Paddle Boarding has become an increasingly popular water sport in recent years, and for good reason. It’s a great way to get out on the water, enjoy the scenery, and get a good workout. If you’re looking for the best places to paddle board on the south coast of the UK, you’re in luck. There are many beautiful spots to explore, from sheltered bays to rolling waves. Here are some of the top options:
The Solent
Stretching between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, the Solent is a favourite amongst paddlers due to its diverse range of habitats and wildlife. Whether you’re paddling along the shores of the Isle of Wight or exploring the channels of the Hamble River, the Solent is a must-visit for any paddler.
Some popular launch points when paddling on the Solent include:
- Gosport Marina: This marina is located on the mainland side of the Solent and offers easy access to the water for paddlers
- Hamble Point Marina: Located on the mainland side of the Solent, this marina has plenty of parking and facilities for paddlers.
- Lymington Yacht Haven: This yacht haven is located on the mainland side of the Solent and is a popular launch point for paddlers.
- Cowes Harbour: Located on the Isle of Wight, Cowes Harbour is a popular launch point for paddlers heading out into the Solent.
Christchurch Harbour
Located on the coast of Dorset, Christchurch Harbour is a great spot for paddleboarding. It’s a sheltered waterway, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed experience. The harbour is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seals, birds, and fish, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
There are several options for launching a paddle craft in Christchurch Harbour:
- Mudeford Quay: Located on the eastern side of the harbour, this is a popular launching spot for kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders. There is a small beach and a slipway for launching.
- Stanpit Marsh: This nature reserve on the western side of the harbour has a small slipway for launching kayaks and small boats.
- Friars Cliff Beach: Located on the south side of the harbour, this sandy beach is a good spot for launching kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
- Christchurch Harbour Sailing Club: This club located on the western side of the harbour has a slipway for launching small boats, including kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
- Mudeford Sandbank: Located on the eastern side of the harbour, this sandy bank is a popular spot for launching kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Access is via a small ferry from Mudeford Quay.
Poole Harbour
Another great spot on the south coast of the UK is Poole Harbour. This large natural harbour is home to a variety of water sports, including paddle boarding. The water is generally calm, making it ideal for paddlers of all abilities. The harbour is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including sand dunes, forests, and open fields, making it a great spot for a relaxing day on the water.
There are several places where you can launch when paddling in Poole Harbour:
- Shore Road, Poole Quay: This is a popular spot for kayakers and stand-up paddlers as it offers easy access to the water.
- Sandbanks Beach: This is a great spot for paddlers looking to explore the western side of Poole Harbour.
- Canford Cliffs: This is a good launch point for paddlers who want to explore the eastern side of the harbour.
- Upton Country Park: This park offers several paddling options, including a paddling trail along the River Frome.
- Holes Bay: This is a popular spot for paddlers looking to explore the western side of Poole Harbour.
- Hamworthy Beach: This is a good spot for paddlers looking to explore the eastern side of the harbour.
Hayling Island
Located just off the coast of Hampshire, Hayling Island is a great spot for paddle boarding. The island is home to several sandy beaches and coves, making it ideal for exploring by paddleboard. The water is generally calm, but there are also some waves for those looking for a bit more excitement.
There are several places you can launch from when paddling in Hayling Island:
- West Beach: Located on the western side of the island, this beach offers a wide, flat launch area with ample parking.
- Eastoke Beach: Located on the eastern side of the island, this beach offers a good launch point for paddling around the island.
- Langstone Harbour: Located in the north of the island, this harbour offers a number of launch points, including a slipway and a beach.
- Hayling Island Sailing Club: Located on the western side of the island, this sailing club offers a slipway for launching kayaks and small boats.
- Chichester Harbour: Located to the north of Hayling Island, this harbour offers a number of launch points, including a slipway and a beach.
Bournemouth Bay
Located on the coast of Dorset, Bournemouth Bay is a great spot for paddle boarding. The bay is home to a few sandy beaches and coves, making it perfect for exploring by paddleboard. The water is generally calm, but there are also some waves for those looking for a bit more excitement.
There are several places to launch from when paddling in Bournemouth Bay:
- Southbourne Beach: Located on the western side of Bournemouth Bay, Southbourne Beach offers a sheltered launch spot with a wide stretch of sand.
- Hengistbury Head: Located on the eastern side of the bay, Hengistbury Head offers a launch spot with stunning views of the coast and the Isle of Wight.
- Sandbanks: Sandbanks is a popular spot for paddling and boasts a sheltered launch spot with plenty of parking.
- Mudeford Quay: Located on the western side of the bay, Mudeford Quay offers a sheltered launch spot with easy access to the river and the coast.
- Alum Chine: Alum Chine is a sheltered cove on the western side of the bay with a wide stretch of sand that makes for an ideal launch spot.
Weymouth Bay
Located on the coast of Dorset, Weymouth Bay is another great spot for paddle boarding. The bay is home to several sandy beaches and coves, making it perfect for exploring by paddleboard. The water is generally calm, but there are also some waves for those looking for a bit more excitement.
When paddling in Weymouth Bay you can launch from either of the following locations:
- Weymouth Sea Front: This is a popular launching point for paddlers and kayakers, with a slipway leading down to the water. There are also several cafes and restaurants nearby for refreshments.
- Weymouth Beach: The beach stretches from the sea front to the harbour and offers plenty of space to launch a kayak or paddle board. There are also a number of car parks nearby for easy access.
- Portland Harbour: This is a sheltered harbour located just outside of Weymouth Bay, and is a popular spot for paddling and kayaking. There are several launching points around the harbour, including a slipway at the National Sailing Academy.
- Preston Beach: Located on the eastern side of Weymouth Bay, Preston Beach is a quieter spot for paddling and offers views of Portland Bill Lighthouse. There is a small car park and slipway at the beach, making it easy to launch your kayak or paddle board.
- Chickerell Beach: This is a small, sandy beach located on the western side of Weymouth Bay, near Weymouth. There is a small car park and slipway at the beach, making it a convenient spot to launch your kayak or paddle board.
The Thames Estuary
The Thames Estuary is a unique paddling location, with its wide, open waterways and stunning views of the Kent and Essex coastlines. With its diverse range of habitats and wildlife, it’s a paddler’s paradise.
There are several options for launching when paddling on the Thames Estuary:
- Canvey Island Sea Wall: Located on the north side of the estuary, this spot provides easy access to the water and is a popular spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Thames Barrier: Located in the east of London, this spot offers paddlers the chance to explore the Thames Barrier and the surrounding wetlands.
- Foulness Island: Located on the north side of the estuary, this spot is perfect for paddlers looking to explore the marshes and creeks of Foulness Island.
- Benfleet Creek: Located on the south side of the estuary, this spot offers paddlers the chance to explore the winding creeks and marshes of Benfleet.
- Leigh-on-Sea: Located on the south side of the estuary, this spot is popular with paddlers looking to explore the creeks and wetlands of Leigh-on-Sea.
No matter where you choose to paddle on the south coast of the UK, be sure to follow all safety guidelines and respect the local environment. With a little planning and the right equipment, you’ll be sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience on the water.