Paddleboarding and SUP Yoga In Kent

Paddleboarding in Kent is fast becoming a very attractive hobby to those of us who live near the coast, rivers or just about anywhere in the county. It is great for working on your core strength unconsciously whilst you paddle along happily. Watch out for the tides if you are paddling at the coast, know your environment and which way the current is flowing, oh and watch out for waves! On rivers you have the advantage of the waters not being tidal, but you may have other obstacles such as bridges, other boats and users. Also on some rivers or canals you may need a license to actually paddle on the water.

Paddleboarding works out your entire body from your arms, back, core, legs, and all your stabilizer muscles. SUP yoga will allow you to focus on all these muscle groups in a mindful way and allow you to work on your breathing while doing your yoga practice in the tranquil blue environment.

Self Launch Locations In Kent

Perfect for if you have invested in a paddleboard yourself and want to get out and explore Kent’s waterways.

• Hythe Military Canal

A perfect tranquil piece of waterway in Kent, the canal runs for 28 miles from Seabrook, near Folkestone to near Rye.

The Royal Military Canal, between Seabrook Outfall and West Hythe Dam is controlled by Folkestone and Hythe District Council. You require both a permit and public liability insurance to use this section.

Read more on boat and canoe licences over on the Hythe and Folkestone Council page.

After West Hythe Dam no license is required to paddleboard along the canal. Find some self launch spots from the Go Paddling website detailed a bit further down – like Appledore!

• River Medway

The River Medway stretches from High Weald in Sussex, through Tonbridge and Maidstone, the river ends where it meets the Thames estuary near Sheerness.

It is a great spot for watersports and you’ll find various sports happening on the river. The river is a lovely flat, green wilderness – sounds like paradise right?

A license is required – included in British Canoeing Membership.

• River Stour

The River Stour is a really picturesque paddle for those wanting to embrace nature and paddle through the heart of the Kent countryside.

The river becomes wider and deeper from Ashford. Grove Ferry and Fordwich are ideal self launching spots where parking is also available.

Or why not paddle through the heart of the historic city of Canterbury, with pretty converted mill buildings and ancient bridges.

No license is required.

• River Rother

The river rother runs from East Sussex to Rye Bay. An ideal spot to paddleboard is along the stretch of river in East Sussex up towards Bodiam Castle.

Here, the canal is only really navigable by small craft. So paddlers, paddle here to enjoy being at one with nature!

No license is required.

If you have your own paddleboard you can launch from the Bodiam Boating jetty for £5 per board. Available outside of weekends & school holidays.

• Bewl Water

Bewl Water is a fantastic venue to come and visit if you have your own paddleboard. Located in the beautiful setting of the High Weald AONB in Kent near Tunbridge Wells. The lake is open for use seven days a week for annual members. Membership can be purchased via the Bewl Water Watersports webpage.

River Licences Explained

It’s useful to clue yourself up on all things license wise when starting our your paddleboarding in Kent adventure. So read more about river licenses on the Go Paddling River License Explained webpage.

Find Other Launch Spots In Kent

The Go Paddling website has some very useful information about where you can paddle and launch your own boards from.

Paddleboarding and SUP Yoga Lessons in Kent

Ideal for those who want to try paddleboarding before investing in your own board, or simply if you just want to have a go every now and again. Meet like minded people on lessons, join a club and take part in SUP activities such as river clean ups and SUP Yoga lessons. Start your paddleboarding experience this year and you might just be surprised at how much fun it is.

Paddle Cabin, Tonbridge

Here are at the Paddle Cabin, wellbeing is core to our purpose, to bring joy and the feel-good factor in everything we do. We bring this to life through our monthly SUP yoga and monthly SUP meditation sessions, campfire social paddles and SUP Pups sessions so come and join us!

Canoe Wild, Canterbury

You can bring your own board or hire one from Canoe Wild, which has locations at Grove Ferry Picnic Site and Fordwich. Explore the river with a wildlife filled paddle. Check out their new day tours combining canoeing with cycling – Pedal and Paddle your way through Kent.

Kent Surf School, Broadstairs

Kent’s leading surf school is an award winning surf school as voted by their customers. As a family owned and run business, Kent Surf School has a driving passion to share their enthusiasm for the ocean with the next generation.

Kite Pirates, Ramsgate

Part of Active Ramsgate and a new paddleboarding outlet in Ramsgate, run by Kite Pirates School. Paddleboards are available for hire for £15 per hour inclusive of lifejacket. No booking is required, simply turn up and book your spot. The school is open 7 days a week on calm days

SUP with Helen, Maidstone

A small company built on friendship and a passion for paddleboarding ad travelling! Join Helen for a paddleboarding or SUP Yoga lessons at Teston Country Park near Maidstone.

Joss Bay SUP, Broadstairs

The well known Joss Bay Surf school have been safely delivering surf and SUP experiences for the past 23 years. Based in Broadstairs.

Mote Park, Maidstone

Visit Mote Park for a taster lesson, ideal for beginners due to the water depth being very shallow (standing depth), no moving boat traffic, no tidal movement.

Bodiam Boating Station, Rye

Located just outside Rye, Bodiam Boating Station is within a quaint town to visit on any kind of day. Bodiam Castle is also a delight of a castle to visit owned by the National Trust.

Seapoint Canoe Centre, Hythe

Also offering SUP lessons for all abilities, as well as ladies only sessions. The centre is located in between the sea and the canal ideal for sea and canal explorations.

River Medway Canoes, Wateringbury

The river is ideal for complete beginners, fitness fanatics and nature enthusiasts, you may even spot a Kingfisher or the occasional Otter! All lessons are started with a full safety brief and demo before taking to the river.

Epic Life, Tonbridge

Offering both taster and adventure sessions for beginners, held in stunning river locations at Bodiam (River Rother), Wittersham (River Rother) and Tonbridge (River Medway). Also offering more advanced sessions on the sea at our Hastings beach site (which can be a little more challenging due to the breeze). SUP Yoga lessons are also available from Tonbridge.

AquaPaddle

AquaPaddle is the Paddle Sport charity. It aims to help people’s mental wellbeing and physical health through paddle sport and​ a free-of-charge, timed 5km paddle for all abilities, on waterways across the country. They are growing and supporting the paddle sport community, that will complement our BlueSpace activities.

AquaPaddle Tonbridge is their first Location in Kent. It is on the River Medway that winds its way through the county and meets with The Thames in North Kent. The route starts and finishes in the historic town just by Tonbridge Castle. The exact location from What3words is: ///mess.sock.agrees on Tonbridge Slipway where you take a route around Tinker Island. If you don’t have your own craft to take they can provide them at hire cost for you. You can look to paddle one Sunday a month. Check out their events page to book a date.

Photos are from Paddle Cabin