Your Questions Answered

There are many questions that don’t warrant a whole article/guide. We have decided to include them all on this page. They range from licensing questions, to how to discover tide times. Have a browse. Who knows what you might discover.

Do I need a license to paddle board?

While you do not need a paddle board license when in the sea, you will need a license for most waterways and rivers in the UK. In fact, for most managed waterways and rivers, you could get fined if you don’t have one. Rather than risk a huge fine, it’s so easy to join either British Canoeing (if you live in England) or Canoe Wales. This is by far the easiest way to obtain a license giving you access to 4,500km of water. All you need is one license for the Canal and Rivers Trust, the Environmental Agency, the Broads Authority and more.

You can purchase a license through the individual waterways however, this is much more expensive. A British Canoeing membership is £45 which then gives you access to all of the waterways. By purchasing individual waterway licenses, you will be charged £85 per waterway.

Can anyone paddle board?

There are no restrictions on who can paddle board. Of course, you must choose the right paddle board for your age and weight and you must choose wisely when picking a location to board. Follow all safety procedures and make sure you supervise children on the water. Be safe, be sensible and be aware of your surroundings and any potential dangers but there are no restrictions on who can and can’t paddle board. From first timers to old timers, the pastime can be enjoyed by all.

How much should I spend on a paddle board?

We have lost count of the number of times we are asked this question. The answer is whatever you want to spend. of course, the old adage “you get what you pay for” largely applies. Some bargains which seem too good to be true often are. We think that a reasonable amount for a beginner to spend on a decent all round paddle board is around the £300 mark. You will be able to pick up bargains that are slightly cheaper than this but anything too cheap is that cheap for a reason.

Where can I learn to paddle board?

Many people are self taught however, it is advisable to book yourself at least one introductory lesson at a local SUP club. there are many local clubs around that offer beginner lessons or taster sessions. Ask on Facebook for recommendations. There are many UK paddle board groups that you can join on Facebook like this one which has over 80,000 members that should be able to help you find local clubs and contacts in your areas.