacular coastal views.Westward Ho!, DevonBlue Bird surf days at Westward Ho! Photo: Tez PlavenieksBest for: SUP surfing and open-water adventures.Westward Ho! in North Devon, near Bideford, is a dream spot for those who love adventure with paddle boarding and accessible waves. Known for its surf-friendly conditions and long sandy beach, this location is perfect for SUP surfers and those looking for a scenic coastal paddle route.Why its great for paddle boardingThis is a rare UK location with consistent surf. It is great for SUP surfing and is generally quiet (much quieter than some of its neighbouring beaches).The North Devon coastline has beautiful views, including the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Lundy Island.Nearby rivers and estuaries offer more sheltered paddling for beginners just be mindful of tides.Top tipsIf youre new to SUP surfing, start on a small wave day.Check the tide times mid to high tide offers the best conditions.Take a wetsuit, as the Atlantic water can be chilly even in summer.Be sure to check out some of the spots in the areaespecially if theyre flat. The Ho! can be great for adventure paddling on flatter days.Studland Bay, DorsetStudland Bay. Photo: Howard ShepherdBest for: crystal-clear waters and iconic coastal scenery, including Old Harry Rocks.Studland Bay is one of the UKs most picturesque paddle boarding spots, with its turquoise waters and iconic chalk formations. Located on the Jurassic Coast, its an incredible place for beginners and experienced paddlers on the right day.Why its great for paddle boardingShallow, calm waters make it perfect for beginners.Stunning views of Old Harry Rocks, one of the most famous coastal landmarks in the UK experienced riders can paddle out to Old Harry with the right conditions.Plenty of opportunities for spotting marine wildlife, including seals and dolphins.Top tipsEarly morning is the best time for the calmest waters and fewer crowds during the high summer season.Check the tide times, as currents can pick up at certain points.Bring snorkelling gear plenty of marine life can be seen beneath the surface.The Norfolk Broads, NorfolkThe Norfolk Broads. Photo: Peter TranterBest for: tranquil waters and scenic countryside paddling.The Norfolk Broads offer a vast network of peaceful waterways for those who prefer a more relaxed paddle boarding experience. The calm, flat waters and stunning countryside make it an ideal location for beginners or those looking for a leisurely paddle.Why its great for paddle boardingOver 125 miles of interconnected rivers and lakes to explore.Plenty of wildlife, including kingfishers, otters, and herons.Many quiet, boat-free areas are perfect for an undisturbed paddle.Top tipsStick to the quieter broads like Hickling or Wroxham for a peaceful experience.Avoid busy boating areas, especially in peak summer months.Pack a picnic and make a day of exploring the waterways.Final thoughtsWhether youre looking for a calm river paddle, a scenic coastal adventure, or exciting SUP surfing, the UK has incredible paddle boarding destinations to suit every skill level. Each location offers something unique, from the gentle waters of the Norfolk Broads to the dramatic cliffs of Pembrokeshire. So grab your board, explore these stunning spots, and experience the UKs natural beauty from the water! Broadening your paddle boarding experience this season is worth it!

