The best British locations for paddle boarding
Stand up paddle boarding was born in Hawaii from surf instructors standing on boards while they taught lessons. From an accidental invention, it has grown to become one of the most popular and enjoyable wellness activities.
Whether you ‘SUP’ to explore the UK’s canals and waterways in complete tranquillity, for exercise, or to be at one with the outdoors, there are plenty of amazing places to paddle board in the UK.
Here are 8 of the best in Britain.
Snowdonia, North Wales
Fully qualified instruction, all the equipment you need and the glorious backdrop of Snowdonia await at Psyched Paddle Boarding in Wales.
Enjoy introductory sessions, SUP safaris around the Anglesey coast – even night SUPs under the clear Snowdonian skies!
Lake District, Cumbria
With five different locations to choose from, the Lakes seems a natural fit for the joys of paddle boarding.
Lake District Paddle Boarding offers introductory lessons on Derwentwater, Coniston and Ullswater. You can also enjoy an intro lesson and a mini ‘SUPfari’ down the gorgeous River Derwent.
Cornwall
A mecca for surfing and now stand up paddle boarding, Cornwall offers plenty of amazing locations to SUP. The Jubilee Pool lido at Penzance is an art deco marvel offering paddle boarding and incredible views over to St Michael’s Mount.
If you fancy a wilder experience you can chart the River Fowey from a stand up paddleboard or at coastal locations including Portreath, the Lizard & Durgan with SUP in a Bag.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland
Appropriately named, Wilderness SUP allows you to truly get away from it all and enjoy the feeling of gliding over the calm waters of Loch Voil, Loch Venachar and Loch Lomond.
Enjoy sunset SUP trips, digital detox trips (so you’ll have to wait to IG your pics!) and more amazing experiences on the water.
Brighton and Hove, Sussex
Lagoon Watersports is the perfect place to enjoy a little variety. Alongside introductory courses to stand up paddle boarding you can learn touring techniques that will help you explore the sea and even SUP yoga for the ultimate in on-board relaxation.
With yachting, sailing, powerboating, wakeboarding and more also available, it’s the perfect day out on the water.
Norfolk Broads
Tailor-made for a SUP safari, the Norfolk Broads boasts some of the most stunning waterways to explore.
Visit Norfolk Outdoor Adventures and you can enjoy sunset SUPs, mornings on the water and many more aqua adventures with introductory tuition and guidance.
Cambridge
Though it may be more famous for punting, paddle boarding is where it’s at when it comes to messing about on the river.
Get your accreditation with a Ready to Ride session on the lake at Milton Country Park. After two and a half hours you’ll be qualified to hire a board and paddle at any other accredited British Stand Up centre in the UK.
River Wye, Herefordshire
The UK’s fifth-longest river offers amazing views and perfect tranquillity to complement the calm experience of paddle boarding.
Wye SUP are the experts at helping you navigate your way down the Wye. Full or half day river trips, kids and family sessions and more are all available in a stunning river setting.
