The UK’s diverse aquatic landscape includes coastal bays, highland lochs, slow-running rivers and rugged estuaries, offering some of the most rewarding watersport experiences for outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re packing your drybag for a bivvy and paddle weekend, chasing swell on the North Cornwall coast or cutting crosswind on an inland reservoir, this guide breaks down the kit, conditions and considerations for some of the most popular watersports. Plus, we’ll dive into how to stay safe on UK waters, including the RNLI’s lifesaving Float to Live campaign.
Kayaking
From Grade III whitewater to multiday loch expeditions, kayaking in the UK covers a wide spectrum. You’ll find technical river runs in Wales and Scotland, exposed sea passages like the Menai Strait and peaceful overnighters along the River Wye or Norfolk Broads.
Kayaking Kit Essentials
● Boat: For whitewater conditions, a creek boat or a playboat is ideal. Composite or roto-moulded sea kayaks and touring kayaks are better for calmer waters.
● Paddle: 2-piece carbon or glass-fibre blade with a feather angle preference to reduce wind resistance and ease wrist mobility.
● PFD (Personal Floatation Device): High-buoyancy, expedition-grade with hydration compatibility.
● Spraydeck: Neoprene, rand or bungee deck (essential for sea and river)
● Helmet: CE-approved for whitewater or rock exposure.
● Drywear: Drysuit or wetsuit (minimum 5mm for winter), thermal baselayers.
● Footwear: Neoprene boots or river shoes with a grippy sole.
● Rescue Kit: Throwline, knife, carabiners, tow line and whistle.
● Membership: British Canoeing Licence for access to over 4500km of inland waterways. Paddle UK also offers affordable memberships.
● Navigation: Waterproof OS map and map case.
Canoeing
Canoes are ideal for gear-heavy adventures and remote overnighters. Whether you’re tandem-paddling Scotland’s Great Glen Canoe Trail or poling along a glassy backchannel in the Fens, canoeing is about reading water, wind and load balance.
Canoeing Kit Essentials
● Open Canoe: Solo or tandem, Royalex or T-Formex for durability.
● Single-Blade Paddle: Wood, composite or carbon with a palm or T-grip.
● PFD: High-cut, river-ready, with attachment points for knife and whistle.
● Clothing: Fast-drying synthetics or technical layers (avoid cotton); splash top or cagoule.
● Drybags: To keep all gear safe from the water.
● Portage Yoke and Tumpline to efficiently carry your canoe over land during portages.
● Tarp Shelter or Bivvy Gear for wild camping.
● Waterway Permit: British Canoeing membership or local authority licence (e.g. Broads Authority).
● Extras: Spare paddle, repair kit and bailer.
Surfing
The UK surf scene runs deep from winter barrels in Thurso East to mellow beach breaks at Saunton Sands. Water temps and swell patterns vary wildly, so knowing your local break, tides and offshore winds is critical.
Surf Kit
● Board: Longboard, fish or shortboard based on swell size and skill; foamie for beginners.
● Leash: At least the length of your board, railsaver and double swivel.
● Wetsuit: 4/5mm or 6/5/4mm with a hood for winter and 3/2mm in summer.
● Accessories: Neoprene gloves, booties, a hood for colder months and water-resistant zinc suncream.
● Board Wax: Cold water formula or front traction pad.
● Knowledge: Know your way around local rips, reef structures and tide timing.
● Board Bag and Roof Stack System for transport.
● Surf Etiquette Awareness: Always check who has the right of way.
Paddleboarding (SUP)
Inflatable SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) has opened up access to waterways across the UK, making them perfect for micro adventures. From dawn paddles across Windermere to post-work urban cruising on the Thames, SUP offers a scenic, low-impact ride.
SUP Essentials
● Board: Touring board (longer, displacement hull) or all-rounder.
● Paddle: telescopic carbon or aluminium shaft.
● Leash: Coiled leash for flat water, straight leash for surf.
● PFD: Inflatable waist-belt or low-profile buoyancy aid.
● Clothing: Wetsuit, rash vest or activewear with windproof top.
● Footwear: Neoprene booties or barefoot grip-on deckpad.
● Drybag for non-waterproof essentials.
● Licence: British Canoeing or Paddle UK membership for rivers and canals.
● Route Planning: check wind speed/direction and water levels.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing demands both wind-reading savvy and technical control. Flatwater lakes like Grafham and Rutland offer beginner-friendly zones, while Hayling Island and Portland Harbour are hotspots for more advanced freeriders and wave sailors.
Windsurf Kit Breakdown
● Board: Freeride, slalom or wave board depending on the situation.
● Rig: Sail, mast and boom (matched to rider weight and conditions).
● Harness: Waist or seat harness with quick-release hook.
● Wetsuit: 5/4mm minimum for UK conditions; hood optional.
● Accessories: Gloves, boots, impact vest and helmet for added protection.
● Rigging Tools: Mast extension, uphaul rope and spare downhaul line.
● Insurance: Windsurfing-specific cover and club memberships.
● Local Launch Access Rules: Some require permits or day passes.
Wild Swimming
Wild swimming offers a raw connection with nature and a mental reset like no other. Great Britain has thousands of wild swimming spots — from Dartmoor Pools to Hebridean beaches — many of them only accessible via hike-in or kayak approach.
Wild Swimming Gear List
● Swimsuit or Thermal Swimsuit: We recommend Speedo.
● Tow Float: For visibility and safety (some carry drybag gear).
● Bright Swim Cap: Makes you more visible in open water.
● Goggles: Anti-fog, UV-protected.
● Neoprene Accessories: Gloves, socks and thermal baselayers for winter dips.
● Changing Robe: Red Equipment, Dryrobe or Speedo.
● Knowledge of local water quality (check Swimfo or local forums).
● Swim Buddy or Spotter — especially in tidal or isolated spots.
● Tide tables, Eddy Maps and Entry/Exit Plans for sea and river swims.
Stay Safe on the Water: RNLI’s Float to Live Campaign
For all the thrill of the water, it comes with risk. Sudden weather changes, cold shock, currents, gear failure or fatigue can turn a fun session into an emergency. That’s where preparedness and rescue knowledge come in. The RNLI, Britain’s volunteer-led lifesaving charity, runs 24/7 rescue ops from coastal stations and lifeguarded beaches. Their Float to Live campaign teaches a simple but powerful survival technique:
➢ If you fall in, don’t thrash. Fight the instinct to swim. Instead, FLOAT. Lie on your back, arms and legs out like a starfish, and breathe. Calm your panic. Then signal for rescue or self-rescue.
Knowing this technique could save your life or someone else’s. Make it part of your risk assessment and pre-trip briefing, just like you’d check the forecast, tides and kit.
Maintain Your Gear
Another way of staying safe and getting the most out of your amphibious adventure is to make sure your gear is performing as it should. For all neoprene gear (swimsuits, wetsuits, drysuits and accessories), Grangers Wetsuit Wash is essential in keeping your neoprene clean and protected. This powerful solution neutralises and removes deposits that cause neoprene to corrode, helping to increase its lifespan.
Test the Waters, Respect the Elements
For those looking to enter into water-based adventures, the UK’s varied aquatic terrain is a playground. But watersports are not without their dangers. Some things to remember when heading to the water’s edge:
● Always plan your route.
● Know your limits.
● Check your gear.
● Never underestimate cold water.
● If you ever get in trouble, Float to Live and follow the RNLI’s top safety tips.
From estuary paddles to wild surfs, make sure you gear up and stay safe.
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