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 🛶

Planning your bank holiday paddle?The Paddler’s Code is the on the water version of the Countryside Code 🛶It sets out be...
28/08/2026

Planning your bank holiday paddle?

The Paddler’s Code is the on the water version of the Countryside Code 🛶

It sets out best practice for how people can paddle responsibly, and respect, protect and enjoy our waterways 🌊

Take a look at the code here ➡️ https://paddlerscode.info/

So you’ve got your paddleboard but are unsure which leash to wear, where to attach it or whether to wear one at all, we’...
07/07/2026

So you’ve got your paddleboard but are unsure which leash to wear, where to attach it or whether to wear one at all, we’ve got you. Save our handy guide ⬇️⁠
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Your SUP leash is a vital piece of safety equipment. It can prevent your paddleboard from floating away from you.⁠
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However, in certain conditions, you’ll need to be able to detach yourself from your board. This is why it’s important to choose the right type of leash system for the environment you’ll be paddling in.⁠
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💡 Always wear a secondary form of floatation as well, don’t rely on your board. Wear a buoyancy aid.
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🏄 When paddleboarding in surf conditions, wear a straight leash. This is usually around 10 feet long and will stop the board from recoiling towards you. This can be attached to your ankle or calf.⁠
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🌊 Wear a coiled leash for general paddling on canals, lakes, rivers and calm seas. You can attach it to your ankle, calf or via a quick release waist belt. More on this below!⁠
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So you’ve decided on the type of paddling you’ll be doing, now you need to match your leash system to the conditions and environment.⁠
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✅ Wear an ankle or calf leash anywhere the water has no movement and there is little to no risk of the leash being caught on something⁠
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✅ Wear a quick release waist belt on moving or flowing water where there is a risk of being caught on something⁠
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❌ For white water environments, we’d recommend that no leash is worn⁠
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For further safety advice, visit our website: https://orlo.uk/mjZ6D

Looking for places to paddle near Manchester this summer?🛶🌊⁠⁠✍️ Add the River Mersey to your list!⁠⁠The 13-mile (21km) M...
02/07/2026

Looking for places to paddle near Manchester this summer?🛶🌊⁠
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✍️ Add the River Mersey to your list!⁠
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The 13-mile (21km) Mersey Valley Way in Greater Manchester has officially opened as England’s first National River Walk, and alongside it comes our refreshed Mersey Paddle Trail (formerly the Mersey Canoe Trail) created in collaboration with the Mersey Rivers Trust.
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We’ve got four exciting paddling routes for you to try. Follow the River Mersey from Stockport, through south Manchester, and on to Ashton-on-Mersey 🦋⁠
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There are access agreements in place and a series of portage points along the routes, so you can choose your adventure. From short local paddles to longer sections or even the full trail.⁠
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🗺️ To download the full paddle guide, visit our website: https://orlo.uk/o2hZE

☀️ We know lots of you will be heading out on your inflatable SUP or kayak during the hot weather this week. Before you ...
25/06/2026

☀️ We know lots of you will be heading out on your inflatable SUP or kayak during the hot weather this week. Before you hit the water, make sure you know how to protect your inflatable from the heat

Check out our quick guide 👉️


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Inflate it to a few PSI below the recommended pressure.

Keep it cool by putting it in the shade or keeping it wet.

When you're not using it, deflate it or let some of the air out. Avoid keeping it on roof bars in direct sun.

Listen out for any sounds of air escaping. You'll likely hear anything before you see it!

🎁 WIN 1 OF 40 KITBRIX DOBI DRY BAGS 🎁To celebrate the 2026 ICF SUP World Cup and SUPER Festival kicking off today, we've...
24/06/2026

🎁 WIN 1 OF 40 KITBRIX DOBI DRY BAGS 🎁

To celebrate the 2026 ICF SUP World Cup and SUPER Festival kicking off today, we've teamed up with KITBRIX, our official luggage partner, to give away 40 Dobi Dry Bags!

Designed for days on the water, the 12L Dobi Dry Bag features a waterproof inner lining to help keep your kit dry, plus a removable liner for easy cleaning after your paddling adventures.

How to enter:
1️⃣ Sign up to the newsletter here: https://marketing.paddleuk.org.uk/p/7UUR-JTX/sup-world-cup-giveaway-go-paddling-news-sign-up
2️⃣ Complete the sign-up form
3️⃣ Tick the box to receive the Go Paddling newsletter
📅 Sign up between 24th and 28th (11:59pm) June for your chance to win

That's it – you'll automatically be entered into the prize draw!

