For a long time I’d been desperate to try out paddle boarding, so when my good friend Rachel visited last summer I took advantage of her SUP experience and finally got out on the water. She was only staying for one day so after marching her up Little Solsbury Hill for all the views, then The American Museum with my little ones, off we went to the river on a cool summers evening.
Our SUP adventure
We packed important provisions like tea and cake, a dry bag and towel each then set off on our mini SUP adventure.
We hired the boards for an hour, which was enough time to learn the ropes and head upstream for a decent amount of time before paddling back. It’s pretty straightforward but I’d definitely recommend getting a bit of guidance on technique first, I’ve since seen people completely fudge it up. There’s plenty of Bath based SUP companies offering guided tours and lessons, I’ve included a list below.
We paddled past fields, the riverside houses of Batheaston, under a couple of bridges and through beautiful lush countryside. It’s incredible to be on the river with a low profile, calm and surrounded by nature. I’m not sure how far we got but it was lovely to have the current helping up back downstream. Once back at the weir we jumped in for a swim with the swans.
There are few photos of our actual boarding, partly because this was before I’d launched my blog but also because we’d slung the phone in the dry bag after a couple of shots.
How to hire your SUP board
We hired our SUP boards from Stand Up Paddle Boards, Batheaston, a great, hassle free set-up. You book by text stating your day and timings, then receive the codes for access to the boards. Payment is made via BACS or cash into a safety deposit box where the boards are kept.
You then simply go and collect your board and life jacket from the pontoon under the bridge at The Old Mill, go round the back of the hotel and under the bridge.
There’s lifejackets to use alongside the boards. Both Rachel and I are confident swimmers but we still hooked one to the end of our boards.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- WEBSITE: Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals, Batheaston
- HOW TO BOOK: Send a message to Alison on 07771 903831 with the date you want the boards and for how long.
- COST & DURATION: £15 for 1hour, £20 for 2hours, £30 whole day. Payment via BACS or honest box
- LOCATION: On the pontoon under the bridge at The Old Mill. Go round the back of the hotel car park and under the bridge. Address – Mill Lane, Bath BA1 7DG
- PARKING: Map. We asked at the hotel reception and parked at The Old Mill for free. You can also park on the road nearby or on London Road West and a short walk down the hill. Both pubs below have spacious car parks and free if you’re going for lunch.
- PUBS & CAFE:
- OTHER SUP PADDLE BOARD COMPANIES IN BATH
