Pegwell Bay is located in Ramsgate in the East Kent. The Bay is a shallow inlet, surrounded by a large stretch of sea cliffs & is considered a nature reserve of international importance. Pegwell Bay has a variety of seashore habitats including estuaries, mudflats & salt marshes with migrating waders and wildfowl. The water in the Bay can be very muddy, but is lovely and warm in the summer as it is very shallow.

How to get there:

On the main road from Sandwich to Ramsgate in the village of Cliffsend.

Facilities:

Petrol station where you park up, and a pub opposite.

Hazards:

Be very wary around low tide as the bay is very shallow, and there is sinking mud in the mouth of the river. Be cautious of speedbouts in the mouth of the river, they sometimes use it to turn when pulling wake boarders.

Ins and Outs:

Park up next to the petrol station opposite The Spotsman pub in Cliffsend. From there you will be able to carry or drag your kayak across the mud flats. Head right towards the nature reserve you will soon see the mouth of the river.

Notes:

As long as you don’t mind getting a bit muddy it is well worth the trip.

Overview:

Head out across the bay and into the estuary of the River Stour, about 200 yards up on the right hab=nd bank you will see plenty of seals. They are quite friendly and will come quite close if you stay still.

Location:

I took my cub-scout group there one evening and to see 25 kids having one whale of a laugh for a couple of hours was fantastic. Strongly recommended

How to get there:

It is hiden away a bit round the back of Sandhurst, Hampshire.

See their specific website for extra details

Facilities:

Rental of equipment
Good size car park
Snack/tuck shop
Changing facilities
Begineers area, protected from the main lake as well

Hazards:

Other users!
Can get very busy on occasion

Ins and Outs:

Several entry points anf a jetty

Notes:

Great enthusiastic tuition.
Not really for advanced paddlers, unless you just fancy a quick paddle and are in the area

Overview:

A great little site which caters for beginners and youngsters in particular.

Sit-ons, stand up paddlers, rowboats and the like are available for easy hire.

Location:

Directly out front of Eastoke Corner beach car park is a slightly steeper part of the beach than Beachlands. This does mean that the shore break, at higher tide, is significant and should be taken note of by lesser skilled paddlers. Lower waters are fine for all levels.

Paddlers continuing their journey east need to be aware of ebbs and flows of Chichester Harbour. Once over the sand bank the water that sluices in and out is extremely strong. It’s also an area that gets busy with boat traffic.

This area of Hayling also gets a bit more wave action than further west and during large swells will see good riding on offer for those who have the skills.

If you carry on past the sailing club (HISC) then there are a number of sheltered creeks that offer tranquil and peaceful paddling at higher states of tide. Wildlife is abundant in this area and the chances of spotting seals and rare birds are probable.

How to get there:

Head across the bridge and continue all the way down to the sea front. As you come to the roundabout, in front of the funfair, hang a left and continue to where the amusement arcade and Lifeboat Inn are located. There’s a large car park area to the right.

Facilities:

Toilets, parking and various retail outlets just over the road from the drop in point at Eastoke Corner. There isn’t anything at Sandy Point other than a nature reserve flanking the beach.

Hazards:

Strong tides, boat traffic, fishermen and sometimes harsh weather need to be handled.

Ins and Outs:

Put in right opposite the car park at Eastoke Corner. Paddle up to Sandy Point and round into the harbour.

Notes:

Hayling Island is the home paddling spot of sitons.com so please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions relating to paddling on the island.

Overview:

The eastern side of Hayling is mainly used by locals and those in the know. Offering more shelter from the predominant westerly wind, this neck of the woods is where to head to get away from it all and score a session to yourself.

Location:

Selsey has some of the most treacherous waters along the south coast. Get it wrong with the tide, weather or have limited paddling experience and you could end up in a spot of bother. That said, it’s actually a pretty good area for kayaking.

The town itself is rather sleepy and access to the water is pretty easy. Once out in the brine you can either head west towards Bracklesham and the Witterings or scoot around the headland towards Pagham.

If you head offshore you’ll come across a submerged deep water gulley – about 200 metres out. Years of storm battering has caused the coast to shrink a good few miles and now all you’re left with are the rocky ledges known as Mixon Hole. Thought to be part of an ancient river gorge this 20 metre high clay cliff provides homes for many marine species.

