AquaPaddle – Blog

AquaPaddle Bath Growing

by Brett Scillitoe | Monday 25 September 2023

AquaPaddle Bath is slowly growing as people begin to find what a great location it is to paddle. Paul and his Crew had a successful event. Due to the high winds on the coast which caused the postponement of the Bournemouth event, two AquaPaddlers made the journey to Bath and ticked another location off their […]

Lincoln September Event & Photos

by Hannah Stockdale | Thursday 21 September 2023

It was a bustling morning before the start of Lincoln’s AquaPaddle on Sunday (17th Sept). Karen completed the route check on the glassy water whilst we put out the flags, banners and notice board ready for paddlers arriving. With lots of new paddlers registered again the crew were on hand to welcome everyone and introduce […]

Paddle Stats for August 2023

by Al Patterson | Thursday 31 August 2023

How Many Paddlers? A total of 222 paddle boarders, kayakers, and other paddle lovers took to the water in August 2023 to complete one of the 18 Free 5k paddle event in their local area. What was the total time paddled? Those 222 paddlers clocked up a combined time of 1 Weeks 1 Days 17 […]

Autumn in August

by Brett Scillitoe | Tuesday 8 August 2023

I think the Summer of 2023 will be remembered for a Flaming June and then it quickly turned to Autumn, with most weekends affected by high winds and rain. But us AquaPaddlers are hardy souls and as long as the wind wasn’t too strong, we would be out there running an Event. Some events have […]

Paddle Stats for July 2023

by Al Patterson | Tuesday 1 August 2023

How Many Paddlers? A total of 163 paddle boarders, kayakers, and other paddle lovers took to the water in July 2023 to complete one of the 14 Free 5k paddle event in their local area. What was the total time paddled? Those 163 paddlers clocked up a combined time of 6 Days 13 Hours 49 […]

Lincoln in July, windy but sunny

by Hannah Stockdale | Monday 17 July 2023

One of the key concerns for all AquaPaddle Crews is how will the weather be on the day. After nervously watching the forecast winds speeds leading up to Sunday we arrived at our location to see that the ancient Fossdyke had come good again, the shelter of the embankment blocking most of the wind. Crew […]

Paddle Stats for June 2023

by Al Patterson | Saturday 1 July 2023

How Many Paddlers? A total of 283 paddle boarders, kayakers, and other paddle lovers took to the water in June 2023 to complete one of the 17 Free 5k paddle event in their local area. What was the total time paddled? Those 283 paddlers clocked up a combined time of 1 Week, 4 Days 18 […]

Newbie Captain Vs 31 Paddlers…

by Becky Scillitoe | Wednesday 14 June 2023

My fellow paddle enthusiasts! I’m Becky, and many of you may recognize me as a Crew Member at the Hampton – Molesey AquaPaddle. But last Sunday was a special day for me as I took on the role of Captain for the first time. With 31 enthusiastic paddlers signed up, the pressure was definitely on! […]

BlueSpace Sessions and what they mean

by Brett Scillitoe | Friday 9 June 2023

Last week the Crew from Dittons Paddle Boarding, one of our Delivery Partners, ran a series of BlueSpace Sessions for the DOST Centre Charity. They were visiting Wey Island in Surrey for a weekend away with a group of 18 young male refugees under 18 years of age. The refugees are from different trouble spots […]

A Memorable Day on the River Tawe

by Emily King | Monday 5 June 2023

AquaPaddle Swansea – June 2023: As the sun rose to its zenith in the clear blue skies over Swansea, the River Tawe welcomed a diverse and vibrant community of SUP enthusiasts for the much-anticipated Aquapaddle. The weather could not have been more perfect, and the river – a veritable portrait of tranquillity and splendour – […]