Were looking forward to a fantastic summer full of adventures on the water with #PaddleSafe.Weve teamed up with the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, for the third year running to help paddlers stay safe on the water this summer. Together, we share our five key safety messages every paddler should know. The #PaddleSafe campaign aims to raise awareness of how to prepare for any type of paddling and stay safe on any type of water. This could be at the coast or inland. Being safe on the water will only increase the fun you can have. These are our FIVE key messages to stay safe on the water this summer:Always wear a buoyancy aidWhen paddling, always wear a buoyancy aid or personal floatation device (PFD). It will help keep you afloat in case of an accident. Buoyancy aids can be worn when paddling all crafts, and stand-up paddleboarding is an option if it is a waist PFD. If paddleboarding, also ensure you wear the right leash for the environment and conditions youll be paddling in.Tell someone where youre goingBefore you head out paddling, tell someone on land your plans. Let me know your route, when youre going, and when you expect to return.Carry a mobile phoneBefore you head out on your paddling trip, make sure you carry a means of communication. Keep it within easy reach, and make sure its fully charged. You can bring your mobile in a waterproof pouch. If you find yourself in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard or Fire and Rescue service.There are also lots of useful apps you can install on your mobile. From safety apps, weather tracking apps, and paddling routes.Check the weatherWeather can affect your paddling plans, so its vital to know the forecast, tide times win,d speed and direction before you head out. In the UK, theres always a chance of the weather changing quickly, and changes can catch us off guard. This is why its important to ensure youre prepared and plan accordingly. Make sure you wear the appropriate kit for the conditions youll be paddling in. For example, if its sunny, wear UV protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen.Know your limitsTake your skill level into account when planning a paddle. Do you have the experience and skills for the water you plan to paddle on? Do you have the right kit to be paddling on that water? If you have never been paddle boarding on moving water, think about taking some courses to help build you up to that. You should always stay within your ability and skill level. Paddle UK has several courses to help you level up your skills and safety.For further advice and guidance, you can direct people to visit Paddle UKs Go Paddling website: https://gopaddling.info/safe-paddle-summer/

Your essential read for SUP this summer! New June SUP Mag UK available nowPay by credit card with Stripe or Paypal. SUBSCRIBE HERE and receive your first issue of the full 2025 subscription of four magazines yearly starting with the April 2025 issue 44. Coaching and adviceQ&AsTravel and adventuresPaddle UK featuresRegularsSUPM supports and gives airtime to the UK SUP scene 100%. And were the only mag that does.The latest June 2025 issue of SUP Mag UK in print is available to purchase now Digital edition available @ https://joom.ag/CvsdFeaturing a huge array of SUP stories from across the planet and the crme de la crme of UK stand up stories, its a must have read for anyone into the art of propelling themselves forward on a board with a paddle.Available to order now.Any questions? Give us a call on 01480 465081 we will be glad to help.

Paddle UK aims to engage and inform a new wave of paddlers. Were helping those who are just getting started in this fantastic activity by providing them with reliable information on safety, kit choices, and basic techniques.To help make the journey onto the water as smooth as possible and to keep paddlers up to date with our safety advice, weve produced a series of videos called SUP Starters.These videos break down some of the fundamental skills, kit decisions, and safety guidance into easy-to-digest videos that paddlers can find on our YouTube channel.Meet the presenterPresenting this series is Clair Connibeer, a SUP coach and leader who practically lives on her board in Cornwall! Clair is a SUP Ambassador for Paddle UK and has been involved in paddleboarding for many years, so she knows what she is talking about.Want to check it out?The series has launched and is ready for the summer season, and were hoping to see more people take up SUP. You can watch them now here on the Paddle UK YouTube page: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqk2hsUEs34lCQe6c9leuiQ.If youre looking to find out more about getting into SUP or more paddling-related tips and guidance, then head over to our Go Paddling website and have a read of our blogs: https://gopaddling.info/.So, what sort of topics are covered?Here is a bit about what you can expect. If you are just starting or know someone who is, encourage them to watch and subscribeChoosing your first paddleboardWhat board do you need? What are the choices? Clair covers the difference in inflatables and hard boards, different lengths and widths, and what each is good at.Find out more here: https://gopaddling.info/blog/tips-and-advice/choosing-your-first-sup-board-a-beginners-guide/.How to stand up and paddleIts called Stand-up Paddleboarding, so the goal is to stand up, right? Well, only when youre ready to. Sitting is also an option, which makes it so inclusive. In this video, Clair covers where to put your feet, how to stand up, and how to stay there! Find out more here: https://gopaddling.info/blog/tips-and-advice/mastering-the-art-of-standing-up-on-a-paddleboard-a-beginners-guide/.SUP gear for beginnersYou have a board, but what else do you need to get going on the water? Here, Clair runs through the essential bits of kit you need to be best prepared for paddling.Find out more here:https://gopaddling.info/blog/tips-and-advice/stand-up-paddleboarding-gear-for-beginners/.Coming upWe have many more videos on how to take you from novice to expert, including how to paddle and turn, what to do if you fall in, some common mistakes and how to avoid them, and much more! So make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel to avoid missing anything!

Your essential read for SUP this summer! New June SUP Mag UK available nowPay by credit card with Stripe or Paypal. SUBSCRIBE HERE and receive your first issue of the full 2025 subscription of four magazines yearly starting with the April 2025 issue 44. Coaching and adviceQ&AsTravel and adventuresPaddle UK featuresRegularsSUPM supports and gives airtime to the UK SUP scene 100%. And were the only mag that does.The latest June 2025 issue of SUP Mag UK in print is available to purchase now Digital edition available @ https://joom.ag/CvsdFeaturing a huge array of SUP stories from across the planet and the crme de la crme of UK stand up stories, its a must have read for anyone into the art of propelling themselves forward on a board with a paddle.Available to order now.Any questions? Give us a call on 01480 465081 we will be glad to help.

