Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a brilliant and versatile means of exploring Britain’s many waterways. But before you paddle off into the sunset, it’s important to know where you’re allowed to launch your board and what licences are required to legally and safely paddle on your local river, reservoir, lake, or the sea.
Recent years have seen a big boom in paddleboarding due to its hugely accessible nature, with those of all fitness levels and expertise able to explore local waters at their own pace. The equipment needed for paddleboarding is also pretty portable, and after the initial expense of a board, it’s a relatively affordable pastime.
So if you have all the gear, and you’re raring to get going, your first step should be to check you have the right licence and insurance to have fun on your SUP.
Do I need a licence to paddleboard in the UK?
Most waterways in the UK are managed by authorities that require a licence for craft on the water, and this includes stand-up paddleboards. Different rules and regulations are in place for England and Wales, so take a look at the key information listed below before getting started.
For those exploring Scotland’s waterways, a “right to roam” is in place for watercrafts, so no permit is required. That being said, be sure to research whether your chosen spot is safe for paddling and follow any safety codes of practice shared by local authorities.
If you plan to only paddleboard with a club, they will arrange a licence for you. The Canal and River Trust also offers day permits for paddlers, or short-term licences for one week or one month, or a '30 day explorer' licence.
While exact penalties for non-licensed stand-up paddleboarding are not published in UK waterway licensing rules, it does state that if a boat is in use without the proper licence, the authorities may prosecute and fine you up to about £1,000 and potentially remove your craft.
Do I need a licence to paddleboard in rivers and canals?
England
If you live in England, you can buy an ‘On the Water’ licence as part of the Paddle UK Membership, which combines licences for individual waterways that cover over 4,500km of rivers and canals in England and Wales (you can check if your local waterway is included via their look-up tool).
Managed by waterway authorities including the Canal & River Trust, the Environmental Agency, and the Broads Authority, the licence fee goes towards maintaining and repairing waterways, as well as the protection of habitats and species.
The On the Water licence covers SUPs, as well as kayaks, canoes, and other inflatable watercraft. All passengers in the same craft are covered (providing the member is in the craft with them), but each craft must have its own licence. Be sure to carry your membership card with you when paddling to present to any authorities.
Membership price varies for different age brackets, with over-23s membership costing £60 for new members and £49 to renew each year. There are discounts for families and groups, as well as 3-5 year membership bundles.
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Wales
Those who live in Wales can sign up for a membership with Paddle Cymru (previously known as Canoe Wales), which comes under the same authority as Paddle UK and covers the same 4,500km of waterways in England and Wales. An individual membership for over-23s costs £51, while there are also family and club packages available.
The membership covers a Waterways Licence and public liability insurance for use of unpowered paddlecraft including paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, surfskis, and rafts.
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Northern Ireland
Paddleboarding in most of Northern Ireland’s coastal waters, lakes, and rivers does not require a licence in the same way that many inland waterways in England and Wales do. Specific permission may be required in some areas and insurance is still strongly recommended, which is where a membership with Paddle Northern Ireland comes in (previously called the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland pre-April 2024).
The membership costs £45 annually or £450 for life (recreational membership is £18) and includes liability insurance of up to £10 million, access to recreational paddles, and discounts on things like equipment hire. It also includes reciprocal access to Paddle UK membership benefits.
Scotland
Scotland’s Land Reform Act (2003), also referred to as the right to roam, grants statutory access rights to most of the country’s outdoor spaces, meaning no licence is required to paddle.
You may still want to consider joining Paddle Scotland though, which is a non-profit organisation that provides liability cover, access to a quarterly print magazine, digital newsletters, discounts, and access to competitions.
A full membership will set you back £51 and give you reciprocal access to Paddle UK membership benefits, while a recreational membership is £32.50.
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Do I need a licence to paddleboard in city rivers and quays?
Access to paddle in the rivers flowing through your local city could be included in the Paddle UK Membership and the best way to find out is via the look-up tool (see above). It’s often the case that watersports are restricted in urban centres, especially when there are exclusion zones or multiple locks, and it’s worth checking in with your local council to find out what rules are in place and which permissions you require.
For instance, those looking to paddle into Bristol city centre will be able to cruise until Hanham Lock (outskirts of Bristol) on a Paddle UK Licence. However, to paddle in the central harbour, you’ll need to purchase a £11.70 day ticket (or £60 annually) from Bristol Harbour Office, since this central waterway is managed by Bristol City Council.
Do I need a licence to paddleboard in the sea?
You don’t need a licence to paddleboard in the sea from UK coastlines due to the public right of navigation in place. This includes coastal waters, paddling from beaches or bays, and the open sea. Harbours and ports may be governed by a port authority and be more restricted by local bylaws – look into your intended paddle spot to avoid disappointment.
However, those familiar with the British coast can attest to strong currents, tides, and unpredictable conditions. If you are planning some sea paddling, first look into the safest spots to do so, along with local recommendations and the location of the nearest coast guard. Be sure to also bring a friend or two along, wear a buoyancy aid, and have a means of communication in case of emergency.
Do I need a licence to paddleboard in lakes and reservoirs?
You may need a licence to paddleboard in a lake or reservoir, again it depends on where you’re planning to launch. Many in the UK are privately owned or managed, so it’s best to not assume you’re free to access them. Unlike the sea, there’s no public right of navigation.
A natural lake with established open access is your best bet to finding an unrestricted spot. More likely, though, you’ll come across a prime paddleboarding lake or reservoir that requires a day pass or membership (usually with a licence included) to use, so check and book beforehand. A waterways licence from an organisation like Paddle UK or the Canal & River Trust does not include access to reservoirs.
Only paddle in a reservoir if it is signposted as safe for swimming and is designated as part of an official watersports centre. It can be dangerous to swim in some reservoirs due to possible dangerous undercurrents caused by intake towers, spillways, and overflows.
What insurance do you need for paddleboarding in the UK?
In the UK, there’s no general blanket rule stating that you must have insurance to use a paddleboard on the water, but in many places and situations, it is required or strongly recommended in case you accidentally injure yourself, hurt someone else, or damage property.
On regulated waterways and urban docks, you’ll likely need third-party public liability insurance, which can often be added onto a day-licence for a small fee upon purchase.
If you become a member of a governing body like Paddle UK, you’ll automatically be covered by public liability insurance through Marsh Sport. Coverage includes: “worldwide cover for your legal liability of up to £15,000,000 (£250 excess). Public liability insurance provides protection against legal liability for bodily injury to third parties and damage to third-party property.”
Do you need paddleboard insurance for continental Europe?
Like the UK, there is no general European legal mandate that all paddleboarders must hold liability insurance for paddling on inland or coastal waters. However, local authorities or specific water bodies (marinas, lakes, rivers, coastal zones) in some countries can require proof of third-party liability insurance or membership of a recognised club/organisation before you’re allowed to launch. Be sure to check local access rules before venturing out on your SUP.
If you have the Paddle UK membership, then liability coverage is “worldwide”, including continental Europe. It’s worth noting that this only pertains to recreational use (not racing) and does not cover damage to your own equipment, nor does it replace personal travel insurance or medical cover.
Top image: Paddleboarding on the River Wensum, in the Wensum Valley, Norfolk UK. Credit: Getty
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Top image: Andrew Hasson/Getty Images