To the north west of Selsey Bill you’ll find The Hounds – a limestone reef covered by sponges, sea squirts and soft coral. (Divers might want to give this site a once over during a guided tour).
If you head out here then you’ll need your witts about you as currents can be savage and on days when swell pulses up the English Channel large waves can break on the shallower sections. The underwater crevices focus wave energy onto rocky plateaus and good riding can be had. You’ll need a high level of skill though and be aware that if it goes awry then you’re quite a way from land.

Bringing it back into calmer inshore waters and you’ll find plenty of rest spots in either direction. Pagham is worth exploring, although you’ll need to watch the current flowing in and out of the harbour, while Bracklesham, East and West Wittering all offer a few waves to play with on their day.

Selsey isn’t the best spot for beginners but those with experience will find enough interesting paddling options to keep entertained.

How to get there:

Selsey is well sign posted from the main A27 south coast route. Follow direction and you can’t miss it.

Facilities:

Public toilets are available right next to the beach while further back into town are shops and places to grab refreshments. A number of good pubs and restaurants are dotted around the Manhood Peninsula while Chichester is just eight miles away.

Hazards:

Tides, strong currents, large waves at times and inclement weather can all cause issues for those not aware. Paddlers without necessary skills should also avoid Selsey.

Ins and Outs:

Park up and put in right out front. If you need to come ashore then you can do so all along this part of the coast. Selsey is an open water and heavily tidal location that can be extremely dangerous with lack of knowledge. For the best of it head here during calmer weather.

Notes:

This area of Britain has extensive paddling opportunities. If you don’t fancy the coast then check out Chichester Canal which offers mellow kayaking on non-tidal waters.

Overview:

Selsey Bill is an iconic headland well known among mariners. Jutting out into the English Channel on the south coast of England its notorious tidal flows and strange currents make this an ever changing part of the world with a continually re-shaping shoreline.

Currently Selsey is being monitored carefully as winter storms over the past few years have badly eroded chunks of this area. Work to halt the encroaching sea have been ongoing but concerns are still high.

There’s a lot of wildlife in the area and exploring via kayak is one of the best ways to view. On a calm sunny day this area of West Sussex can be sublime for going afloat.

Location:

At the end of Shore Road you’ll find a high tide shingle bank which is typical of this stretch of UK coastline. Give it a few hours however and once the tide recedes there’s a decent expanse of sand.

Once over the pebbles it’s a short hop to the water and depending on the season, and type of weather on offer, will decide what kayaking you’ll be getting involved with. Although the south coast isn’t the most consistent for surf in the UK, East Wittering still gets its fair share, particular in autumn, winter and spring. Those that ride waves at the beach regularly are usually ‘on it’ and understand the subtle nuances, anomalies and factors that can make or break a wave session here.

Being heavily tidal and susceptible to onshore winds East Wittering can be the most frustrating place on earth for surf until you know how the place works. NE winds are offshore and pushing tides are best. However, a light NW breeze can also work.

It’s worth checking Bracklesham, to the east, and Joliffe Road, to the west to see which sand bars are firing. The sea bed moves around quite a lot during the year meaning if it’s not doing it in one location it could be just up the road.

For flat water paddling this whole stretch can serve up mellow conditions during calmer periods, although paddlers need to be aware there isn’t really any kind of shelter here. If the weather isn’t playing ball then it could be worth heading for the inlets and tributary estuaries of Chichester Harbour.

If you’re after downwind paddling action then watch for a W or E blow setting up and then you can either put in at Selsey or West Wittering and enjoy a decent distance of rolling bumps.

Check out our video from the 2013 Shore Watersports Demo Day on East Wittering beach:

How to get there:

Follow signs for The Witterings from A27 and then East Wittering is sign posted. Shore Road is in the centre of the village and leads all the way to the sea.

Facilities:

East Wittering has plenty of car parking opportunities a few roads back from the beach. Here you’ll also find toilet facilities.

The village is a five minute stroll back from the beach and Shore Watersports, the area’s main kayaking retailer, is based here. Shore will cater for all your kayak needs and the shop has a large number of staff who are all very knowledgeable.