Paddle Stats for May 2023

by Al Patterson | Thursday 1 June 2023

How Many Paddlers? A total of 161 paddle boarders, kayakers, and other paddle lovers took to the water in May 2023 to complete a Free 5k paddle event in their local area. What was the total time paddled? Those 161 paddlers clocked up a combined time of 6 Days 12 Hours 54 Minutes 17 Seconds […]

Back on The Thames!

by Brett Scillitoe | Monday 29 May 2023

After a gap of too many months, we finally managed to run another AquaPaddle on the River Thames at Hampton – Molesey. It seems someone has finally found the rain tap and turned it off 😁🙏 We had a good turn out of 23 AquaPaddlers and 6 Crew, plus Jez a local councillor came down […]

Triumphant Tonbridge

by Brett Scillitoe | Monday 22 May 2023

It is amazing what a few sunny days will do. The mood has changed and more importantly, the rivers have slowed. The Medway is now safe to paddle. AquaPaddle Tonbridge was Go! Having arrived early, the Route was checked and confirmed it was safe to Paddle. Soon after 9am the Crew and AquaPaddlers started to […]

Molesey goes to the Barn

by Brett Scillitoe | Sunday 14 May 2023

Its been a long time since the 26th February. That was the last time we at Hampton – Molesey were able to run an AquaPaddle. Since then it has rained a lot and especially in the week leading up to our scheduled AquaPaddle. With the land being so saturated with water from this very wet […]

A Coronation Paddle

by Jane Burren | Wednesday 10 May 2023

The day started with raising flags and hanging bunting in preparation for AquaPaddle Rotherham, Coronation Paddle. I was a little unsure at the time of booking the date as to whether we would get many sign ups, expecting many to have commitments to street parties and family gatherings. I was pleasantly surprised to see that […]

Alderford Lake AquaPaddle – Pilot Event

by Danny Shuker | Monday 8 May 2023

Just one month on since contacting AquaPaddle, our very first participants gathered at the Swimmer’s Hut with their boards and boats ready. Following a warm welcome and safety briefing from the the crew, they paddled their way over to the starting point, buoyancy aids adorned with freshly printed number tags. With an enthusiastic countdown and […]

Paddle Stats for April 2023

by Al Patterson | Sunday 30 April 2023

How Many Paddlers? A total of 65 paddle boarders, kayakers, and other paddle lovers took to the water in April 2023 to complete a Free 5k paddle event in their local area. What was the total time paddled? Those 65 paddlers clocked up a combined time of 2 Days 10 Hours 12 Minutes 16 Seconds […]

Fantastic Fossdyke

by Hannah Stockdale | Thursday 20 April 2023

As AquaPaddlers arrived in Woodcocks car park this Sunday, we were in for a treat. A meet of Vintage Pre-war Austin Sevens for the Sevens to the Sea event. Back to our event, we had a lot of new AquaPaddlers join us this week, with participants travelling from as far away as Lancashire to take […]

More Fun at Manvers!

by Jane Burren | Monday 3 April 2023

There was a real buzz around the lake this morning as preparations were made for the 2nd AquaPaddle event at Manvers, Rotherham. The model boaters were setting up by the jetty and the Newfoundland dogs were on the beach. The open water swimmers were completing their last laps of the lake before the start of […]

Paddle Stats for March 2023

by Al Patterson | Friday 31 March 2023

How Many Paddlers? A total of 62 paddle boarders, kayakers, and other paddle lovers took to the water in March 2023 to complete a Free 5k paddle event in their local area. What was the total time paddled? Those 62 paddlers clocked up a combined time of 2 Days 10 Hours 7 Minutes 8 Seconds […]

AquaPaddle in Paddler Magazine

by Brett Scillitoe | Tuesday 28 March 2023

We have an article about us and what we do in the Paddler Magazine. If you are a British Canoeing member, you will be getting this through your door. If not a member or away from home, there is an online version for you to access, page 72. AquaPaddle is run purely on Donations. If […]

