Top 10 UK locations to SUP
6x Stand Up Paddleboard World Record holder David Haze, also known as the Nomadic Paddler, joins forces with Water Rascal to tell us his Top 10 UK locations to SUP.
Here's what David told us...
Here's what David told us...
For me Stand Up Paddleboarding is a way of life, it is something that has completely transformed my outlook by helping me grow and change in a positive way. It is a great tool to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings, as you enjoy the extra sense of freedom that it brings and, in my eyes, more than most other sports.
SUP is the fastest growing water sport in the world, and we have not even reached the peak of the adventure and touring side of the sport yet. I love watching the community grow and seeing what people are doing on the our personal journeys through SUP.
As I push my campaigns further afield it has given me plenty of opportunities to paddle in some truly stunning locations and the following is my top 10 locations to dates:-
10 – River Thames
For me the river Thames offers a lot if you are looking to take on any adventure. Starting in Lechlade you get the opportunity to paddle through many historic British towns and not only do you get to enjoy some great British culture but you get to see some of the finest wildlife our country has to offer before ending your trip on the outskirts of London in Teddington.
9 – Mawddach Estuary, Wales
If you want a picturesque paddle then Mawddach Estuary at sunset offers just this. I have enjoyed many calming paddles here with the mountains as my backdrop and with the sunsetting over the Irish sea. The conditions here tend to be perfect for paddlers of all ability.
8 – Kimmeridge – Dorset
From land Kimmeridge bay is a stunning but looking back at it from the water provides an even better view. If you want to take a step back into history and enjoy the Jurassic Coast, then Kimmeridge offers a great launching point with may secluded bays located near by to go and explore.
From land Kimmeridge bay is a stunning but looking back at it from the water provides an even better view. If you want to take a step back into history and enjoy the Jurassic Coast, then Kimmeridge offers a great launching point with may secluded bays located near by to go and explore.
7 – Lake Windermere, Lake District
The lake district is a very stunning place and at every turn there is always an inspiring view for you to enjoy but nothing beats taking in the views of the surroundings from your paddle board in the middle of the lake. However, be careful of traffic on the lake during peak season.
The lake district is a very stunning place and at every turn there is always an inspiring view for you to enjoy but nothing beats taking in the views of the surroundings from your paddle board in the middle of the lake. However, be careful of traffic on the lake during peak season.
6 – Burgh Island, Devon
For the explorers at heart this is for you. Head to Bigbury Bay and take a SUP around Burgh Island and enjoy the many caves and nooks & crannies. Remember to keep you eyes peeled in case you come across any lost pirate treasure.
For the explorers at heart this is for you. Head to Bigbury Bay and take a SUP around Burgh Island and enjoy the many caves and nooks & crannies. Remember to keep you eyes peeled in case you come across any lost pirate treasure.
5 – Mousehole, Cornwall
If you are looking to see some beautiful wildlife such as dolphins are seals then St Clement’s Isle directly in front of the harbour is the place to paddle to create those lasting memories. You will always be guaranteed to see something special here.
If you are looking to see some beautiful wildlife such as dolphins are seals then St Clement’s Isle directly in front of the harbour is the place to paddle to create those lasting memories. You will always be guaranteed to see something special here.
4 – Llyn Tegid, Snowdonia
Catch the lake on a good day and your breath will be taken away by the stunning reflections of the mountains on the crystal clear lake that surround this little gem buried within North Wales.
Catch the lake on a good day and your breath will be taken away by the stunning reflections of the mountains on the crystal clear lake that surround this little gem buried within North Wales.
3 – Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland
‘The Inland Sea’, never have I paddled such a great expanse of water in the form of lake. There is plenty to see and explore around the shore but if you want to connect to your surroundings then the heart of the lake is the place to be, where you will lose sight of the land around you. However, if you decide to take on this adventure then do not go alone, check the weather conditions, and let someone on land follow you via GPS.
‘The Inland Sea’, never have I paddled such a great expanse of water in the form of lake. There is plenty to see and explore around the shore but if you want to connect to your surroundings then the heart of the lake is the place to be, where you will lose sight of the land around you. However, if you decide to take on this adventure then do not go alone, check the weather conditions, and let someone on land follow you via GPS.
2 – Loch Awe, Scotland
This is where myths are made, and legends are born! In my eyes it’s called Loch Awe as it is truly awe-inspiring. No matter where you look the is plenty to see from the wildlife near by to the waterfalls cascading down the mountains in the far distance. This is such a beautiful and stunning location but don’t let mind run wild with what might be lurking below you in the deep dark waters of the Loch.
This is where myths are made, and legends are born! In my eyes it’s called Loch Awe as it is truly awe-inspiring. No matter where you look the is plenty to see from the wildlife near by to the waterfalls cascading down the mountains in the far distance. This is such a beautiful and stunning location but don’t let mind run wild with what might be lurking below you in the deep dark waters of the Loch.
1 – Poole Harbour, Dorset
This is my home so of course I am going to be biased but at the same time there is no where better. Not only is it the second biggest natural harbour in the world but there is plenty to explore from the 5 islands to all the nature reserves. Poole harbour offers a lot for paddler of all levels.
This is my home so of course I am going to be biased but at the same time there is no where better. Not only is it the second biggest natural harbour in the world but there is plenty to explore from the 5 islands to all the nature reserves. Poole harbour offers a lot for paddler of all levels.
I hope my list can inspire you with some ideas for your own adventures but remember, wherever you go stay safe!
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David is leading the way on making stand-up paddle boarding an adventure sport here in the UK. David's values of community spirit and passion for adventure echo what we stand for here at Water Rascal.
Find more about David's journey as the Nomadic Paddler on
his website www.nomadicpaddler.co.uk or follow him on instagram @nomadicpaddler.
David is leading the way on making stand-up paddle boarding an adventure sport here in the UK. David's values of community spirit and passion for adventure echo what we stand for here at Water Rascal.
Find more about David's journey as the Nomadic Paddler on
his website www.nomadicpaddler.co.uk or follow him on instagram @nomadicpaddler.