Do I need a license to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) in the UK?

If you are like me, you may have enjoyed paddleboarding on holiday, but never tried the activity in the UK. With the recent focus on staycations and people holidaying closer to home, sales of paddleboards have exploded!

There are a few things you should know before you head out onto the water. This first is that there’s a good chance you need a waterway license to paddleboard in the UK.

Do I need a permit or waterways license to use my stand up paddle board (SUP)?

Not all waterways in the UK require a licence, but if you are paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing in England or Wales it’s pretty likely that you will cross waters that require a permit.

Over 5,000km of waterways are managed by the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, the Broads Authority and other waterway authorities.  

Why I do I need a licence?

Because you may be trespassing! This is a hotly contested issue – currently be looked at by government. But by joining an associating like British Canoeing you contribute to the maintenance of the waterways you are paddling by providing necessary services like maintaining launch points, keeping up banks, and removing invasive species which can make it difficult to paddle and more.

How do I get a waterway permit? 

The most comprehensive waterways license for England is included in a British Canoeing “On the Water” membership through British Canoeing. If you live in Wales join Canoe Wales membership; in Scotland you can join Canoe Scotland (Scotland has “right to roam” and you don’t need a permit), and if you live in Northern Ireland join the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland.

Here’s a full list of waterways covered by the British Canoeing membership. This Paddlepoints map also gives some ideas of locations. If you only think you will paddle on your local waterways, you can buy a licence directly with that authority. 

What do I get with a British Canoeing membership?

The British Canoeing “On the Water” memberships gets you a full Waterways license to paddle on over 5,000km of waterways in the UK.

It also includes public liability insurance with £10 million civil liability when you paddle and a great rate on canoe, kayak and paddleboard insurance, provided by Towergate Insurance. 

Another benefit is member discounts, including 20% off Cotswold, Snow & Rock, Runnersneed, 10% Halfords & dryrobe. They also provide member tips on latest trails. Plus you’ll join a community of 38,000 like-minded paddlers!

Is the watery permit for the vessel or per person?

It’s per person. Discounts available for families (see below)

How much does a paddling license cost?

A British Canoeing “On the water” license for adults is £45. You can join British Canoeing here.

Other British Canoeing memberships:

Youth (under 18) £27
Young person (19-22) £35
Adults (23+) 45
Joint £80

Discount for Family Membership

There is a discount for family memberships A family with 2 adults and 2 children can join for £122 (instead of £144). Additional children are £10 each.

Unfortunately British Canoeing don’t make it easy to find the family membership! Here’s a PDF that explains how to get a family membership.

Hope you make it onto the water soon!