Where to go paddle boarding in Suffolk

Photo courtesy of CSG SUP Gear Ltd

Paddle boarding is a great spring or summer activity in Suffolk – or during the colder seasons too, if you’re experienced! 

If you’re thinking about booking a break or holiday in the UK, whether paddleboarding, relaxing or embarking on a walking holiday with your dog(s), Woodfarm Barns is a tranquil spot in the Suffolk countryside where you can call home for a little while! We have eight Luxury Cottages at our Stonham Aspal location (seven of which have Hot Tubs), plus two static holiday barges at Woodbridge and Snape Maltings. All of our Cottages and Barges are Dog-Friendly!

One of the things we do a lot is to write about all sorts of things going on in Suffolk, in order to give you the very best experience when staying with us. So here’s some info on paddling boarding for you.

There are so many water sports that you can try in Suffolk if you’re after more of an adventurous holiday. From sailing down the Orwell river to windsurfing off the Felixstowe coast, there’s no better place to test your sea legs on the east coast! However, if you’re after something for all agility levels and that requires no prior experience or special skill, then paddle boarding is ideal.

Paddle boarding only requires a medium level of agility – balancing on a board on top of water isn’t the easiest task in the world, but you can always sit down and paddle if you can’t get the hang of standing up! It’s something you can do with friends or as a couple (we wouldn’t recommend doing any water sports alone if it’s your first time), and you can enjoy the scenery as you float serenely down the waterways.

If you’d like to try paddle boarding in Suffolk while staying with us at Woodfarm Barns, here are our recommendations on where to paddle:

River Alde

This is a beautiful part of the county, right in the middle of Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. Stop by Iken Canoe to hire a stand-up paddle board for one hour, £15, or two hours, £25*.

The river makes a pleasant journey and, tide dependent, you may be able to spot our famous grey seals wallowing on the mud flats!

River Stour

Head into Constable Country to the River Stour, and pick up a paddle board at Sudbury Boat Hire. Prices start from £10 per hour, and you can experience the untouched, old-worldliness of the Stour and its surrounding villages.

Southwold

Southwold has one of the best and most popular beaches in the county, and it’s a great place to learn paddle boarding in a coastal environment. Southwold Surf School offers 60-minute lessons for £35 with all equipment included.

Where to stay in Suffolk

If you’re thinking about booking a staycation this summer, whether paddleboarding, relaxing or embarking on a walking holiday with your dog(s), Woodfarm Barns is a tranquil spot in the Suffolk countryside where you can call home for a little while! We have eight Luxury Cottages at our Stonham Aspal location (seven of which have Hot Tubs), plus two static holiday barges at Woodbridge and Snape Maltings. All of our Cottages and Barges are Dog-Friendly!

(*prices correct at the time of writing, March 2021)