Paddle the East of England

The definitive guide to seeing the very best of the East of England under paddle power. Dotted with idyllic islands, picturesque villages and beautiful coastline, the East of England boasts a multitude of options for paddlers – if you know where to look. From the spectacular Norfolk Broads to beautiful Mersea Island and the tranquil River Cam, Paddle the East of England is the complete guide to the best paddles along the rivers, inshore waters and estuaries of these varied landscapes.

Written by the team who run East of England Paddlesports (the UK's largest paddlesports group to be affiliated to Paddle UK), this guide covers all regions of the East of England:

- Essex, including Blackwater, Two Tree Island, Southend Pier, Osea Island, Mersea and Maldon
- Suffolk, including Pin Mill, Shingle Street and Sudbury
- Norfolk, including the Dilham Canal, Rockland Broad, Buxton Mill, and Brancaster Staithe
- Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, including the River Cam, Grantchester Meadows, River Ouse, Bishops Stortford and River Lee Navigations

From short paddles to longer expeditions, this book includes excursions for all levels of ability, with most well suited to canoe, kayak and paddleboard. Responsible paddling is covered thoroughly, with a guide to safety equipment and how to use it properly, staying environmentally aware, and advice on licensing. Each chapter details the best places to stop, and the wildlife to look out for along the way. With beautiful photography, and clear maps containing directions to paddle and launching points, this is the essential guide to making the very most of exploring the East of England under paddle power.

About the Authors

Oliver Jordan spent twelve years working as an outdoor activity instructor around the world before devoting himself full time to East of England Paddlesports. One of the largest paddlesports groups, EOEPS was also one of the first to become affiliated with British Canoeing. He has several paddleboards, inflatable and solid, several kayaks and a canoe.

Matthew Payne is a Paddle UK SUP instructor. He moved from Dorset in 2019 to Essex, bought a SUP and joined East of England Paddlesports (EOEPS). His first trip out was a Sunset / Night paddle in Mersea. He joined as admin in 2022 and helps organize and run events. Matt also sits as the Safeguarding Officer.

Andy Large is a Paddle UK Paddlesports Instructor. He joined East of England Paddlesports (EOEPS) for a night paddle in 2018, wanting to spend more time in nature since retiring from corporate life. In 2019 he joined Oli Jordan as Admin, helping with events and growing the group. EOEPS joined Paddle UK as their first online and single largest affiliated club in 2022 and Andy now sits as the Club Safety Officer.

A Paddle UK SUP instructor, paddler, sailor, wingfoiler, wild swimmer and water lover. Jessica Ashley grew up next to the sea in Canada, so it was inevitable that her life now revolves around water. She joined East of England Paddlesports (EOEPS) as admin in 2021 and help run and organize the social events. She is also a 2024 #ShePaddles ambassador for Paddle UK and have helped EOEPS become a #ShePaddles accredited club!

Contents Include

• Introduction
• Safety Equipment and choices
• What to wear
• Safely getting on the water, what to take
• Guide to Licences
• Regional Paddles: Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire
• References
• Acknowledgements
• Photo Credits
• Index