Starting from Hoe Mill Lock, head east with the flow (away from the moored narrowboats) towards Maldon. Turn around at the first lock, Rickets Lock, and paddle back against the stream to Hoe Mill.

Ideal in an easterly breeze for a headwind out and a tailwind home. Trees by the riverside generally offer good protection from crosswinds, so southerly and northerly are workable too. Not suitable for westerlies as you’ll need to graft back against the wind and flow. The route out is with the stream, so expect to work a little harder coming home – definitely best with light flow. Check stream and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…

Not suitable for westerly winds as you’ll have a headwind to battle home against – as well as the stream! Best in an easterly as it will help you home. The stream is with you on the way out, so it’s against you for the way home: make sure it’s gentle. Definitely not a route for when the river’s flowing: the current can get strong after heavy rainfall, in which case give this route a miss. Check conditions via our SUP Weather page. When approaching Rickets Lock, stay to the left hand side of the river to keep away from the weir on the right. Nesting swans in late spring and later with signets in early summer can be protective – give them room and stay confident as you paddle past.