Launch from the top of the slipway at Two Tree Island (Leigh-on-Sea) towards high tide – then turn left (east) or right (west) depending on whether you want to go anti-clockwise or clockwise around the island. We generally favour anti-clockwise as it works much better with the tidal currents. So from the slipway turn left, then hug Leigh Marsh towards Old Leigh, and turn left opposite the pubs. Follow the creek around the top of Two Tree, under the road bridge, until you come out onto Hadleigh Ray beyond the salt marshes. Turn left (south-east) again and follow the shoreline back to Two Tree slipway.

Only feasible when the tide’s in or else there’s not enough water to get around the island! There’s only enough water at the top of Two Tree in 5.3m+ high tide – not suitable for neap tides. Set off from 30 minutes (6kmph) to 20 minutes (9kmph) before high tide for slack water. Avoid easterly and southerly winds unless they’re very light as it gets choppy off Leigh Marsh, light to moderate north-west to north-easterlies are ideal as the route stays really flat, light to moderate westerlies can also be good. Check tide and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…

It can get pretty shallow around the top of Two Tree, so definitely aim to go around the island on the top of the tide (and avoid neaps – 5.3m+ is a decent rule of thumb). Half a km beyond the road bridge, stay left where the creek forks be careful as there’s some metalwork marking the deep channel. The zenith of the tide is about 500m further, where the tidal currents flow in the opposite direction. On a hot and/or sunny day, an easterly sea breeze can fill in here – even if it’s light westerly when you set off – which can seriously chop the water up around Leigh Marsh and off the south coast of the island. Check the wind, weather and tide via our SUP weather page.