Flat Water SUP
There are many stunning places to flat water/distance paddle in the area. The wind direction will most of the time determine where to go for a paddle so here are a few tips on the best places depending on the wind direction and strength. We are basing the wind strength on a moderate speed, any strong winds, and I would ditch the paddle and save it for next time or if you are experienced enough, try a downwinder. We are not trying to teach people to suck eggs here, just some friendly advise for anyone not sure about how the wind can affect your paddle.
Onshore (SW, S or SE) - Poole bay will be choppy and not ideal so head for Christchurch river, Studland (in front of the Bankes Arms) or maybe Poole harbour depending on the wind speed. Swanage would also be a good place as it will almost be offshore there.
Offshore (NW, N or NE) - Anywhere in ‘the bay’ (Sandbanks to Hengisbury head) will be smooth, and the more you stick to the beach front, the more shelter you will have. Be midful that the wind will try to push you out to sea so still to the shore line.
X-shore (W or E) - not much shelter from this wind but this is a good opportunity to try a downwind paddle. Taking Poole Bay for example, on a W wind, start at Sandbanks and head towards Hengisbury Head and opposite on an E wind. You’ll need 2 cars or a very understanding partner to drop you off and pick you up. Always wear a leash, check the tides and we would not advise that you do this alone. Any activity out at sea has risk element and should be done with severa caution at all times.
If you are unsrue about any of this advise, please get intouch and we’ll help you out. We want people to be safe and have a happy enjoyable time on the water.
Knoll Beach to Old Harry Rocks.
Get the ferry from Sandbanks to Studland and Knoll is the first beach carpark you will get to (about 2 miles after you get off the ferry). Launch from the beach and head over to Old Harry Rocks. The water is shallow at Old Harry so carry your boards over the rocks and paddle on the ocean side – you will see Swanage in the distance. There are caves and coves to go through, it’s a fantastic paddle, scenary is incredible. I would only recommend this paddle in flat calm seas with no wind and swell. If your unsure about the conditions don’t bother.
Christchurch Harbour to Mudeford
This is a great paddle if it’s windy and the ocean is not paddle friendly. Start at the Captains Club in Christchurch and paddle down river towards Mudeford. Very peaceful and calm area. The return distance is just under 3.5 miles. At Mudeford, there is a pub which is nice for a beer/water half way through your paddle. Also, on Hengiusbury head there is a café which does a great burger!
Things to be aware of are any bouys which are marked as ‘Conservation Area’ these areas must be avoided at all times. other things would again be tide conditions. The tide can be paddled against on the river but it’s hard work – going with the tide is a great fun!
Brownsea Island
Paddling around Brownsea Island is spectacular as the scenery is just superb. If you get this paddle on a nice day, it’s just glorious.
There are various places to start from but most go from Sandbanks main beach carpark and head through the boats and over the channel and down either side of the island.
There are things to be aware of with this paddle:
Check the tides before you go. The best place for tide times is Pottery Pier and Poole Harbour Entrance. What you need to avoid is the tidal rush which goes through the channel – the bigger the difference between the tides heights and the smaller the difference in the times between the high and low, the more difficult the you paddle will be. You basically want to make sure there is as little amount of water moving as possible. If the tides are not big and you get them when they are moving, you can generally paddle ok, but just get across the channel ASAP.
Take care when crossing the channel and don’t play chicken with any of the boats, especially the ferries. Make sure you keep a look out for boats and cross over as quickly as possible.
The distance from Sandbanks is 4.5 miles and should about an hour to complete. If you have never paddled the island before, we suggest you find someone who has and hook up with them.
The one golden rule for Brownsea is ALWAYS WEAR A LEASH. Don’t consider this paddle without one. The channel can get bumpy and if the tide is moving, you could come off and you board be gone before you can even think about getting back on.
River Stour
This is a great paddle if the bay is blown out. There are various places to start such as Iyford Bridge, Captains Club or as far a Mudeford quay. Check the tides before you go to determine which is the best way to paddle, generally is more pleasurable to to start against tide and come back with tide. The tidal movement is manageable and will you will be able to paddle against it no problem.
Starting from Captain Club you can paddle up river and the further you’ll be able to go is the weir at Christchurch Golf Club. About 100 meters before the weir there is a green bridge which has a sign stating that you can’t go further than the weir.
The Captains Club car park is about £1 an hour in the summer and a£1 for the day in the winter. To avoid paying for parking you could park in Wick lane which is free and runs alongside the river. Starting at Captains Club to the weir and back is 5 miles