Go Paddling

Go Paddling Go Paddling is a nationwide initiative from Paddle UK that encourages people to paddle.

Follow for canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding tips + inspiration ๐Ÿ›ถ

Everyone should have the opportunity to spend time on the water ๐Ÿ’™ Whether you're paddling independently, with support, o...
08/06/2026

Everyone should have the opportunity to spend time on the water ๐Ÿ’™

Whether you're paddling independently, with support, or alongside someone you care for, getting out on the water can be a great way to explore the UK's blue spaces and support your health and wellbeing.

Carers, companions and paddlers with disabilities can now access discounted Paddle UK membership through the National Disability Card, National Carers Card and Carers Card UK. You can get 20% off.

Your On The Water Membership includes a waterways licence, liability insurance and a range of exclusive member benefits, giving you added confidence and flexibility to enjoy more time on the water.

Find out more here ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://orlo.uk/wJ2fr

There's no better place to be on a sunny bank holiday weekend than on the water โ˜€๏ธโ โ Whether you're paddleboarding, kayak...
22/05/2026

There's no better place to be on a sunny bank holiday weekend than on the water โ˜€๏ธโ 
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Whether you're paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing, there are a few simple steps you can take to help keep you and your friends safe on the water โฌ‡๏ธโ 
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โœ… Always wear a buoyancy aidโ 
โœ… Tell someone where you're going โ 
โœ… Carry a mobile phoneโ 
โœ… Check the weather โ 
โœ… Know your limitsโ 
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These basics go a long way in keeping you and others safe on the water. Save our top tips!
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For more advice on trip planning and checking conditions, visit our website ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://gopaddling.info/blog/tips-and-advice/safe-paddle-summer/

15/05/2026

Starting in Hackney Wick, this easy circular paddle with Anu from My SUP Stories is one of the best introductions to paddling in East London ๐Ÿ›ถ The Olympic Park Loop is ideal for paddleboarding or an inflatable kayak โ€” no car needed!

Following the Lee Navigation and surrounding waterways on a loop around London Stadium and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, you'll pass street art, spot wildlife, and paddle past the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit โ€“ a symbol of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

๐Ÿ“ Launch: Towpath by Olympic Park, Hackney Wick

๐Ÿš† Public transport: London Overground โ€“ Hackney Wick station (~5 min walk)

๐Ÿ›ถ Distance: 2.5 miles (loop) โ€“ can be linked with Hackney Wick to Clapton for a longer route

โฐ Time: 1โ€“1.5 hours

๐ŸŒŠ Waterways: Lee Navigation, River Lee, City Mill River, St Thomas Creek

๐Ÿชช Waterways licence: Required for all waterways on this route. Included with Paddle UK On The Water membership.

๐Ÿšถ Portages: 2 (Old Ford Lock)

๐Ÿšพ Toilets: Near Olympic Park

Head to Hackney Wick and walk past Moo Canoes and the food boats. Launch from the towpath next to the Olympic Park.

Portage at Old Ford Lock (watch the drop!), then turn left onto the Old River Lee.

You'll pass colourful street art and plenty of wildlife โ€“ keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons, cormorants, coots and moorhens.

Take in the varied urban scenery that makes East London paddling so unique!

Keep paddling, and you'll soon see the ArcelorMittal Orbit come into view.

Continue along City Mill River for views of London Stadium, home of West Ham United.

Then on to St Thomas Creek before turning right back onto the Lee Navigation and heading back to the start.

Finish with a well-earned drink in Hackney Wick โ€“ there are plenty of food carts by the water ๐Ÿบ

Don't have your own board or boat? You can hire equipment at Moo Canoes.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ To download the full route and plan your paddle, visit our PaddlePoints map: gopaddling.info/paddlepoints. Search 'Hackney Wick'

Thanks to Anu for the route! Keep an eye out for more London routes coming soon.

Did you know that any water below 15ยฐC can trigger cold water shock โ€” even on a warm, sunny spring day?โ โ โ˜€๏ธ As the sunsh...
08/05/2026

Did you know that any water below 15ยฐC can trigger cold water shock โ€” even on a warm, sunny spring day?โ 
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โ˜€๏ธ As the sunshine makes a return and we dust off our boards and boats, it's worth knowing that UK seas, rivers and lakes can stay cold enough to cause a serious reaction, regardless of how warm the air temperature feels. โ 
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And it can affect anyone โ€” no matter your age, fitness or swimming ability.โ 
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We're not trying to scare you โ€” we just want you to be equipped with the knowledge so you can stay safe and enjoying your time on the water.โ 
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Swipe through to learn what cold water shock is, how to prevent it and this spring๐Ÿ‘‰๏ธโ 
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๐ŸŽ‰ Being a Paddle UK member just got even better!๐Ÿ›ถ We've just launched our brand new member benefits platform, and it's P...
22/04/2026

๐ŸŽ‰ Being a Paddle UK member just got even better!๐Ÿ›ถ

We've just launched our brand new member benefits platform, and it's PACKED with savings on brands you already know and love, plus many more.

