Keeping the Waters Clean This Summer: A Guide for UK Paddle Boarders

As the summer sun begins to shine, many of us are eager to grab our paddle boards and head to the nearest body of water. Whether it's a tranquil lake, a flowing river, or a bustling canal, these environments provide the perfect setting for a day of fun and relaxation. However, as we enjoy these natural wonders, it's crucial that we also take steps to protect them. Here's how you, as a UK paddle boarder, can contribute to keeping our waters clean this summer.

Get Licensed

Before you set out on your paddle boarding adventure, it's important to ensure you're properly licensed. In the UK, you need a license to paddle board on most inland waterways. This includes rivers, canals, and some lakes. The Canal & River Trust and the British Canoeing's 'On the Water' “https://members.britishcanoeing.org.uk/waterways-licence/” membership are two options that provide a license to paddle on 4,500km of waterways.

Obtaining a license not only ensures you're abiding by the law, but it also contributes to the maintenance and preservation of these waterways. The fees collected are used for tasks like repairing towpaths, maintaining locks, and, importantly, keeping the waters clean.

Leave No Trace

The 'Leave No Trace' principle is a fundamental part of being a responsible paddleboarder. This means ensuring that you take all your rubbish with you when you leave. Whether it's food packaging, drink bottles, or even biodegradable items like fruit peels, these can harm wildlife and disrupt the ecosystem if left behind.

Be a Waterway Warrior

While it's important to clean up after ourselves, we can go a step further and help clean up after others too. Unfortunately, not everyone respects our waterways, and litter can often be found floating in the water or lying on the banks.

Consider carrying a mesh bag on your paddle board to collect rubbish during your journey. These bags are lightweight, won't take up much space, and allow water to drain out. Not only will you be helping to keep the waterways clean, but you'll also be protecting aquatic wildlife that can mistake litter for food or become entangled in it.

Cleaning up other people's mess has a broader impact too. It helps maintain the beauty of our waterways, making them more enjoyable for everyone. It can also inspire others to do the same, creating a community of paddleboarders committed to preserving our natural environments.

Use Eco-Friendly Products

What you bring with you on your paddle boarding trip can also impact the environment. Sunscreen, for example, can wash off in the water and harm aquatic life. opt for eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreens that are mineral-based rather than chemical-based.

Similarly, if you're planning on having a picnic by the water, consider using reusable containers and cutlery instead of disposable ones. And remember to pack any leftover food away – while it might be tempting to feed the ducks, human food isn't good for them and can disrupt their natural behaviour.

Respect Wildlife

Our waterways are home to a diverse range of wildlife. As a paddle boarder, you have a unique opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat. However, it's important to do so respectfully.

Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing animals, especially during breeding seasons. Be aware of nesting birds along the banks and try to steer clear of them. Remember, we're visitors in their home!

Conclusion

As paddle boarders, we have the privilege of exploring and enjoying the UK's breath-taking waterways. But with this privilege comes a responsibility to protect and preserve these natural wonders. By getting licensed, leaving no trace, becoming waterway warriors, using eco-friendly products, and respecting wildlife, we can make a meaningful difference in keeping our waters clean.

Imagine the joy of gliding through pristine lakes, rivers, and canals, knowing that we've played a part in their cleanliness. Picture the smiles on the faces of fellow paddle boarders and nature enthusiasts as they discover unspoiled beauty. Together, we can create a community of environmentally conscious paddle boarders, inspiring others to follow suit and ensuring a sustainable future for our waterways.

So, let's paddle with purpose this summer. Let's carry our mesh bags, pick up litter, and leave the waterways better than we found them. Let's embrace the role of stewards and ambassadors for the natural world, leading by example and spreading awareness of the importance of keeping our waters clean.

With every stroke of the paddle, let's cherish and protect the breath-taking ecosystems that offer us solace, adventure, and awe-inspiring beauty. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure that future generations can experience the same joy and wonder that we do today.

Happy paddling and thank you for being a part of the movement to keep our waters clean!