Paddleboarding spots across the South West, U.K

Hello fellow wanderers!

So, you're interested in finding some new paddle boarding locations right? Well, you're in the right place, and don't worry if you don't have your own board - there are board hire places at all of these locations.

5. Portland Marina.

Lets get the ball rolling with our first location. Portland Marina. If you are just starting out Paddleboarding and need a quite spot away other water goers, this is your place!

The company we used here was called 'Adventure4all' - a small, family run business set up right on the edge of the marina. The owner Alex, can give you as much or as little instruction as you like, will give you advise on the tide, and keep an eye on you so that you don't drift off to France while you are in the water. You have free reign here to decide how long you would like in the water as you pay per hour once you have come back onto shore.

Address: Portland Marina, Osprey Quay, Portland DT5 1DX

4. Sidmouth Beach

Now, If you want to slo paddle boarding inbetween a day of sunbathing on the beach and moseying around a cute seaside town, Sidmouth has it all. The hire place 'Jurrasic Paddle Sports' is set up right on the beach, with staff ready and waiting to get you floating (bonus points for not having to carry the paddle board yourself).

There is a marked area within the sea in which you are allowed to board, so not to go out of sight or float off into the depths of the sea. But the area is plenty big enough to give you room to explore, doging swimmers, kayakers and bodyborders as you go. This is another hourly hire system, however you have to pre-book and pay for your time slot before you embark.

Address: Sidmouth EX10 8NS

3. Poole Harbour

After some vast open water to explore? Well this is somewhere you aren't going to be short of space! No beach this time, but you can park your car right on the waters edge, very convinient if you have your own board to whip out the boot of your car.

There is all sorts going on in the marina, wind surfers, kayaks, sailing and fishing boats. But we were still never short of space, and had no concerns of bumbing into something we shouldn't. On a calm day you could paddle far out into the marina towards Brownsea Island.

You certainly aren't short of hire shops here either as their are mutliple vans surrounding the harbour.

Address: Sandbanks Road, Poole, BH14 8LH

https://www.pooletourism.com/visitor-information/poole-harbour

2. Oddicombe Beach - Torquay

Ahhh this place really was so close to being my number 1 spot. Scenic views, beachside walks, varying coastlines; Oddicombe has all of my favourite things.

The only thing stopping this from being my favourite, is the paddle boards themselves. This was the only place we went where it was almost impossible to stand up on the boards, and I think they'd actually be more useful to do your ironing on.

But, despite the board situation, this is such a great place to paddle board. The Hire place is loctated right on the beach, with staff members to help you into the water. It has calm waters and freedom to explore the coast line. Its a steap walk down to the beach, but completely worth the additional exercise.

And anyway, trying to stay on the board only makes it more fun!

Address: Babbacombe Downs Rd, Torquay TQ1 3L

1. Salcombe Estuary

And now we have my all time favourite spot for paddle boarding, which also happens to be the first place I ever went paddle boarding - Salcombe Estuary! Salcombe really is the most picturesque place, in which everytime I visit I can hardly beleive its England.

Now, I'm not going to lie, this Paddleboarding spot wasn't the easiest to find or get to. The roads around Salcombe are narrow and windy, and the ones to reach 'Salcombe Paddle Boarding' are no exception. But, hopefully I can make finding this beauty spot a little easier for you. Once you've driven a few miles down a country lane, through various villages, your sat nav says you've arrived at what looks like the back of a hotel. There is a field to park your car in with a little honesty box where you pay a small fee for parking. Follow the path downhill to the marina here you will see large boat garages - this is the storage space for the paddle boarding hire!

Salcombe paddle boarding will offer any support you require, depending on your experience. This was my first paddleboarding when I visited, and clear intruction and teaching was provided, and there is a calm area within the marina that you can build your confidence up in before heading out into the estury current.

Once you are out on the estuary, this is where the real exploration begins! You are free to float your way along wherever you like (just watch out for travelling boats). We chose to follow the river edge towards the sea, pulling in at the coves as we went to explore and attempt headstands on the boards while the tide was flat.

https://www.salcombepaddlebo

Address: East Portlemouth, Salcombe TQ8 8PB

So, thats it form me. I hope that this gives you some places to try Paddle Boarding next summer!

Happy Wandering!

Emma xx