Words: Andy BurrowsPhotos: Andy Burrows & Peter TranterI am passionate about all things SUP. Its wrapped itself into my physical DNA. Ive learned a lot about myself through my SUP experiences, and its kept me reasonably fit for my tender years (sarcasm here). My encounter with SUP would have been very different if I had not had my long-time SUP companion and coach, Telmo Irogyen, with me for the last six years.Particular characters can heavily influence our lives. Telmo has taught, challenged, competed, and inspired me throughout our time paddling together. My ability, enjoyment, knowledge and experiences would have been quite different without knowing Telmo. He is a great example of how coaches can make a massive difference in how someone takes to a sport.Is there a difference between being an instructor or a coach? I would argue that there is a big difference. This difference lies in the depth of the relationship, the time in the relationship and the ways in which learning takes place. Coaches nurture learning over a longer time frame. They adapt their style to suit the individual and are happy to go off script when required. While an instructor will pass on knowledge in predominantly a telling style, a coach enables learning primarily through facilitation exposing the student to situations that stimulate the development of skill and knowledge.A great coach can have a massive influence on how someone pursues the activity of SUP. A great coach inspires someone to take their paddling much further than an instructor. A great coach has particular personal attributes, together with experience, intuition, and passion, that can be very influential on a paddler.Thirty years ago, I was fortunate to study coaching with Sir John Whitmore, author of the best-selling book Coaching for Performance.The basis of his teaching is that coaching is fundamentally about unlocking potential. In order to do this, the coach can use a process that involves a series of open questions to raise awareness in the person being coached (the coachee) and then to help them arrive at actions that they are committed to.The process is summarised using the acronym GROWwhereG stands for Goal: What do you want to achieve?R stands for Reality: Where are you now in relation to your goal?O stands for Options: What options do you have that could be used to achieve your goal?W stands for Will: Having appraised your options, which do you choose? How do you plan to pursue this option?The process is simple enough, but it requires skilled listening and questioning to be applied unforced. It also requires the person doing the coaching to be trusted and respected.This might be too prescriptive for sports coaching, but the principle remains that the act of coaching seldom involves telling. Telling someone to do it like this can backfire if the student does not succeed with the advice they receive. Their failure becomes the fault of someone else. Giving someone a choice of how they will approach an issue hands responsibility for action and results to the performer.Effective coaches accept that there are multiple ways to approach any issue. They are patient and will even allow their student to fail (safely!) to facilitate learning. They create an environment of mutual trust and then use it to embed learning.In this sense, coaching is not often used on day one of a SUP lesson. Most people would prefer to receive instruction in order to derive a tangible result within a short time frame. Aspects such as where to stand, how to stand, and how to hold the paddle are examples of some basics that do not require a coaching approach. However, once someone starts to develop ability and skill, the opportunity for coaching opens up.A good coach will recognise the situation, the paddler, and the desired result and choose an approach accordingly. A coach will also identify the four stages of the paddler and adjust their style accordingly. The four stages of a paddler are as follows. (As defined by me!)Keen beginner.Driven improver.Confident competent.In search of mastery.At each stage, the paddler needs something different from the coach.Stage 1. Keen beginnerKeenness is essential to receive coaching. Keenness implies a desire to learn and improve. There is already a motivation inside the paddler. If someone does not have a desire, then only an exceptional coach will find a way to ignite it. Desire to improve is established within minutes of first standing on a board.Beginners need some simple guidelines and a safe environment that is conducive to achieving quick wins/results. The key outcome at this stage is confidence. Confidence is the requisite to continuing and experimenting pushing the boundaries of learning. The coach must accept that the student will not deliver perfection from the outset. The coach needs to recognise that the individuals improvement pace may differ from that of others. It is no mystery that a young paddler will develop faster than an older one.A group setting can have quite an influence on how the student feels. The same person can feel completely inadequate or king of the castle, depending on the paddlers they find themselves with. In this first stage, the coach must establish trust very quickly. The fundamental elements of trust are character and competence. Character is portrayed (or betrayed) by words and actions (and how these interact).We quickly gain a feel