How To: Sup on Rivers and Canals
Whilst there are plenty of river and canals you can paddle, there are many more you can't for safety reasons. Here are our top tips for staying safe while paddling on rivers and canals.
Rivers and Lakes:
The UK's rivers and lakes provide great SUP opportunites for both recreational and competitive paddlers. Rivers are graded according to an International Grading System 1-6, with grade 1 representing calmer rivers, but not all inland water is open to paddleboarders, some are privately owned and the law on access/navigation rights is sometimes unclear.
Please contact The British Canoe Union who have an Access Officer in each region who can advise you about local waterways.
Canals:
There are over 3,000 miles of canal to explore in the UK with over 100 miles of them close to us at SUP.co.uk! These 'water highways' are an ideal environment to learn on and most people will have a canal near them, but you will need a licence.
You will need a licence to use a paddleboard on a canal. If you try stand up paddle boarding with a club, they can arrange a licence for you. If you want to go on your own, you can book a short term licence via the Canal Trust Website.
The 30 day licence can be used on 30 different days throughout the year.
Whether you choose a buoyancy vest or PFD (personal floatation device), any help staying afloat is vital especially in colder conditions and surf conditions. Not only will a buoyancy aid keep you afloat, but it will also help give you time to recover when you fall in!
Waist belt PFD's are also an option for calmer waters when help is nearby. Ensure that any buoyancy aid is 50N or more to keep your head above water.
As the air is normally cooler, exposed skin on your feet and hands will get colder, shoes/boots and a thin pair of gloves that have a little grip in the palm will really help and reduce the chances of your falling in.
A Neoprene beanie will help reduce heat loss and keep you head warm even if you fall in the water.
The change in weather in winter can be drastic, paddling into a biting cold wind against a current can sap you energy really quick.
Rain or snow can make it difficult to see when you’re on the water also.
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It is easy not to use a leash on flat water in the summer months, but in the cooler months – you should be wearing a SUP leash at all times.
Your board is a large floatation device and having a leash attached to you will reduce you from getting into any serious trouble.
If you know the wind direction, paddle into it first while your fresh and use the wind behind you as you return home. It makes a difference.
The last thing needed is fatigue on your way back with the wind blowing hard in your face and your body temperatures dropping.
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It’s always a good idea to have in case of an emergency but during the winter, safety is paramount. Carry your phone in a waterproof case and keep it close to you. The cold will also reduce your battery so ensure it is kept warm at all times.
