Launch from the Ferry Road slipway at Hullbridge towards high tide and head west (turn left!) up the River Crouch into Battlesbridge. Follow the main channel all the way to Battlesbridge, then continue under the Hawk Hill road bridge, deleash and carefully go over the wooden pole / sluicegate / lock on the right to follow the narrow River Crouch another kilometre, under the A1245 road bridge before turning at the main A130 road bridge and paddling back for a 10km loop.

Strictly a high tide route as there’s only water in Battlesbridge on the top of the tide! Depending on your average speed, set off from 45 minutes (6kmph) to half an hour (9kmph) before high tide. Ideally aim to turn just after the tide turns. Not great (although not impossible!) in easterly winds as it’s a headwind home for a lot of the way and wind against tide can get choppy at the launch! Best in light to moderate southerly to westerly winds, also OK if not ideal in northerly. 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. Be careful getting under the Hawk Hill road bridge and then very careful negotiating the wooden pole / lock / sluicegate – be advised that the solid sluicegate structure is just a couple of feet below the pole! The river does get very narrow and occasionally impassible higher up; beware branches overhanging and in the water. Check tide and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…