Head west (turn right!) up Hadleigh Ray into Benfleet from the top of the slipway at Two Tree Island (Leigh-on-Sea) towards high tide. Follow the main channel all the way to Benfleet, past the moored boats and yacht clubs, under the two bridges into East Haven Creek, past the station, stay right where the creek splits at the battered old houseboats and keep going beyond the Canvey Way road bridge, then head south c.1.5km until the creek takes a sharp right (towards the container port cranes). Turn here and paddle back the way you came, with the building ebb tide…

Strictly 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 around an hour (8kmph) before high tide. Ideally aiming to turn as the tide turns as you’ll be against current both ways beyond Canvey Way. Not suitable on really big spring tides (6m+) when the floodgates may 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…

Aim to turn as the tide turns (see our SUP Tides section) as there are strong tidal currents and the last few k won’t stay flooded for very long. Stay right on the way into Benfleet and left (traffic allowing!) on the way back as there are shallows at the mouths of the creeks – follow the port markers and buoys for the deep channels. Can get very busy with traffic, especially on summer weekends: give way to sailing boats / dinghies and beware of wash off motorboats.