Southend was the second Crew to run an AquaPaddle. It proved the idea would travel to other waterways and other groups of volunteers. As a coastal location on The Thames Estuary, it has a totally different feel to the inland flatwater Locations. There is more wave action, but this just makes the AquaPaddle all the more exciting. There are two routes at Southend from the same Launch Point. Depending on the wind, depends which route will be used.
Parking
There is limited paid parking in a small public car park behind the Camelia Hotel or there is paid on-street parking. Please note times and cost.
Refreshments
The Camelia Hotel is well used to paddles buy refreshments before and after the paddle. They also allow customers use of their toilets. There is also the Ocean Beach Bar, but please check opening times.
As the AquaPaddle is Estuary based, there is a good community of Ride-on and Sea Kayaks, who exploit their crafts abilities in the conditions to the full. But also, there are a good number of Paddler Boarders, who excel when the water is flat and challenge themselves when there is a bit of breeze. You can tell the sort of conditions on the day, from the results.
AquaPaddle Southend has a Great Crew, lead by Sarah-Jane and Del. There is a strong community spirit that volunteers had helps look after the AquaPaddle and also raises donations for BlueSpace Sessions. If you would like to help, contact the AquaPaddle Captains through the Discord Comms System or email AquaPaddle
The AquaPaddle community are great at encouraging each other to do better than last time. If you are new to an AquaPaddle, let the Crew know and they will look after you and keep you safe. All paddlers are welcome as long as they can control their craft. Paddler Boarders don’t have to stand-up and are free to do the AquaPaddle on their knees if that wish.