Paddle Perks gives you quick and easy access to a huge range of discounts, so you can gear up for less, save on your day-to-day shopping, or plan your next paddling adventure.

Save on paddling brands like Decathlon UK, KITBRIX, Aquapac and Tootega, as well as lifestyle brands and experiences like the National Trust, Warwick Castle, Tesco, Crocs, Garmin, Ordnance Survey and plenty more.

And the perks will keep on growing โ€” keep checking back for the latest offers!

Ready to save? Log in to your updated Members Dashboard to unlock your personalised paddling information and access Paddle Perks ๐Ÿ‘‡
https://paddleuk.org.uk/dashboard/

Not a Paddle UK member yet? Join today and get instant access to discounts ๐Ÿ‘‡
https://paddleuk.org.uk/membership/

*Exclusive rewards are reserved for Paddle UK members, with selected rewards also available to club associates and members of Paddle Scotland, Paddle Cymru and Paddle NI.

๐ŸŒž Extra daylight = extra paddling time! The forecast is looking perfect for getting out on the water this week.We've got...
21/04/2026

๐ŸŒž Extra daylight = extra paddling time! The forecast is looking perfect for getting out on the water this week.

We've got over 170 free paddling trails for you to download. Take a look ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://orlo.uk/lMVP3

Or want to plan your own route? Use our PaddlePoints map to find launch points, places to park and cafes ๐Ÿ“ ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://orlo.uk/aM087

๐Ÿ“ท River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon

Thinking about buying your first kayak but not sure where to start?๐Ÿค” With so many different styles out there, choosing y...
20/04/2026

Thinking about buying your first kayak but not sure where to start?๐Ÿค”

With so many different styles out there, choosing your first one can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

Whether you're dreaming of paddling at the coast or enjoying a paddle on your local canal, our latest blog breaks it all down for you.

Take a read ๐Ÿ”— https://orlo.uk/HT9GY

Hands up if you're looking forward to more spring paddles!โ˜€๏ธโœ‹ Knowing what to wear when paddling in spring can be tricky...
25/03/2026

Hands up if you're looking forward to more spring paddles!โ˜€๏ธโœ‹ Knowing what to wear when paddling in spring can be tricky, one minute it's glorious sunshine, the next you're caught in a downpour.

To help you transition to a new season, we've put together our spring kit guide. Check it out ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://orlo.uk/lCbVf

We're falling for these beautiful paddles ๐Ÿ’™ Add these 10 beautiful locations to your bucket list for 2026! With romantic...
13/02/2026

We're falling for these beautiful paddles ๐Ÿ’™

Add these 10 beautiful locations to your bucket list for 2026! With romantic landscapes, stunning architecture and calm waters, what's not to love?

๐Ÿ“Lake Vyrnwy, Powys, Wales
๐Ÿ“River Thames, Oxford, England
๐Ÿ“Monmouth and Brecon Canal, Wales
๐Ÿ“Llangollen Canal, England & Wales
๐Ÿ“River Cam, Cambridge, England
๐Ÿ“Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex, England
๐Ÿ“River Ouse, York, England
๐Ÿ“Loch Tay, Aberfeldy, Scotland
๐Ÿ“Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, Somerset, England
๐Ÿ“River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Plan your routes on our Paddle points map. Link in our bio ๐Ÿ”—

Beautiful waterways to paddle this winter โ„๏ธ๐Ÿ›ถStunning all year round โ€” but especially magical in the colder months! Whet...
06/02/2026

Beautiful waterways to paddle this winter โ„๏ธ๐Ÿ›ถ

Stunning all year round โ€” but especially magical in the colder months! Whether you paddleboard, kayak or canoe, thereโ€™s something for everyone in these stunning locations โฌ‡๏ธ

๐Ÿ“ Lake Windermere
๐Ÿ“ Birmingham Canal Navigations
๐Ÿ“ Norfolk Broads
๐Ÿ“ River Cam
๐Ÿ“ Paddington Basin
๐Ÿ“ River Conwy
๐Ÿ“ Caledonian Canal
๐Ÿ“ River Dart

Routes can be easy to moderate, depending on which stretch of water you paddle. Always check the routes before getting on the water and make sure itโ€™s within your ability.

Winter conditions can change quickly. So keep safe by checking the weather, water levels and tide times and dressing for the conditions.

Plan your route using our free PaddlePoints map ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ๐Ÿ”— gopaddling.info/paddlepoints

Address

National Water Sports Centre
West Bridgford
NG122LU

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+443000119500

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