for what kind of character we deal with by the behaviour exhibited in certain situations. Competence comes from blending skill, experience and attitude. Most people want to be taught by someone who can do what they suggest others do.Human beings are very astute at assessing each other. The first few minutes of a first lesson or coaching session will solidify our opinion of who is in front of us. Those first few minutes should never be lost on the coach. It is the marker to lay down in terms of the coachs expectations for themselves and their student. Safe paddling is fundamentally about having consistently high standards. After all, we are talking about possible life-and-death situations. The coach must demonstrate integrity that is to say, their words should be in sync with their actions on every occasion.The beginner is the most accepting of instruction. Therefore, the coach carries considerable responsibility in conveying knowledge that works and will act as a foundation for future development.A keen beginner will make rapid progress. Therefore, the coach must be prepared to make frequent interventions to refine techniques and introduce more challenging situations. There needs to be a balance here. Paddlers must be challenged to leave their comfort zone and embrace failure, but do so in a safe environment.Stage 2. Driven improverHow do you assess how good a paddler you are? In order to answer that question, you need to use references. Without references, you dont have a clue. Six years ago, after a few months of paddling on my 10-foot inflatable, I thought I didnt have much more to learn. Why?I had nothing, and no one, to benchmark myself against. All paddlers are on a capability continuum. In paddling, the continuum is definitely not a linear line. Even good experienced paddlers can find themselves struggling with slight changes in weather conditions. Being fully aware of ones ability is critical for safety and identifying areas for improvement.Many paddlers overestimate their ability, but I say this based purely on personal observation. Paddlers who are driven to improve usually have a strong motivator behind them: it might be a rivalry, a particular event, a race, or an upcoming challenge.A coach with someone at this stage needs to know the primary motivation and focus the coaching towards the goal. Unlike stage 1, in stage 2 is really helpful if the coach has experienced what the coachee is seeking improvement in. The coach can help bridge the gap of the unknown.At this stage, the paddler will recognise a wider scope. For example, physical capability becomes more critical to enable improvement, and time off the water, focussing on strength and power, will pay more dividends than just pursuing hours of paddling.Experimentation is also essential. The coach needs to have a relaxed mindset about the stroke and encourage the practice of a range of strokes short, long, fast, slow, rotation versus hinge. Everyones mind and body are different. Every pros stroke is different so surely the same applies to normal humans? Avoiding injury and adherence to key principles is essential, but experimentation takes paddlers to new places. This might even involve going backwards to go forwards. Recognising that improvement is a process and not a daily result is important here.In this stage, the coach should be more challenging of the coachee. This can mean being harder and having higher expectations. Sometimes, there might be friction, which, although uncomfortable, helps to create step changes in progress. Sometimes, at this point, the coach and paddler part ways.Telmo would take me into the break and do SUP surf sessions on our race-boards. Ill be candid: These sessions were not my favourites. I would start the sessions with a degree of fear and hesitancy. He would let me suffer for a few minutes and then call me back to the beach. Pick a wave and own it, he would say, with an element of impatience in his tone.His confidence and insistence that I could do it would stir something inside me, and I would go back out more positive and more determined to own a wave. It worked; without him there, I would not have been going back out. Such experiences are transformational they shift our opinion of ourselves. But we sometimes need someone else to make that change happen.Stage 3: Confident, competentAt this stage, the paddler has a good grasp of the fundamentals of technique and can handle various conditions. If they race, they can finish in respectable positions and may begin to feel there is not much more to learn. But, of course, there is always more to learn. Sometimes, paddlers at this stage can lose interest and stop paddling altogether. The coachs role is to find ways to continue challenging the paddler. This can be related to a specific skill or completing a difficult event.Telmo started taking me on quite technical downwind runs, which brought home to me how much more I had to learn. I bought a downwind board and experienced a marked improvement in performance and enjoyment. Good coaches find ways to help the paddler have a look in the paddling mirror to appreciate what they need to work on next.Stage 4. Pursuing masteryThis stage is really an extension of stage 3. Once a paddler starts to pursue new avenues, they realise that their skill level can be developed much higher than they originally thought. This leads to a new iteration of