Mothers’ Day AquaPaddle in Lincoln

by Hannah Stockdale | Wednesday 22 March 2023

This Sunday was not only Mothers’ Day it was also apparently Pretzel Sunday in the US but far more exciting for us it was AquaPaddle Lincoln’s April Event. After a week of varied weather forecasts for the day, when dawn broke on Sunday the sun dutifully appeared over Lincoln. Paddlers prepared themselves for the water […]

A Springtime Celebration on the River Tawe

by Emily King | Tuesday 21 March 2023

Mother’s Day AquaPaddle As spring blossomed and the rhythmic pecking of woodpeckers filled the air, enthusiastic paddlers gathered for this month’s Mother’s Day AquaPaddle in Swansea. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the River Tawe, participants eagerly prepared for the 5km challenge ahead. The weather was incredibly kind to us, with the sun shining brightly […]

AquaPaddle Chelmsford

by Del Christie | Wednesday 15 March 2023

Our Southend AquaPaddle was relocated to our second choice, that being the more serene and scenic location of Hoe Mill Lock situated on the River Chelmer. With the Estuary being tidal and the last remnants of winter still holding us within its clasp, the weather was to prove too much for all but the most […]

Tonbridge Fun

by Brett Scillitoe | Thursday 9 March 2023

Finally the weather was kind to AquaPaddle Tonbridge. Winters Icy Grip released just enough to allow the AquaPaddle to take place. Ana, the main Captain, had arranged a great crew of six experienced paddlers and Ian, the other AquaPaddle Captain. He was in charge as Ana was playing “Golf”. Which I understand is a game […]

Paddle Stats for February 2023

by Al Patterson | Wednesday 1 March 2023

How Many Paddlers? A total of 91 paddle boarders, kayakers, and other paddle lovers took to the water in February 2023 to complete a Free 5k paddle event in their local area. What was the total time paddled? Those 91 paddlers clocked up a combined time of 3 Days 10 Hours 54 Minutes 17 Seconds […]

Breezy Hampton – Molesey

by Brett Scillitoe | Sunday 26 February 2023

So the day had finally come that I would take part in my First AquaPaddle. Having Officiated or been a Crew member on lots last year, I had never actually taken part in an AquaPaddle. The next challenge was what to wear on a chilly late February day and which board. My old faithful Red […]

Super 28 Line-up at Lincoln

by Hannah Stockdale | Friday 24 February 2023

28 enthusiastic paddlers, along with 8 volunteer crew members and 1 paddling dog came together on Sunday morning for the Lincoln AquaPaddle. We can’t quite describe it as a sell out with it being a free event, but all spaces were booked up. A mix of excitement and nervousness was evident as everyone gathered for […]

Suited and Booted: AquaPaddle Footwear Guide

by Emily King | Sunday 12 February 2023

The stunning Swiss Valley Reservoir in Wales was the setting for another successful AquaPaddle event, with a fantastic turnout of paddlers enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Daffodils, snowdrops, primroses, and budding trees provided a cheerful backdrop, and even the laughter of a woodpecker could be heard. Despite the still chilly temperatures, participants were eager to […]

PB’s at Lincoln

by Hannah Stockdale | Tuesday 7 February 2023

AquaPaddle Personal Bests all round at Lincoln We’d like to say it was lovely sunny weather that meant all paddlers recorded AquaPaddle personal bests at Lincoln on Sunday, but we suppose it may have also been because for all but one paddler it was also their very first AquaPaddle event. As this was a Pilot […]

Continued Growth

by Brett Scillitoe | Saturday 4 February 2023

A New Location, the weather getting calmer, is there a hint of Spring in the air? We hope so. No AquaPaddles this weekend, but then there are three on 12th Feb. Brilliant Bournemouth The word is spreading that AquaPaddle is just great fun and easy to take part in or run. Lynne and her wonderful […]

