Launch from the end of the slipway at Two Tree Island (Leigh-on-Sea) towards low tide and head east (left!) out towards the Ray. Follow Hadleigh Ray main channel right (south, past the moored boats) and then left (east, towards the pier). Turn after 3km at the floating mooring platform and head back the way you came!

Definitely a low tide route as Hadleigh Ray needs to be exposed! Depending on your average speed, set off about half an hour (assuming 6kmph) before low tide – as the tide will help you back, you can leave it later if you’re happy not to have tidal assistance on the way out. Ideally aim to turn as or soon after the tide turns. Not suitable on spring tides when low water is less than 0.5m. Best in lighter winds. Not great in westerly winds as it’s a headwind home. Easterly (summer sea breeze direction) can get choppy but will help blow you back. Southerly / northerly are crosswinds – flat but exposed! Check tide and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…

Two Tree slipway can get slippery, so watch your step walking down it! Also be careful launching and landing at the end of the slip. (More info at Two Tree Island.) Especially near the launch and a little way down the Ray, the water can get very shallow on the shoals. Stay left after going round the first (right hand) corner. Then stay right (near the marker buoys) a little way down the Ray (c. 500m after the left hand turn) as there’s a big shallow shoal mid-channel. Not suitable for strong or building westerly winds. Exposed to crosswinds (north or southerly). Check the wind and tide via our SUP weather page.