Last year, I tried paddleboarding for the first time and was immediately hooked. Like many beginners, I wasn’t quite sure where to start. Learning to stand up on the board turned out to be easier than I expected, but understanding where to paddle, what equipment I needed, and how to stay safe felt a little more daunting.
Thankfully, online communities such as East of England Paddlesports made those first steps much easier. Through other paddlers, I discovered local launch points, learned about river conditions, and picked up plenty of practical tips. What initially felt like a sport with a steep learning curve quickly became an accessible hobby that I could enjoy close to home.
One of the things that surprised me most was just how many places there are to paddle in Essex and the surrounding area. We’re spoilt for choice, with rivers, waterways, estuaries, and coastline all within easy reach. Once I started looking at the landscape from a paddler’s perspective, I began noticing opportunities for adventures everywhere.
Exploring from the Water
Some of my favourite paddling trips are the ones that combine time on the water with a stop for a coffee, lunch, or a cold drink along the way. It turns a paddle into a day out with and provides the perfect excuse to take things slowly.
The River Stour has become a particular favourite. Not only is it close to home, but it also offers beautiful scenery and some excellent riverside stops. The Anchor Inn in Nayland and The Henny Swan near Sudbury are both regular highlights, providing a welcome break before heading back onto the water.
Another favourite is the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, where the Paper Mill Lock Tearooms provide the perfect place to pause and watch the world drift by. Even if you’re not ready to get on a paddleboard yourself, sitting beside the water and watching paddlers pass can be a great way to discover what the sport is all about.
More Than a Solo Hobby
While paddleboarding is a fantastic way to spend a few peaceful hours alone, I’ve found it to be a great family activity too.
Most of the time I’m joined by my children, Sophie and Riley, who love spending time on the water. What began as my hobby has become something we can enjoy together, whether we’re exploring a new stretch of river or simply paddling somewhere familiar.
More recently, we’ve added a golden retriever called Winston to the family. Like many retrievers, he loves being outdoors and has already proven himself to be a surprisingly enthusiastic paddleboarding companion.
Finding Adventure Close to Home
What I love most about paddleboarding is that it doesn’t require travelling long distances or spending months planning a trip.
Adventure can be found just a few miles from home.
Exploring Essex and Suffolk from the water has introduced me to places I might never have discovered otherwise. It has encouraged me to slow down, spend more time outdoors, and appreciate landscapes that I once drove straight past without a second thought.