physical development and focused learning. It may be that the importance of winning or being better than someone else becomes much less important to them. At this stage, the paddler is looking for mastery. They remove the pressure of comparison with others and look to paddle in challenging situations because they enjoy it for no other reason. Training becomes an adventure, not a chore. The coach facilitates such occasions by being there, supporting them, and joining in. Technical input is minimal. The coach becomes a mentor and friend.I am not sure anyone claims true mastery of their sport, but the great paddlers inspire the rest of us to emulate them and feed a desire to constantly improve.Where are the inspirational SUP coaches?My personal experience is quite privileged. There are not world-class paddlers at everyones doorstep. However, anyone can now access the knowledge, advice and encouragement from the best paddlers on the planet. YouTube, Instagram and Facebook are stacked with tips and advice that are easy to digest and relate to. Any paddler looking to improve has access to hard-won secrets at the click of a mouse.The use of video analysis and Garmin-style information provides these SUP legends with rich data from which to provide great input to aspiring SUPers through online channels. These professionals also have access to cutting-edge training plans and insights into the best physical preparation for specific events or the race season as a whole.Meeting the expectations of a committed, invested coach can be highly motivating. Telmo is generally always the first to comment after I have completed a race. He looks for feedback and a running commentary before passing his thoughts. Over the years, its been about 50 % praise and 50 % concealed disappointment (with the feeling that he thought I could have done better). Both forms of reaction have pushed me to continuously improve.Having someone who goes out and paddles in all conditions and distances and even participates in races with you provides the best opportunity to receive honest feedback on performance. When there is no one to offer an alternative view, it can be easy to be either too hard or too soft on yourself. A coach can provide valuable perspective on a particular performance.A good coach can help you recognise the sweet spots to hit in your own training. Despite all the research, there are many things we still dont understand about the human body. Pushing it to the limit, day in and day out, certainly wont deliver a sustainable, enjoyable paddling future.In this respect, great coaches (with whom you paddle) can take the heat off the paddler. By this, I mean remove the guilt of not training 100% on the days you dont feel 100%. In the lead-up to a race (about two weeks out), Telmo would say to me, All the work is done now; these two weeks are maintenance of what you have. Respect that dont push for anything else.Short intervals and no long paddles from now until the race. This would fly in the face of everything I wanted to do, which was to keep squeezing the lemon with the idea that more pain would deliver more gain. How many paddlers turn up to a big event with the body fully rested? How many actually turn up on the day tired and over-trained?Great coaches provide perspective and help the paddler keep the goal of mastery (not winning) as the priority.So, what makes a great SUP coach?I have shared some of my experiences, illustrating some characteristics that make a great coach. Ultimately, the dynamics in a coaching relationship will always be unique between individuals. However, trust, respect, and understanding are the foundational elements in this relationship. Great coaches have a lasting effect on their students. Their influence can make a massive difference in how paddlers enjoy their future years of paddling. Coaching is, therefore, a venerable and worthy activity to be valued and appreciated.Andy Burrows is the author of the book Improving your Stand Up Paddling. He spends most of his time living in Spain, where he paddles with some of the best in the world.https://fernhurstbooks.com/books/permalink/172/improving_your_stand_up_paddleboarding

Have you considered progressing from sheltered water paddleboarding to moderate water? Well, it is possible with a bit of knowledge, support from others, and a suitable white water stand up paddleboard (SUP). But first, what courses are out there to get you both experience and help you enjoy the thrill of paddleboarding?John and Sam Dean test and compare six WW boards on the River Spey. Ther boards are the Hala Atcha 9.6, Hatha Drop, Fanatic Rapid Air, Mcconks Go Wild 98, Loco Rapid Air and the Red 9.6 Wild MSL.Both John and Sam are SUP and white water safety providers for the British Canoe Awarding Body and performance coaches in moderate water environments.Read all about the full test @ https://paddlerezine.com/ww-sup-performance-criteria-comparison/

