Paddle boarding delivers many benefits, including great exercise, fun for all the family and a sense of clam whilst you paddle along a quiet river, taking in nature.
Here are just some of the paddle boarding spots across Norfolk and Suffolk where you can try stand up paddle boarding or take paddle boarding lessons. You can take your own paddle board to any of these locations or take advantage of East Coast Stand Up Paddle Tours hire or lesson services - but make sure you book ahead in advance.
Coltishall
If it’s the Norfolk Broads you’re looking to explore this year, then be sure to check out East Coast Stand Up Paddle Tours from Coltishall. With weekly sunset paddle boarding sessions, there is ample opportunity for you to hop on and off as you make your way down the tranquil waterways at a gentle pace within the company of a a qualified and experienced ASI Paddle Boarding Instructor. East Coast Standup Paddle Tours offers weekly paddle boarding lessons at Coltishall on the River Bure. The River Bure and Coltishall experience is perfect for beginners because there is little to no wave movement, meaning even the most inexperienced paddler can enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. Customers and companies can book a 2 hr lesson for up to 8 people per session. Prices start from £45, including equipment hire, safety briefing, comprehensive lesson followed by a slow paddle along the beautiful River Bure.
If you have your own paddle board, Coltishall is a lovely place to launch from with Coltishall Common being perfect for picnics and plenty of outdoor dining at The Rising Sun pub. There is free parking on Anchor St, just off Wroxham Road but often very busy during peak hours. You can also park at the Rising Sun Pub car park but be sure to be a paying customer.
Oulton Broad
A well-known paddle boarding spot in Suffolk. Oulton Broad offers a safe but busier location to learn paddle boarding. If you have your own paddle board you can use a public slipway close to Oulton Broad Water Sports Centre, Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, NR33 9JR. East Coast Standup Paddle Tours has use of private facilities at Tingdene's Oulton Broad Marina, providing a safe environment to learn paddle boarding from. Customers and companies can book a 2 hr lesson for up to 8 people per session. Prices start from £45, including equipment hire, safety briefing, comprehensive lesson followed by a slow paddle along around Oulton Broad.
Oulton Broad also hosts sailing and power boat racing events throughout the year so be sure to plan ahead and ensure that you stay clear of other vessels whilst paddling to ensure your group safety. Its best to go paddle boarding in Oulton Broad during quieter times and when the wind is low. High winds mean choppier conditions so check the weather before you plan your paddle boarding session.
Bungay - "The Bungay Loop"
The Bungay Loop on the River Waveney is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places to paddle board in Suffolk. You can use the launching point near to the Riverside Centre, Bungay Staithe, NR35 1BF upstream of the weir and turn left towards Outney Meadow Caravan Park. No experience is necessary and the route is suitable for families with children. The river winds its way through meadows, with lovely views of open water, riverbanks, willows and open skies. The water here is very clear and you can peer into it to spot many fish along the route. There are also
rope swings along the route with plenty of places to stop and have fun swimming in the clear water. Customers and companies can book a 2 hr lesson with East Coast Standup Paddle Tours for up to 8 people per session. Prices start from £45, including equipment hire, safety briefing, comprehensive lesson followed by a slow paddle along some of the loop.
Geldeston Lock
A well-known spot for paddle boarders, Geldeston Lock on the Norfolk-Suffolk border is an ideal location for a day out on the water this summer, providing you easy access to the Broads. Setting down the River Waveney, head east where you will make your way through the likes of Barsham Marshes and Waveney Meadow before you eventually reach Beccles.
For a gentler journey, why not traverse from Geldeston village to Geldeston Lock and back in under an hour. Simply go down the dyke and at the end, turn right on to the River Waveney towards Geldeston Lock. Heading west on the River Waveney will take you towards Bungay. With no motorboats on this stretch of river, it’s an extremely peaceful journey with an abundance of wildlife. Customers and companies can book a 2 hr lesson with East Coast Standup Paddle Tours for up to 8 people per session. Prices start from £45, including equipment hire, safety briefing, comprehensive lesson followed by a slow paddle along some of the River Waveney. There are several places to grab picnic lunches in Beccles on your day out, including Twyfords cafe (for fantastic cakes and epic sandwiches), and Baileys Deli.
Interested in booking a paddle boarding lesson? Either book a session here or contact us using the form below.