You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Looking for ways to get out on the SUP more on evenings after work and wondered about the Avon river.
As I understand it I need a waterways licence and can get a 30 day pass or just join British Canoeing (£45) or the Water Skills Academy (£60) and get insurance too.
I did fancy the bit up by Conham river park but I think that comes under the Bristol Harbourside licence so £7 a day or £36 a year to get from the floating harbour to Hanham Lock.
(got info here: https://www.supbristol.com/about/independent/)
Anyone recommend any nice spots either side of Hanham Lock, preferably with parking near the river so I can head there after work. Also places the other side of Bath as I want some variation.
The shallows in saltford, handily between the bird in hand and the Riverside pubs,and the marina ground the corner by the jolly sailor. Or Dundas aqueduct on the a36/brassknocker hill junc.
For slightly further afield I've seen people on SUP's on the Sharpness to Gloucester canal. Lovely bit of water along there and a few decent waterside cafe's as well.
Popped in the Harbour in Bristol with the SOT a few evenings and never paid the daily charge. The Harbour master is usually gone home or in the Pub by then.. When there for the day with the Zodiac I have paid the charge though..Up through to Netham Lock is a nice paddle, on to Bees Tea rooms, not sure how far you would get. Get to bath and get the last train home?
I have seen people paddling down the Avon towards the Severn, you could get out at Sea Mills or at the Lamplighters, if you are brave and get the tide and wind right..
Why do SUP users never seem to wear any buoyancy aids? I've seen loads of organised groups on SUPS and then never wear them, though I have seen loads on Sot's all wearing them?
Why do SUP users never seem to wear any buoyancy aids? I’ve seen loads of organised groups on SUPS and then never wear them, though I have seen loads on Sot’s all wearing them?
It is odd I know. I don't either most of the time. From a surfing or windsurfing background it is perfectly natural not to. From a kayaking or sailing background is would feel odd. I've a foot in both hence seeing the conundrum. The board itself is considered your flotation device and you are leashed to it. In a kayak a PFD in the shape of a buoyancy aid it useful floatation to help with a roll and in a Dinghy the buoyancy helps when in the water manhandling the boat after a capsize. SOT don't really have those issues and I guess you could have a leash and no buoyancy aid like an SUP but I think most SOT users just ape the behaviour of real kayakers 😉
I have started using a CO2 canister inflated lifejacket pfd in a kind of bumbag (Palm Glide) now on the SUP when I'm in slightly scary locations (crossing the Solent solo, paddling between harbours and a bit exposed). They are expected in a lot of races too. To be honest when properly in the shit I'd far rather have one of those than a poxy buoyancy aid style pfd.
Shallows is a good shout, or by the lock keeper in Keynsham.
Also places the other side of Bath as I want some variation.
I guess you could follow the Avon all the way to Bradford-on-Avon, then take the K&A Canal back into Bath to Widcombe, or vice versa; there’s a little car park tucked away between Rossiter Road and Claverton Street, where the A36 loops round the one-way system behind Bath Spa Station.
Start at Bathampton on the canal, paddle down and over the Dundas aqueduct. Small set of steps on the right takes you down to Monkton Coombe school boathouse and the Avon. Paddle back and get out just by Bathampton toll bridge. Park in with pub and have a coffee before/pint after!
And really should wear a pfd, if you’ve ever seen someone have cold immersion shock you’ll never go without one