Five top tips to have fun whilst paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is such a fun activity and a great way to take in the Lake District landscape. So here are my top tips to get out and explore The Lake District National Park with your paddleboard.

1. Go with a friend or family member

Whether you are new to paddleboarding or have plenty of experience it’s best to bring someone else or hire a guide. A guide can help you to see the lakes from different angles and explore areas you wouldn’t usually with confidence. If you haven't got your own paddleboard you could hire one from our visitor centre, Brockhole-on-Windermere or hire at Coniston Boating Centre.

2. Wear a floatation device

Floatation devices should be worn for any water sports activities even if you are confident out on the lake. Make sure you are wearing the appropriate equipment and that it is checked regularly. Our Lake Rangers share helpful, expert advice about caring for your equipment.

3. Attach a leash

Staying close to your paddleboard is a good way to ensure you don’t get into trouble. There is nothing worse than falling off and having to swim all the way back to where the board left you. Each paddleboard should be equipped with one which is held with Velcro around the ankle.

4. Check if you need permission

We want to make sure everyone has the best time possible on the lakes and not all our lakes have public access for paddleboarding. For many of the lakes, we encourage you to go paddleboarding: Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, Coniston, Grasmere and Wastwater. However, others not on this list may have restrictions or permits necessary, this can be found on our Lakes Activity Guide.

5. Check-Clean-Dry

At the end of your session, it's best to check for any living organisms on your equipment then clean and dry it. This helps to preserve our species that call the lake district home and keep any non-native invasive species from harming the habitat. By doing these three things you are helping to stop the spread and protect the Lakes as we love it today.

West Cumbria Rivers Trust explain how to keep our  lakes healthy in their video below.

We hope you have a great time. Share your paddleboarding adventures with us by tagging us in your photos and video on our social media channels.