Paddle Stats for January 2023

by Al Patterson | Friday 3 February 2023

This will be a new addition to our blog: a monthly run down of the average times, total times, number of paddlers, and any other interesting statistics that I can think of for your reading pleasure. Total Number of Paddlers: 25 It may be the off season, there may be snow on the ground, but […]

AquaPaddle Manvers Pilot Event

by Jane Burren | Thursday 2 February 2023

When I first heard about AquaPaddle I instantly wanted to be a part of it, I talked to fellow paddlers and they agreed it was something they felt an affinity with. After a few months of planning, preparation and consultation with existing AquaPaddle venues and volunteers, I feel proud to finally join a community of […]

Better Weather Ahead

by Brett Scillitoe | Friday 27 January 2023

The weather challenges continue, but the long range forecast from some is that we will have a good paddling Spring coming 🤞 Hampton Hold There is some doubt about AquaPaddle Hampton – Molesey taking place this Sunday as the River Thames is still on Yellow Boards (Strong Currents Decreasing). Since we take your safety very […]

The First AquaPaddle at Swiss Valley reservoir 2023, The Paddle 5k

by Jul Kokocnk | Tuesday 24 January 2023

It is great to see second AquaPaddle location launched in Wales – the first AquaPaddle Swiss Valley and the first of 2023.The stunning Swiss Valley reservoir provides such a sheltered and safe environment like no other, especially on those windy winter days.Paddle boarding enthusiasts gathered on a beautiful, sunny day for a 5K AquaPaddle Swiss […]

Tell Your Friends

by Brett Scillitoe | Friday 20 January 2023

We have news about Grant Aid success, a couple of AquaPaddles postponed and the network of locations growing. Active Thames Award Active Thames, led by the Port of London Authority (PLA), has awarded £150,000 in grants to 26 successful applicants. The increase in funding from over £90,000 last year to nearly £150,000 this year demonstrates […]

Happy New Year From AquaPaddle

by Brett Scillitoe | Saturday 31 December 2022

Wishing you a Happy New Year and a wonderful 2023. What an amazing year 2022 has been and we finish the year with more great news. New Location – Swiss Valley, Wales We are delighted to announce the launch of our latest location and our second in Wales. It is at the Swiss Valley Reservoir, […]

Merry Christmas

by Brett Scillitoe | Friday 16 December 2022

This long period of freezing weather has caused us to cancel the final AquaPaddle of the year. Southend at Hoe Mill Lock – Cancelled I’m sorry to have to let you all know that the last AquaPaddle of a brilliant year has had to be cancelled due to ice and freezing temperatures. We have had […]

Cold Weather Challenges

by Brett Scillitoe | Thursday 8 December 2022

Keeping safe in cold weather, is a challenge that can be met with the right equipment. However, sometimes if can get too cold for AquaPaddle. Hampton – Molesey Cancelled The Weather has beaten us again and this time it is Jack Frost 🥶 With the temperatures barely getting above freezing at midday on Sunday, we […]

Swansea Sunday

by Brett Scillitoe | Friday 2 December 2022

Another weekend and another AquaPaddle, this Sunday it’s AquaPaddle Swansea. Swansea Sunday The weather is looking good for early December for a great Sunday morning on the water with Emily and her brilliant team. If you haven’t paddled there yet, it’s a lovely location paddling among the hills and bridges around Swansea. Why not mix […]

Tonbridge Off – Swansea On

by Brett Scillitoe | Saturday 26 November 2022

Winters can be tricky to judge the weather and the rain. Tonbridge has had to be postponed again, However, Swansea is going to happen next weekend 🤞 Tonbridge off till 2023 Unfortunately, AquaPaddle Tonbridge on this coming Sunday has had to be postponed, until 22nd January 2023, due to more flooding and the same fallen […]

River Flow And Obstacles

by Brett Scillitoe | Friday 18 November 2022

Autumn and Winter paddling can be fun and a lot quieter than Summer. But it comes with its challenges. We look into some of them today. Fast Flowing Water Sometimes the water can be deceptive about how fast it is flowing. At this time of year and especially if it has been raining over many […]

