Paddleboarding during colder months

Paddleboarding during winter or autumn offers an entirely different experience to the one that summer holds and is often only tried by more dedicated SUP’ers. However, those who do venture out during the colder months often say it’s their favourite time of the year as there are fewer people about and the whole experience is far more relaxing, and we couldn’t agree more.

Nature fans will also often prefer paddleboarding in the winter or autumn over summer. Not only will heading out on your SUP during winter reveal unique, ever-changing landscapes but you are also more likely to see any kinds of wildlife due to fewer people out on the water.

The only caveat to paddleboarding during the colder months is that you have to be more prepared, think wetsuits or drysuits, hats gloves, change robes – the works! To save you having to think about what you need, head over to our blog, SUP Winter Clothing Guide to find out all of the essentials you need.

Below we’re taking a look at some of our favourite cold-weather spots to paddleboard in the UK.

Wast Water, Cumbria

Wast Water is a quiet, secluded spot making it the ideal one to kick off our top paddleboarding sports for the colder months. Found in the Wasdale Valley, Wast Water is three miles long, half a mile wide and 260 feet deep (making it a superrrr deep lake so SUP on).

Wastwater is an awesome paddle spot, however, it can be quite exposed so during the colder months ensure you are wrapped up in your winter SUP gear. It’s surrounded by mountains including Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike which is England’s highest mountain.

Symonds Yat, River Wye, Herefordshire

Known as Britain’s ‘favourite river’ and for very good reason! River Wye is a great spot if you’re looking for a spot you can paddle on for a long time, seeing as you can do so for over 100 miles long! You’ll spot some beautiful wildlife on the way even during autumn and winter.

One of the most popular spots to paddle on is Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat, which takes around three hours.

Cuckmere Meanders, East Sussex

A beautiful spot in the South East to take your SUP on a crisp autumnal evening. Starting near Heathfield in East Sussex, Cuckmere Meanders goes as far as the English Channel at Cuckmere Haven, making it the perfect spot to SUP if you want a mix of river and sea.

Paddington Basin, London

One of our favourite spots to paddleboard in London. An incredible inner-city location right near to Paddington Station and off the junction of Regents Canal and the Grand Union Canal. We love paddleboarding in the city during the colder months as you’re less likely to experience that cold sea breeze (obviously) or any other chill that being out in the open provides. Paddling down through the city gives you at least, a small shelter from the elements with all of the surrounding buildings.

Brentford Lock, London

Another one of our favourite spots to SUP in London, like with Paddington Basin, Brentford Lock is based on the cities canals. Its epic location is only a few moments away from the lock where the River Brent joins the Grand Union Canal.

It is a mellow, quiet location, which is really brought to light during the colder months. Because of this, it’s also a great place to take the whole family or for beginners to paddleboarding.

River Cam, Cambridge

Measuring 43 miles in length, the River Cam is the main river that flows through Cambridge. It is a beautiful spot to paddle on a crisp sunny day when not many people are about and are especially not paddleboarding our on the River Cam. During the more popular months, the River Cam is one of Cambridge’s most popular spots with tourists and residents alike.

It is a beautiful place to be able to take in the full beauty that Cambridge has to offer and, during the summer months you are likely to see punters occupying the river along with tons of families, couples and friends having picnics by the riverside.

Argyll & The Isles, Scotland

Argyll & The Isles have plenty of epic spots to paddleboard along, just remember that they can get very cold during the autumn and winter so be sure to layer up before going and pack some warm drinks and snacks to have after your SUP session!

Some amazing places you may want to try out are the Isle of Kerrera or attempt a sunset paddle to the Oban coastline to see Dunollie Castle and marine wildlife.

Dunmore East, County Waterford

Dunmore East is a popular tourist and fishing village in County Waterford, situated on the west side of Waterford Harbour on Ireland’s southeastern coast. What makes it such a special place to SUP during the colder months are the abundance of small, sheltered coves providing shelter from the winds and (potential) rain.