There are a few pubs, restaurants, supermarkets and small shops dotted about and the whole place has a distinctly Cornish surf town feel, even though you’re actually miles away from Kernow.

Hazards:

As the tide fills in it’s worth taking note of where the wooden groynes are as these can be dangerous. Strong tidal flows can catch the unwary and a significant shore break sets up at full water.

Moderately large swells can be common in autumn, winter and spring but winds can whip up ferociously at times. Make sure you have an up to date weather forecast and are aware of tide times.

Ins and Outs:

Getting to the put in is easy. Park your car or van up at the end of Shore Road, unload your gear and then haul your kit the short distance to the water’s edge.

You can land your kayak on any part of the beach from Selsey to West Wittering. If you decide to head into Chichester Harbour then be aware of private land backing on the sea.

Notes:

Getting to the put in is easy. Park your car or van up at the end of Shore Road, unload your gear, park up and then haul your kit the short distance to the water’s edge.

You can land your kayak on any part of the beach from Selsey to West Wittering. If you decide to head into Chichester Harbour then be aware of private land backing on the sea.

Overview:

East Wittering is the coastal village found between West Wittering and Bracklesham. The spot is located in the Chichester district of West Sussex and has been a favourite haunt of surfers for many years. East Wittering also boasts the longest running surf club in the UK – Shore Surf Club.
Flanked by the mouth of Chichester Harbour to the west and Selsey Bill to the east, East Wittering is a great choice for paddlers seeking a variety of conditions.

Location:

The Oxford Circuit Canoe Trail offers easy access to the water. It’s a fairly mellow paddle and suitable whatever the time of year. Obviously increased flow will change the face of the spot making it either harder or easier depending how fast or slow the current is.

Unless you’re confident hitting a number of weirs then you’ll have to negotiate a number of portages – some of which do have tricky exits up slippy river banks. In some instances it could be worth, with a partner, roping boats down the weirs before re-entering.

The put in is next to Port Meadow (near Wolvercote) and boasts free car parking. Beginning your approximate nine mile paddle you’ll pass plenty of sites, architectural interests and city scenes – all from the comfort of your sit on top.

It’s worth noting that swimmers tend to use the river in summer – especially Port Meadow – meaning the water is pretty busy at this time of year. You’ll also need a license if you’re not a member of Canoe England. These can be purchased from www.environment-agency.gov.uk – River Thames and www.waterscape.com – Oxford Canal.

How to get there:

A number of major road routes lead into Oxford City Centre and the area s serviced by a busy rail network. Once in Oxford you’ll need to follow signs for Port Meadow.

Facilities:

The Trout Inn is adjacent to the put in car park and is a great place to grab après paddling refreshments.

Hazards:

Swimmers and other water users, especially around Port Meadow, are worth watching out for. Weirs and slippy banks at each portage can be a hassle as is fast flow if the river is in flood.

Ins and Outs:

Put in straight off the car park next to the Trout Inn (Inspector Morse’s hangout) at Port Meadow. There’s a height restriction barrier to be wary of, particularly if you have sit on top kayaks on the roof of your vehicle.

Notes:

River spot with all the usual things to watch out for – over hanging branches, current and weirs. Best to paddle here, if you’re a newbie, with someone who has experience.

Oxford is the home of the fictional detective Inspector Morse. The TV series featured Oxford landscapes and sites, in particular Morse’s favourite pub hangout The Trout which is next the put in at Port Meadow.

Overview:

With a population of 150,200 Oxford is one of the fastest growing and most diverse cities in the United Kingdom. World renowned for its university – one of the oldest in the world – and fabulous architecture Oxford is the ‘city of dreaming spires’ – a phrase coined by poet Mathew Arnold.

With the River Thames running through Oxford’s heart it’s a fabulous location for a spot of sit on top kayaking and site seeing. Easily accessible from all corners the Oxford Circuit Canoe Trail is certainly one to tick off the bucket list.

Location:

West Beachlands (also called “West Beach” or just “West” by locals) is a shallow, protected bay at the South West corner of Hayling Island.

At low tides a large sandbank becomes visible, offering an interesting perspective on the busy beach (and the chance to gloat at stranded pedestrians when the tide comes back in).