Words: David PartridgePhotos: David Partridge, Craig Sawyer and Scott TurnerThe annual Paddle Skedaddle was amplified this year with the Double Bubble, bringing the SUP event circus to Hickling Broad in Norfolk.There was a glittering gathering of paddlers in the warm May sunshine, including three out of the four Yukon 1000 paddlers. Craig Sawyer kindly provided some imagery and a glimpse of what paddling the double entails. He is soon headed back to the Yukon for the 600.Martin Rendle is the Race Director, and he waved off his fellow Yukon paddler Kim Foster, who was joining Craig on the double. The double was a new adjunct to the famous paddle skedaddle, created to fill the gap left by the Norfolk Broads Ultra.The weather was atypical; Martin just couldnt believe the luck or prescience in choosing a great weekend with a clear, cloudless sky and relatively light winds.The racing for the double started (and finished) at Hickling Broad Sailing Club, which provided excellent registration facilities. What other SUP race commences from a thatched clubhouse? The race started at 06.00 and was perfect with flat water, bitterns booming and an incredible sunrise over Hickling Broad, the first open stretch of water. The race then threaded through the hamlet of Potter Heigham (under the famous medieval bridge), passed Thurne, and on to the Ant and the second open stretch across Barton Broad.Meanwhile, skedaddlers had dropped their boards at Sutton Staithe, many using the arranged buses to return from the Hickling Base. They soon set off, and with perfect timing, the two fleets combined and retraced their steps back to Hickling.Marsh Harriers soared, otters were spotted, and other wildlife included the odd Essex man. (Martin explained that cruiser rental companies provide minimal tuition, and occasionally, the racing spirit seemed to infect cruisers, who seemed oblivious to the effect of wake on SUPs. (Brushing a few of us off into the reeds!) Other wildlife included the inimitable Eric Amada, who held forth on wrong team tactics and made everyone crack up.The racing was tight and competitive. The skedaddle is a race, after all, and there are time limits to reach key points along the route (with an offer for the sweeper safety boats to pick up stragglers). The usual circus of familiar faces and boards joined in with some excellent examples of teamwork, with leaders cooperating on fast draft trains with lots of place changes. The race was visible on the web server, which made it exciting to watch!The competition is for SUPs, but it was great to see a three-man team of lifesavers paddling prone (in an epic time of 3.48 for the standard skedaddle). They were fundraising, had just completed a big swim, and were heading out for runs the following day.Other paddling was represented with a smattering of surf skis.Tandem SUP was represented once again by the ever-present, ever-ready, ever-smiling Swinsco and Rennie combo. They smashed the course record for SUP, finishing the 52 km in just under six hours! They were awarded first place (out of 1) for the double skedaddle.The racing in the double was tight behind them, with Gavin Symonds and PJ Simmons in an enduring race that saw a tight finish. Gavin just powered ahead in the last turn to take the win with 6 hrs 3 minutes 30, and PJ was just 20 seconds behind. Third was Paul Drake.There were some fantastic results in the larger skedaddle fleets over 26 km. Local legend Charlie Wagg posted 3hrs 4 minutes to take the podium, followed by Leon Warrington and Moz Roberts (delighted with his result), commenting, Great couple of days in Norfolk. We raced 26.5k yesterday atThe Paddle Skedaddle. The Sun was out, and as ever here, so was the wind!Pauladid amazing with a 4th in a strong womens fleet! Chuffed to get third in the mens event after a long battle withLeon, well done, pal.Paula Skeoch Roberts was fourth, beaten by Gemma Palmer Dighton, Karis Parker, and the blisteringly fast Nat Rendle, who came in at 3 hrs 25.In the ISUPs, male Shaun Dole (2), Kevin Last (3), and Neil Painter (1) shone. In the 14-foot inflatable females (it had to be said!!), Nicola Park(3), Angela Kerr (2), and Michaela Afford (1) shone.There was also close racing in the sub-14-foot categories, with Imogen Terry, Deborah Howard, Steven Bax, and Connor Grant all very quick.So what was that wind? Well, over the day, the wind did pick up a little, and a steady headwind greeted paddlers down the Heigham stretch to Martham. But turning the corner, a blessed tail wind assisted all over the final Hickling crossing. What a grand finish with a little hook and head up to cruise into the Sailing Club. The course is almost circular, so, at some point, there should be a favourable wind.ShoreTees, Infinity, and Starboard were all on hand to demonstrate their wares and offer prizes. Organisation was seamless, and the pub was literally next door. There was also a wonderful camping offer at Hickling Barn. This is a great race, and the cut-offs are generous, so there are really no excuses for people with a bit of experience (one of the inflatable men had not paddled more than 6 km before!). The welcome is brilliant, and everyone is on hand to help.So, memories and reflections: Its stunning scenery, not always windy, great organisation, and once again, a happy gathering of the SUP family. Huge thanks to Martin Rendle and all the crew at Norfolk SUP Racing, Hickling Barns, and the sailing club, all of whom made everyone most welcome.Who is back again next year, and who would like to take part? Its another 5-star recommendation after a great spring and early summer of SUP this year.Full resultswww.webscorer.com/race?raceid=389386Racepage:www.norfolksupracing.co.ukThere will be loads of images and other materials to follow, but thanks to Craig Sawyer and Scott Turner for allowing me to use a couple now!

