Just a few quick snaps from last night’s SUP Club – a beautiful 7.5km paddle (with a hint of autumn vibes) up to Hoe Mill Lock against the breeze then back down to Paper Mill Lock. Huge thanks again to the Willow Set for hosting us, and the Six Bells for dinner and drinks after.

Venue: Paper Mill Lock (CM3 4BS / w3w.co/encoded.narrating.switched)
Arrive: c.5.50pm (gates close at 6.05pm!)
Launch: after 6.15pm briefing
Finish: c.8.15pm
Level: confident, capable river paddlers

We’re hitting the Willow Set at Paper Mill again for SUP Club this week – although unlike last week’s splashabout, we’re taking on a c.7k route tonight. And with a stiff north-easterly breeze it could feel like relatively hard going at times, as we’re heading out against (and across) the breeze and coming back against what little flow there is. (Which particularly inexperienced or nervous paddlers might not completely enjoy – so while it’s not a race and we’re only going at gentle cruising speed, it’s maybe not ideal for early confidence building…)

Our regulars will be fine for sure, as will other confident, competent river paddlers (ie; anyone who can happily stand-up paddle in a bit of breeze, going two locks out and back without stopping). But please, if you’re not yet paddling strong, and confidently steering, stopping and turning, a busy group at SUP Club isn’t the place to learn these essential skills – we offer lessons for that! And as always, please ensure you are licensed to paddle the river (renewals via www.waterways.org.uk)

The Willow Set are again kindly allowing us in after hours, charging £3 from 5.30pm onwards when you use the password ‘SUPsect’ or flash our logo at the gate. Please get there by 5.50pm, and please don’t be late as the gates are planned to lock at 6.05pm. So, setting up before 6pm at Paper Mill Lock to gather at our ‘training zone’ by the entrance for a 6.15pm briefing ahead of a c.6.20pm launch. A north-easterly breeze means we’ll be heading east tonight – up to All Saints Church, Ulting, via Rushes Lock and back.

As always, please ensure you are licensed to paddle the river (renewals via www.waterways.org.uk). Everyone licensed, with their own kit (including leash!) who can paddle confidently is very welcome… Tonight might feel like hard work for inexperienced paddlers though, as we’re going against the wind then against the flow. (And please, if you’re not yet competently steering, stopping and turning, a busy group at SUP Club isn’t the place to learn these essential skills – we offer lessons for that!)

After, we’ll be going for dinner and drinks as usual – numbers via a show of hands at the briefing.