When the tide is low the water remains shallow for quite some distance, making it a good spot for beginners in particular.

Surf isn’t great, partly due to the protection provided by the Isle of Wight, but does provide an occassional surprise.

At it’s high tides the sea comes right up to the sea defences making launch and landing impossible except at the east and west extremeties of the beach.

How to get there:

Leave the A27 heading south for Hayling Island. Stay on the main road and turn right at the first roundabout. Turn right again at the second roundabout by the funfair. The Entrance to West Beachlands is about half a mile up the road sign posted for Windsurfing area and Par 3 Golf Course.

Alternatively take the ferry over from Portsmouth.

Facilities:

There is a fresh water tap near the car park for washing down your kit. On the other side of the car park there is a refreshment kiosk and a pub that serves food (The Inn on the Beach).

The car park provides plenty of parking but is pay and display.

There is also a watersports shop (Andy Biggs) a few hundred yards down the road back towards the fair that stocks a few kayaking accessories and some ocean-kayaks in case you find yourself needing a spare!

Hazards:

If the wind is up then you need to watch out for windsurfers and kitesurfers zipping past at speeds you can only dream of!

Also keep an eye out for bathers in the shallows.

The current can be pretty hairy at the Western (portsmouth) end of the beach going in to Langstone harbour, but is OK if you don’t go past the end of the sandbank.

Ins and Outs:

Park as far down the car park towards the golf club as you can (there are almost always spaces there). Carry or wheel your yak through the gate there and you will find a path through the rocks down a shallow slope to the water.

Notes:

Most interesting at low tide when you can paddle out to the sandbank.

There is a “Surf Cam” looking over this whole area at www.hayling.co.uk/surfcam which gives a good indication of tides and weather.

Overview:

A shallow bay on the South Coast of Hayling Island providing a good spot for beginners or a starting point for touring into Langstone Harbour.

Location:

Emsworth seafront in West Sussex is a tidal stretch of water that makes up part of Chichester Harbour. Directly opposite lies Hayling Island, Thorney Island (a military base) to the left and Portsmouth in the distance to the right. Journeying to any of these locations is perfectly fine as long as paddlers are aware of tides, weather and their effects.

One of the most popular put in spots is at the end of Beach Road to the west of the town. You have to drive through a residential area to access the launch – care should taken – and once there, parking is limited. However, the paddling options from here are extensive.

You could choose to circumnavigate Hayling Island, paddle south towards West Wittering or hang a left and head along the tidal estuary towards Itchenor, Dell Quay or Chichester Marina. If this isn’t to your taste then bank right and paddle off towards Portsmouth – it’s also possible to navigate the narrow tidal trench (that splits Portsmouth from the motorway) all the way to Port Solent and Portchester.

Staying local to Emsworth; there are a number of mud flats just offshore that you can paddle across to, but keep in mind that some of these dots of land are roosting havens for rare birds such as Little Terns.

You can idle away the hours in this location but take notice of water flows and timings as the area does dry out significantly on spring tides which could leave you with an unpleasant and muddy walk back to shore.

For those who like to combine their paddling sessions with a refreshment stop the Royal Oak and Ship Inn pubs are right on the water’s edge, next to the bridge that crosses to Hayling on the right. If you just paddle there and back it’s not particularly excessive but could still be worth it for a gentle meander. Should you stop for a bite to eat then you’ll need to watch the tides or else there may not be enough water to get back.

Heading east towards Dell Quay you’ll find another eating and drinking establishment right on the water’s edge. This is a bit of a longer route and is also subject to tides, but with the right information, it’s possible to get to your destination with a decent push before heading back with the outgoing flow.

Worth pointing out is not straying too close to army patrolled shorelines on Thorney Island – you may end up with a group of men carrying guns coming your way if you choose not to heed this advice.

How to get there:

Emsworth is just off the A27 main artery that runs along the south coast, UK. If you’re coming from London then you’ll possibly be driving along the A3; Emsworth is well sign posted on all routes.

Facilities:

There aren’t any onsite facilities in the Beach Road area but Emsworth itself has public toilets and car parking available. You’ll also find a variety of shops, pubs, restaurants and takeaways available.

