East of England Paddlesports
More than 15,000 members strong and still growing, the region’s paddling powerhouse was founded in 2017 by Mersea Island resident Oli Jordan as a way to meet like-minded watersports enthusiasts. EOEPS is Paddle UK’s largest single affiliated club but stays true to its Facebook-based, free-to-join roots. It retains a strong focus on social activities as well as getting out on the water, with opportunities for lessons, organised events – locally, nationally and overseas – and has a reputation for support and friendliness.
Regular year’s events include pool sessions where participants can learn and play in a warm and safe environment, beginners’ social paddles in Dedham, safety presentations and road trips to other paddling destinations around the UK and abroad.
A guidebook written by the EOEPS team and available on Amazon offers a comprehensive guide to SUP and canoe locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and more, with photos, maps and all essential details included. Among the local rivers they recommend are the following:
• West Mersea – paddle clockwise, pass the saltmarshes to the Strood, watch vehicles try their luck and paddle along the ‘road’ once it is completely flooded.
• Dedham to Flatford and back – a round trip of about 5km. “In the summer, this is best done in the evenings when things get quiet and you can enjoy the local herons and flashes of kingfisher as you make your way through Constable Country, passing within metres of the Hay Wain and Willy Lott’s Cottage,” says Jason.
• River Deben – there are several launch points depending on tide, but a popular one is the carpark at the Maybush pub in Waldringfield.
• River Orwell – there are several launch points from both side of the river. “Anyone familiar we East Suffolk will know the Orwell Bridge – it’s very memorable to paddle under and tick that landmark off the bucket list!” says Jason.
• Sudbury – head downstream to Henny for welcome refreshments at the Henny Swan pub; you rest your craft in the riverside garden there.
• Cattawade – launch from the picnic car park and head upstream to Flatford. Depending on time of day, refreshments are available at the Flatford National Trust visitor centre or on the return leg you can paddle into Constable Park at Cattawade for an ice cream or a spot of glamping.
• Papermill Lock, River Chelmer – visit the lovely tearoom after paddling upstream towards Chelmsford or downstream to Heybridge Basin.
• Dovercourt – one of the best sunrise locations, with amazingly picturesque ‘lighthouses’.
If you’d like to know more, search Facebook for East of England Paddlesports or look at the website