By signing up to the newsletter, you'll also get...
📍 Inspo on new places to paddle
🛶 Paddling tips and safety advice
🗣️ Upcoming events, opportunities and exclusive offers

straight to your inbox!

Terms and conditions apply. Full details can be found on the sign-up form.

Good luck!🤞

☀️ With temperatures soaring across the UK, it's easy to assume the water is warm too. But even on the hottest days, sea...
22/06/2026

☀️ With temperatures soaring across the UK, it's easy to assume the water is warm too. But even on the hottest days, sea, river and lake temperatures can remain cold enough to cause cold water shock.

💧 Water below 15°C is cold enough to trigger cold water shock, a serious reaction that can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness or swimming ability.

By understanding the risks and taking a few simple precautions, you can stay safe and enjoy your time on the water ⬇️

✅ Dress for the water temperature, not the weather. Always be prepared for an unexpected swim
✅ Wear a buoyancy aid
✅ If stand up paddleboarding, wear the correct leash for the environment you're paddling in
✅ Take a spare pair of dry clothes and keep them in your dry bag
✅ Paddle within your ability

For further advice on cold water shock, what to do if you experience it and how to spot it in others, visit our website: https://orlo.uk/xSClB

18/06/2026

Explore North and East London from a new perspective this summer with this easy one-way paddle with Anu from My SUP Stories🌊

Following Regent’s Canal from Islington to Haggerston, this route is perfect for stand up paddleboarding or an inflatable kayak as no car is needed. It will take you past historic buildings, colourful canal boats, leafy stretches and some of London’s most unique waterside spots.

You’ll pass City Road Basin, spot the Alfred Hitchcock sculpture at Gainsborough Studios, and paddle through the lively Kingsland Towpath — with plenty of cafés and food spots to stop along the way ☕️

🌊 Waterway: Regent’s Canal

📍 Launch: Eastern portal of Islington Tunnel

🚆 Public transport: London Underground – Angel station (8 min walk) | London Overground – Haggerston station (6 min walk)

🛶 Distance: 1.5 miles (one way)

⏰ Time: 30–60 minutes

🪪 Waterways licence required, included within Paddle UK membership

🚧 Locks/portages: 2

Launch at the eastern portal of Islington Tunnel and follow Regent’s Canal east towards Haggerston.

As you leave Islington behind, the canal quickly changes from city scenes to leafy stretches, with weeping willows, wildlife and colourful narrowboats lining the water.

Portage at City Road Lock and take a break at City Road Basin, where there are plenty of waterside cafés nearby.

Keep paddling past old industrial buildings, a floating sauna and ice bath barge, before reaching Sturt’s Lock. Hop off here and look out for the Alfred Hitchcock sculpture at Gainsborough Studios.

Continue towards Kingsland Towpath, where the canal comes alive with food spots, cafés and the vibrant energy of East London.

Finish your paddle at Haggerston, or keep going towards Mile End if you want to explore more of Regent’s Canal.

🗺️ Find the full route and plan your paddle on PaddlePoints: gopaddling.info/paddlepoints

Thanks to Anu for another great London route! Keep an eye out for more paddling adventures around the capital 👀

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

Everyone should have the opportunity to spend time on the water 💙

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 👉 https://orlo.uk/wJ2fr

There's no better place to be on a sunny bank holiday weekend than on the water ☀️⁠⁠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 ☀️⁠
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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 ⬇️⁠
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✅ Always wear a buoyancy aid⁠
✅ Tell someone where you're going ⁠
✅ Carry a mobile phone⁠
✅ Check the weather ⁠
✅ Know your limits⁠
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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 👉 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 🛶 The Olympic Park Loop is ideal for paddleboarding or an inflatable kayak — 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 – a symbol of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

📍 Launch: Towpath by Olympic Park, Hackney Wick

🚆 Public transport: London Overground – Hackney Wick station (~5 min walk)

🛶 Distance: 2.5 miles (loop) – can be linked with Hackney Wick to Clapton for a longer route

⏰ Time: 1–1.5 hours

🌊 Waterways: Lee Navigation, River Lee, City Mill River, St Thomas Creek

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

🚶 Portages: 2 (Old Ford Lock)

🚾 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 – 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 – there are plenty of food carts by the water 🍺

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

🗺️ 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.

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

Website

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