Launch from the Ferry Road slipway at Hullbridge towards high tide and head west (turn left!) up the River Crouch towards Battlesbridge. Just a few hundred metres on, past the moored boats, turn right (north) up Fenn Creek towards South Woodham Ferrers. Continue up the creek as it weaves past town, beyond Eyott Sailing Club as far as you can paddle to Woodham Fenn Nature Reserve before turning and paddling back for a 6km loop.

Definitely a high tide route as there’s only water up Fenn Creek on the top of the tide! Depending on your average speed, set off from 30 minutes (6kmph) to 20 minutes (8kmph) before high tide – as the ebb tide will help you back, you can leave the launch a little later if you’re happy to work a bit harder on the way out. Ideally aim to turn just as the tide turns. Although the launch can get choppy in strong west or easterly winds, this route is pretty well sheltered and the creek itself is narrow so will stay pretty flat in most windstrengths. Best in light to moderate west to northerly winds. OK in easterlies but not ideal in southerly as you’ll be paddling home against the wind.  Check tide and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…

Strong tidal currents, so stick to slack water (within an hour of high tide) – and make sure you know the tide times, which are slightly different to Southend and get a little later higher up the River Crouch. Look out for motor and sailing traffic from the various local boat clubs: give way to sail and stay right if you see motorised craft. Beware of shallows, moorings and some submerged structures near the banks. Check tide and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…