Launch by the rigging green at Chalkwell Beach and head east (turn left!) towards the pier. Paddle parallel to the shore, past the Crowstone and casino, all the way to the (shore end) of the pier. Turn around before the pier, or carefully paddle through it, before paddling back to Chalkwell…

This is a high, slack tide route as you’ll be paddling against the current in both directions. Ideally leave from half an hour before high tide, aiming to get back up to half an hour after. Best in light northerly winds for a gentle paddle in dead flat water, or a decent challenge in moderate easterly to south-easterly winds! Not suitable for a westerly and can get very choppy in a southerly. Check tide and wind conditions via our SUP weather page…

In any sort of southerly wind this route can get a bit choppy – especially near the casino where there’s a notorious bounce-back chop off the concrete walls! Tidal currents will be at their lowest within half an hour of high tide, although you’ll still be paddling against a tiny bit of flow both ways around high tide. Not a sensible route to embark on after high tide, but could be a good workout leaving early (2 hours before high) and coming back with the flooding tide. Don’t be tempted to try for the end of the pier unless you’re very sure of yourself and the conditions! Check the wind, weather and tide via our SUP weather page.