Tonbridge Postponed – Maidenhead Is On

by Brett Scillitoe | Tuesday 8 November 2022

Postponements, floods and difficult weather are all part of AquaPaddle at this time of year. It means that when we can run them safely, we will. Tonbridge postponed Unfortunately, AquaPaddle Tonbridge on this coming Sunday has had to be postponed, until 27th November, due to flooding and fallen trees. It is hoped the Environment Agency […]

Paddling On

by Brett Scillitoe | Saturday 5 November 2022

Autumn and Winter are a time to plan for the year ahead, and that is no different for us AquaPaddlers. Whether we have some personal fitness goals or wanting to paddle at different AquaPaddle Locations. Damp Days can be Fun Days Paddling, regardless of craft can be a bit damp at times, especially at this […]

Autumn Paddling

by Brett Scillitoe | Thursday 20 October 2022

Autumn is one of the most beautiful and picturesque times of the year to paddle, but the weather can change rapidly. Autumn Paddling Regardless of what craft you paddle, the autumn is a rewarding time to be out on the water. The changing colours of the season, the misty mornings followed by bright sunshine can […]

Community And Growth

by Brett Scillitoe | Wednesday 12 October 2022

This week we are talking about communications and reminding you about the next AquaPaddles. Our Comms system called Discord It’s a funny name for a communication system, but it is very good. The Gamers have been using it for years. It’s like WhatsApp on steroids. There are lots of “Channels” to discuss different subject matter […]

AquaPaddle Into Autumn

by Brett Scillitoe | Thursday 6 October 2022

This week we will be looking at colder weather paddling and what to wear if you do take a dunk into the water. Cold weather paddling As the weather changes, as we move towards winter, we need to be aware of the risks of falling in to cold water and what to wear. The first […]

Tonbridge Joins To Community

by Brett Scillitoe | Thursday 29 September 2022

This week we celebrate the inaugural AquaPaddle Tonbridge and review last Sundays fun at two of our locations. AquaPaddle – Tonbridge We are delighted to announce the launching of AquaPaddle Tonbridge. Ana Teubler has put a great crew together to run the event safely. Initially the numbers will be limited, to learn and keep everyone […]

Sunday AquaPaddles

by Brett Scillitoe | Tuesday 20 September 2022

With the weather looking great this Sunday for both the Southend and Hampton-Molesey AquaPaddles, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take part. Hampton – Molesey and Southend The above photo was taken at the last AquaPaddle Hampton – Molesey. It was great to see lots of AquaPaddle Bibs in use. It follows on from […]

AquaPaddle Continues To Remember Queen Elizabeth II

by Brett Scillitoe | Saturday 10 September 2022

We at AquaPaddle hope you and your family are well. This weekend we celebrate the life of our late Queen Elizabeth II, by coming together, paddling and being the best we can. Queen Elizabeth II It was with immense sadness that we learnt of the Queen’s death. As many have said, the only Queen and […]

Watercraft Feature Release

by Brett Scillitoe | Tuesday 6 September 2022

We have Exciting News about a new feature to give you greater enjoyment of the App and the AquaPaddle results. Watercraft We have just launched our Watercraft feature. You can now choose from a shortlist of Watercraft when registering for an AquaPaddle, such as All Round SUP or K1 Kayak or Racing Hardboard SUP. We have limited […]

Bib Colours And Logos

by Brett Scillitoe | Monday 5 September 2022

This blog will give you some guidance about what colours to use if you are creating your own bib for AquaPaddle and the use of the Charity Logo. Bib Colours Where possible we encourage every AquaPaddler to wear an official bright yellow AquaPaddle Bib with their official “forever” AquaPaddle Number on. It means that the […]

