Paddleboarding and kayaking at Mersea Island Watersports
Mersea Island Watersports has run lessons and equipment hire from its centre in West Mersea since 2013. From the sheltered waters on the western side of the island, paddleboarders and kayakers can explore the creeks, islands and coastline around the harbour. It's an easy trip from Colchester, Maldon and Tiptree, and sessions suit complete beginners, improvers and families, with kids' beach clubs in the school holidays.
West Mersea, Essex
Perfect for families
Beginner sessions available
Gift vouchers available
Beach clubs for kids
The Beach Club for Kids mixes kayaking, paddleboarding and beach games with sandcastle contests, treasure hunts, eco-crafts and rock pooling, led by friendly, qualified instructors with all equipment provided. In the school holidays, choose the 2 hr School Holiday Beach Club or the longer 3 hr School Holiday Beach Club, or book the Saturday Beach Club at weekends.
Mersea Island Watersports
Unit 5C,
110 Coast Road,
West Mersea,
Essex,
CO5 8NA
Mersea Island Watersports runs paddleboarding and kayaking from West Mersea on the Blackwater estuary, within easy reach of Colchester, Maldon and Chelmsford.
FAQs
Where is Mersea Island Watersports?
Mersea Island Watersports is at Unit 5C, 110 Coast Road, West Mersea, Essex, CO5 8NA, on the western side of Mersea Island and about 8 miles south of Colchester. Guided sessions meet behind Micro Scooters, and the what3words address is ///trailing.nets.proclaims.
Where can I go paddleboarding near Colchester?
Mersea Island Watersports in West Mersea is about 8 miles from Colchester. The sheltered creeks and harbour make a good place to learn, and the SUP Intro (Group Session) is designed for people who have never paddleboarded before.
Where can I go kayaking near Maldon?
West Mersea is about 10 miles from Maldon, across the Blackwater estuary. Mersea Island Watersports runs the Guided Kayak Adventure through the island's creeks and coves, and hires single and double kayaks to experienced paddlers.
Where can I go paddleboarding near Chelmsford?
Mersea Island Watersports is about 20 miles from Chelmsford and offers lessons, guided SUP adventures and board hire on the Essex coast. For more ideas, see our guide to places to paddle in Essex.
Do I need any experience?
Not for lessons. The SUP Intro (Group Session) is for complete beginners, and the Learn to SUP course follows the BSUPA Ready to Ride syllabus and leads to a BSUPA level 1 certificate. To hire a paddleboard or kayak, you need to be competent and have previous experience, and the team may ask you to show it.
Can I hire a paddleboard or kayak in West Mersea?
Yes. Mersea Island Watersports hires paddleboards and single and double kayaks to competent paddlers, with buoyancy aids included. The paddleboard fleet is a mix of inflatable and hard boards with composite paddles, and the kayaks are made by Tootega.
Is Mersea Island Watersports accredited?
Yes. Mersea Island Watersports is an AALA-accredited centre, a RED Test Centre and a BSUPA-approved provider, so lessons follow recognised standards of safety, instruction and equipment.
Are there watersports for kids in Mersea?
Yes. The beach clubs mix kayaking, paddleboarding and beach games with treasure hunts and rock pooling, all led by qualified instructors. Book the Saturday Beach Club at weekends, or a holiday beach club in the school holidays.
What should I bring?
For a paddleboarding or kayaking session, it's worth bringing:
- Swimwear or quick-drying clothes
- Shoes that can get wet
- A towel and a change of clothes
- Sunscreen and a water bottle on warm days
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it's best to book ahead, especially for lessons, guided adventures and the school holiday beach clubs. You can see live availability and book online with Mersea Island Watersports.
Does Mersea Island Watersports sell gift vouchers?
Yes. You can buy a Mersea Island Watersports gift voucher online for paddleboarding or kayaking in West Mersea.