Dont Miss Out: Gear Up for SUP Season 2025! New April SUP Mag UK available nowPay by credit card with Stripe or Paypal. SUBSCRIBE HERE and receive your first issue of the full subscription of four magazines yearly starting with the current issue: April 2025 issue 44. CoachingQ&AsTravel and adventuresPaddle UK featuresRegularsSUPM supports and gives airtime to the UK SUP scene 100%. And were the only mag that does.The latest April 2025 issue of SUP Mag UK in print is available to purchase now Digital edition available @ https://joom.ag/UqjdFeaturing a huge array of SUP stories from across the planet and the crme de la crme of UK stand up stories, its a must have read for anyone into the art of propelling themselves forward on a board with a paddle.Available to order now.Any questions? Give us a call on 01480 465081 we will be glad to help.

In 2024, 3,699 amazing volunteers collected 1,888 sacks of plastic waste and other junk from our precious waterways.How to get involvedClearing your local canal or river of junk can be hugely beneficial, and not just for the environment. Participating in a Paddle Cleanup can also be great for your mental well-being.Here are a few tips to help you organise your own paddle cleanup with family, friends or colleagues.Gather friends or family and make a planFirstly, consider where you want to do it and any barriers you may face. Do you need a river licence for that stretch of river, for example?Consider whether cleaning your chosen waterway is safe. Completing a risk assessment is key to ensuring you prepare for all risks.Remember, not everyone needs to be on the water, people can clean up the banks from paths and walkways next to the water.Think about equipmentSetting off with all the kit youll need is essential. Here is a quick checklist of our must-haves:GlovesBags/buckets/basketsHand sanitisersLitter pickersFirst Aid kitSharps boxTips for completing a cleanup on your SUPIt might be easier to kneel on your board rather than stand. You need stability when grabbing litter from the water surface or the bank.To gather your rubbish, a plastic washing basket is ideal for attaching to a SUP using a bungee cord.The baskets holes are great for drainage, but you dont want them too big as your collected rubbish could end up back in the river!Builders bucket tubs could also work, but they wont sit as securely on your board as a basket. Always wear a good pair of gloves to protect your hands when handling rubbish, especially when youre reaching into thorny bushes.Its important on a SUP to know your limitsTheres always the temptation to go for something big in the water, but you shouldnt stretch yourself physically. Theres also the risk of capsizing and spilling the rubbish youve worked hard to collect. Collecting litter can be so immersive, as youre doing so much good, and you soon lose track of time.Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Keep your bottle clean and dry; you dont want to ingest anything that could make you ill.Ensure your SUP has plenty of buoyancy, and of course, always wear a personal floatation device (PFD).Ensure you have your phone with you, too just in case!Promote your cleanupSocial media is a great tool for promoting a cleanup. You can reach new people outside your usual group, making the event even bigger. Make sure to tag Paddle UK and use #BigPaddleCleanUp on your posts.Please tell your local MP and newspapersMake sure your local MP knows. Invite them along to help out. If they accept, make sure you reach out and let us know! Write to them after the cleanup, telling them the difference youve made and how much rubbish you have taken away. It is important they know about the great work going on.You can also contact local news outlets, such as local newspapers, radio stations, and Regional TV. They love good news stories about people doing great things.We arent saying they will definitely get back to you or report on your cleanup, but who knows?Tell us about your cleanupOnce youve disposed of the rubbish properly, cleaned your kit and hands, and had a well-earned drink, let us know what you found! We love to know how many bags of rubbish people clear from our waterways.Upload your Paddle Cleanup to our map here: https://paddleuk.org.uk/paddle-cleanups-map-and-upload/We try to share as many stories as we can. So why not send us a quick write-up along with some photos to mediaenquiries@paddleuk.org.uk?We collate all the information you send us to support cleaning up our waterways, including the shocking statistics about what people find in cleanups each year.Good luck! We hope this years Big Paddle Cleanup is the biggest yet.