AquaPaddle Swansea, Plus Safety Advice

by Brett Scillitoe | Saturday 3 September 2022

There seems now not a week that goes by without an AquaPaddle taking place somewhere. This Sunday it’s Swansea with our Patron, Emily King and her Crew. We will also be discussing safety and what you can wear, that keeps you safe and doesn’t get in the way. The second AquaPaddle Swansea takes place tomorrow […]

AquaPaddle Continues To Grow

by Brett Scillitoe | Friday 26 August 2022

We have exciting news about a new location to AquaPaddle and a reminder about what to bring to an AquaPaddle. AquaPaddle Plymouth + It’s with great pleasure that we announce the addition of Plymouth to the location map. Paul Hooper will be the Aqua Paddle Captain for the first AquaPaddle Plymouth later in September. The […]

Bibs And Donations

by Brett Scillitoe | Friday 19 August 2022

If you haven’t already heard, AquaPaddle Maidenhead was a fantastic success. Lots of New AquaPaddlers and a brilliant Crew lead by Belle, their Captain. Many at Maidenhead There was lots of AquaPaddlers taking part in a mass start for the first time. You can always tell the Newbies by the sound they make. It’s a […]

Magnificent Maidenhead

by Brett Scillitoe | Wednesday 10 August 2022

This time it’s all about Maidenhead. After the success of Swansea, Maidenhead has it’s first AquaPaddle. Belle will be your AquaPaddle Captain for the inaugural AquaPaddle Maidenhead. She has a stellar Crew, mainly made up with Volunteers from Paddleboard Maidenhead, who will be looking after you all on and off the water. The Route is […]

AquaPaddle x2

by Brett Scillitoe | Wednesday 27 July 2022

We are very excited about this Sunday, 31 July 22 as we will have two locations for you to visit and AquaPaddle. The original Hampton – Molesey and the all NEW AquaPaddle – Swansea AquaPaddle – Swansea The first AquaPaddle in Wales is now full. However, if you are booked onto the event and can no longer take […]

AquaPaddle Maidenhead

by Brett Scillitoe | Thursday 14 July 2022

 We are excited to announce the launch of our latest location at Maidenhead. It’s a wonderful route upstream of the famous Boulter’s Lock and towards Cliveden House. It will be an AquaPaddle everyone will want to tick off their list. The team from Paddleboard Maidenhead are supporting the AquaPaddle, but are looking for experienced paddlers to help volunteer in the […]

It’s AquaPaddle Thames Ditton

by Brett Scillitoe | Tuesday 12 July 2022

This Sunday 17th July 2017, AquaPaddle will be at the Thames Ditton Route. The site of the very first AquaPaddle, exactly a year ago! It’s a lovely route downstream from Ditton Beach to Ravens Ait and return to The Albany Pub. Sunday will be warm so get out early and join us for a paddle. […]

Welcome To AquaPaddle’s Newsletter

by Brett Scillitoe | Friday 1 July 2022

Thank you for signing up to AquaPaddle. You have joined one of the fastest growing Free Paddle Sport movements. Whether you Stand, Sit, Kneel or Lay when paddling, you are all AquaPaddlers 😊 This email contains some key information about attending an AquaPaddle, so please read it carefully and you might want to store this email for […]

The Spring AquaPaddles

by Brett Scillitoe | Monday 6 June 2022

Since we launched in early April we have run four successful AquaPaddles at Hampton – Molesey. These have been well attended and the weather has been kind to us. All be the most recent one, the Jubilee AquaPaddle, the weather was very Royal, cool and damp, but no rain 🙂 It is great to see […]

The First AquaPaddle of 2022, The Paddle Boarding 5k

by Brett Scillitoe | Tuesday 12 April 2022

After running the three AquaPaddles last year to test the concept, we spent the winter building the website and completing the documents and procedures. There was a lot to do and make sure that the bespoke AquaPaddle Timing system provided a simple system to understand and use. The Website is still very much in its […]