Places to go stand-up paddleboarding in Sussex
With its rolling green hills, chalk coastal cliffs and seaside towns, Sussex is classic Southern England. Exploring its idyllic countryside, it can be hard to believe that the hustle and bustle of London is only an hour or two away.
Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, is the ideal way to discover Sussex’s many incredible waterways. This gentle, low-impact activity offers a peaceful way to spend some time out in nature, and is suitable for all ages.
From sleepy inland rivers to dramatic coastal waters, here are 7 of the best locations to give stand-up paddleboarding a go across Sussex.
Source: LOOP Watersports
Bosham
Bosham sits within the Chichester Harbour conservation site, home to one of the UK’s last remaining coastal wilderness. These vast salt flats are lined with a number of quaint villages, which seem to float along the water at high tide.
Based directly out of Bosham, Get Kiteboarding offer SUP sessions in this unique landscape. Explore the harbour on a 2-hour SUP tour and enjoy unbroken views of the open sky, or join a taster session to get to grips with the basics of stand-up paddleboarding.
Littlehampton
Sitting on the West Sussex coast at the mouth of the River Arun, Littlehampton is a vibrant seaside town home to two world-class beaches. If you’re looking to take to the water, then head to the Littlehampton location of Brighton Kitesurf.
The water of the shore of Littlehampton is a perfect place for beginners with a low tide, and shallow and flat water. There is also a restaurant cafe right on the beach to enjoy some food with family and friends after a long day of paddleboarding.
Ardingly Reservoir
Nestled in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ardingly Reservoir was created in 1978 by the damming of a local brook. The 75-hectare nature reserve is now home to a variety of birdlife, including herons, owls, and kingfishers.
Ardingly Activity Centre sits on the southern shore of the reservoir, a 10-minute drive from Haywards Heath. The centre offers paddleboards and kayaks for hire by the hour, allowing you to discover the reservoir at your own pace. If you’re up for something a bit different, team up with a group of friends on a 4-person paddleboard!
Bognor Regis
A truly iconic seaside resort, Bognor Regis has been called the country’s sunniest town thanks to the 1,900 hours of sunshine it gets each year. The town is within easy reach of many excellent SUP spots, and is less than a 2-hour train ride from London.
Based just along the coast in Pagham, Phil from Cave Active Adventures is an accomplished SUP racer and adventurer, and offers SUP activities and rentals all over West Sussex. Rent a paddleboard and explore Pagham’s isolated sand and shingle beach, or head into the South Downs National Park and join Phil on a River Arun SUP adventure of your own.
Chichester
With a history dating back to Roman times, Chichester is an ideal destination for history buffs. It’s also an easy 90-minute train ride from London, making it a great option for a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Check out Surfs SUP Watersports if you are on your way to Chichester and looking for something fun to do outdoors. Chichester Canal is a gem of a place for anyone looking to start their paddleboarding journey or to simply enjoy a family day out.
Pevensey
Located a few miles east of Eastbourne, Pevensey Bay is a hidden gem. A shingle beach at high tide gives way to a beautiful sandy open beach at low tide. Nearby Pevensey Castle offers a glimpse of ancient history a short walk away.
Pevensey is the base of operations for Be-Rad Watersports, a watersports company run by long-time enthusiast Brad Mackelden. He’s instructed all over the world, but he was drawn back to his hometown of Pevensey thanks to its ideal location and conditions. Join Brad on a 90-minute SUP beginner or improver group lesson, or book in for a 1-on-1 lesson to sharpen your skills.
Eastbourne
The seaside town of Eastbourne has been drawing tourists for well over a century, and it’s not hard to see why. Sun, sea, and sand await visitors, who can reach the town from London in under 90 minutes by train.
Buzz Active is right in Eastbourne, making it a premier place to paddleboard if you are around the area. From introductory lessons to rentals, improving skills with groups and private sessions, and paddling further with a river or beach trip, Buzz Active has it all.
We hope this article has helped inspire you to explore Sussex by SUP! If you’re interested in more paddling adventures in the South, check out our article on places to paddle in Essex, London, and the home counties.
-
Looking for an online booking system to help you run your SUP activities? eola is dedicated to helping instructors and stand-up paddle centres share their passion with more people. We take care of the admin so you can spend more time doing what you love.
Feeling inspired? Follow eola on Instagram and Facebook for ideas and inspiration, and check out the eola marketplace to find and book your next adventure.
Read more
7 stand-up paddleboarding spots near London
10 places to go kayaking and canoeing in the South of England
