Launch from the rigging green at Chalkwell Beach and head east (turn left!) towards Westcliff (and the pier). Paddle close to the shore, past the Crowstone and on to turn for home at Genting Casino.

This is a high, slack tide route as you’ll be paddling against the current in both directions. Leave just before high tide, aiming to get back just after. Best in light northerly winds for a gentle paddle in dead flat water, or often a decent challenge in moderate easterly to south-easterly winds! Not suitable for a westerly and can get very choppy in a southerly. Check tide and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…

It’s not far and you’re never much distance from shore, so it’s never going to be dangerous, although in any sort of southerly wind this route can get a bit choppy – especially near the casino where there’s a notorious bounce-back chop off the concrete walls! Tidal currents will be at their lowest within half an hour of high tide, although you’ll still be paddling against a tiny bit of flow both ways around high tide. Not a sensible route beyond an hour after high tide, but could be a good workout leaving early (2 hours before high) and coming back with the flooding tide. Check the wind, weather and tide via our SUP weather page.