Hazards:

Tides will be your biggest problem in Emsworth. Getting it wrong will leave you with a mucky trudge back to shore – you could end up getting stuck! Other vessels, windsurfers and dinghy sailors will need to be avoided and be aware of any approaching weather.

Ins and Outs:

Drive through the residential area of Beach Road and park your vehicle on the gravel at the end. There isn’t a designated car park as such and this spot can get quite busy, resulting in a bit of a hike with your boat. Once at the shore line it’s easy to drop your boat in and off you go.

Overview:

Rodney Trotter’s (actor Nicholas Lyndhurst) place of birth; Emsworth is a former fishing town that sits at the northern end of Chichester Harbour. A haven for yachts and pleasure boats, Emsworth is also ripe for kayaking action.

The town’s maritime history is obvious, even though much of the boating industry upped sticks and moved on years ago. Everywhere you look there’s evidence of what once was and with two sailing clubs in Emsworth it’s understandable what attracts yachties year after year.

For paddlers, there are a number of different put in options that allow for jaunts in various directions. Most tend to drop their boats in around the Beach Road area.

Once you’ve had your paddling fill a pint or two to discuss the day’s events will be welcome and you’ll find numerous drinking holes in town. Emsworth also has a large choice of restaurants to keep food lovers happy, with a couple being recognised as high end. Don’t worry though, Emsworth caters for all budgets.

Location:

Took my FatYak Surf for a run out after much use down in Cornwall. Camber Sands is a lovely sandy beach so an easy put in after a short trip from the car park on the trolley. It was a reasonably windy day so the sea was choppy and good fun. Quite a strong current running down the beach. There is an access channel leading up to Rye which would be good to paddle at high tide.

How to get there:

Down the A268 and a few minutes after Rye.

Facilities:

Toilets and beach shop available during summer.

Hazards:

The tide can come in and out very quickly.

Ins and Outs:

Anywhere

Notes:

Overview:

Easy access from pay car park onto very wide sandy beach.

Location:

If you want to cover some ground then you could try the Dedham to Flatford route which follows the River Stour all the way to Flatford Mill. At just 3 miles roundtrip, the paddle isn’t too strenuous and therefore great for kayakers with less time or those still developing their skills.

While visiting you could check out the Constable Museum for a nose around or grab a delicious cream tea in the picturesque surroundings.

For those of a less energetic bent then splashing about at Flatford Mill is fine. In fact this is a good place to bring kids as it’s a great introductory kayaking spot and perfect for getting them involved.

Worth taking note is if you’re planning on starting your session from the Flatford Mill end then you’ll have to pay the National Trust car park charge. The walk to the launch spot is then a good few hundred metres while trying to avoid tourists during summer.

During high season the paddle is extremely leisurely. Watch out if the sluice gates are open in winter as the Stour will then be in flood and becomes a trickier route for the novice.

How to get there:

Head towards Colchester in Essex then follow directions for Dedham. Flatford Mill is located roughly half way between Dedham, Brantham and Manningtree.

Facilities:

Dedham has a free car park but can get extremely busy during peak periods. There are toilet facilities and a coffee shop for those needing lubrication.

Flatford has snacks and refreshments available with toilets onsite. Car parking is chargeable.

Hazards:

Be aware if the sluice gates are open on the Stour. The river will be in flood and more challenging to the inexperienced paddler. At other times of year you may be faced with rowing boats being navigated badly, the occasional cow taking a drink or the odd swan. It goes without saying, be mindful of disturbing wildlife.

Ins and Outs:

You can launch either at Dedham or Flatford. Dedham has a free car park and is less of a walk with your kit whereas Flatford is a paid car park and more of a struggle with your gear. It may however be the best option if you plan on exploring the Constable Museum in drier clothes at the end of your paddle.

Notes:

The Environment Agency states that you will need to register your boat with them so as to be able to use it on the River Stour. Check their website for more details – http://environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/130788.aspx

Overview:

Flatford Mill is in the heart of John Constable country. The inspiration and subject for many of his famous paintings, Flatford offers the chance of easy going paddling while taking in the charming and historical countryside. For those looking at a more gentile kayaking experience then this spot definitely fits the bill.

Location: