Absolutely a high tide route as there’s only water in Benfleet on the top of the tide, and you’ll be stuck in mud under Canvey Way if you get it wrong! Depending on your average speed, set off from an hour (6kmph) to 45 minutes (8kmph) before high tide – you can leave it maybe half an hour later if you’re happy to work a bit harder on the way out, but you won’t want to be beyond the station outside of slack water! Ideally aim to turn as the tide turns. Not suitable on really big spring tides (6m+) when the floodgates will be closed. Equally, neap tides (high below 5m) will be too shallow to make the road bridge. Not ideal in easterly winds as it’s a headwind home and wind against tide can get very choppy! Best in light to moderate westerly winds, also offers some protection in southerly or northerly. Check tide and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…