Starting from Paper Mill Lock, head east with the stream (straight under the bridge) towards Maldon. Portage Rushes Lock and turn at All Saints Church. Paddle back against the flow to Papermill Lock (where we run our Learn to SUP lessons).

Ideal in an easterly breeze for (broadly) a headwind out and a tailwind home, although this route does meander north and south a fair bit so isn’t too wind critical. Trees by the riverside generally offer good protection from crosswinds, so southerly and northerly are good too. Not great for westerlies as you’ll need to graft back against the wind and flow. The route out is with the stream, so expect to work a little harder coming home – definitely best with light flow. Check stream and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…

Not suitable for westerly winds as you’ll have a headwind to battle home against – as well as the stream! Best in an easterly as it will help you home. The stream is with you on the way out, so it’s against you for the way home: make sure it’s gentle. Definitely not a route for when the river’s flowing: the current can get strong after heavy rainfall, in which case give this route a miss. Check conditions via our SUP Weather page. Nesting swans in late spring and later with signets in early summer can be protective (there was a notoriously aggressive male at Rushes Lock in 2017!) – give them room and stay confident as you paddle past. Steer clear of the weir at Rushes (on the left as you approach the lock on the way out).