Planning your stand-up paddle board camping trip in the UK

Embarking on a stand-up paddle board (SUP) overnight adventure in the UK is a thrilling way to explore nature and experience the calm serenity of British waterways. Here’s a handy guide to help you plan your journey and ensure you’re well-prepared.

Compact, tough, and stable enough to take the weight of exploring lakes, rivers and coastlines. From sunset paddles, to multi-day adventures, see the world from the waterline and explore the otherwise inaccessible.

1. Choose your destination

Pick a scenic spot that allows camping. In the UK we are spoilt for choice. The Lake District, the Norfolk Broads, and the Scottish lochs offer stunning landscapes. Check local regulations for wild camping or use designated campsites.

Some of our favourite bodies of water to SUP on are Derwentwater in Keswick and Coniston, in the Lake District; being surrounded by the beauty of the fells is just something else! And there are plenty of sites around the lakes where you can parkup (responsibly) and launch your SUP.

Not all bodies of water allow paddleboards, and always check the weather (it’s advised not to SUP inwinds higher than 10-12mph).

2. Paddling kit for an overnight trip

Stand-Up Paddle Board: The best paddle board is the one you own. If this is your first time don't worry if it is not a specific expedition paddle board, the important thing is that you can securely attach your equipment to your board. For this it will need attachment points at the nose and tail.

If you are already hooked and you are looking to extend your overnight camping adventures, a paddleboard with a hull designed for river or lake touring will make covering long distances easier. Our guide to buying a standup paddle board has more details.

Paddle: A lightweight paddle will be less fatiguing over long distances. You can also use your paddle to set up a tarp when you reach your camp.

Leash and PFD: Always wear a leash and a personal flotation device (PFD) for safety. For full day and overnight trips a PFD with pockets is handy for storing snacks, whistle and your waterproof camera or phone.

Pump and repair kit: Carry a pump and a repair kit for emergencies. If you are in a group you can share this between the team. Even if you are sure your board is sound, you can be the hero when a less prepared mate wakes up to a flat board in the morning.

3. The best camping gear for a river trip

Tent, bivvy bag / tarp or camping hammock

There is a wide choice available for what ever type of trip you are planning. If you are already a wild camper none of this will be new to you, and you will already have most of what you need for your river touring adventure.

A lightweight, compact tent is the easiest to set up, will give you the most protection and protect you from midges in the morning and evening.

A tarp and bivvy bag is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the outdoors. A bivvy bag lets you doss down pretty much anywhere and it packs down really small. A tarp provides a great shelter for your group when cooking or, if you are lucky, shade against the sun.

If you prefer to be off the ground a camping hammock is the way to go. Obviously you do need to be sure that you will be able to find some trees to string up your hammock.

Sleeping bag and camping mat

You can choose either a down or synthetic sleeping bag. A synthetic bag will be better if you are not sure you can keep your sleeping bag dry, but if your drybags are in good condition this shouldn't really be a problem.

Storage drybags

Drybags are essential for keeping your gear dry and organised. Look after them and they will look after your stuff. You can test your drybag is still waterproof before your trip by floating it in your bath or giving it a good dowsing in the shower.

A pro tip is to use separate bags for your clothing, sleeping gear, and food. Choose different colours for added convenience.

To ensure a good seal do not over fill them. Leave enough space so that you can get 3 rolls before clipping it closed. Strap your drybag to the deck of your paddleboard, our Airlok drybags have hyperlon tabs for extra security.

Campsite lighting

A headtorch or camping lantern will ensure you can do everything you need to around your campsite after sunset. LED torches are small, light and durable.

Camping stoves and cookware

Using a portable camping stove is cleaner and less damaging to the environment than trying to make a fire pit. Take the appropriate number of lightweight pots for the recipe you are cooking and choose ones that stack inside each other to save space. Don't forget waterproof matches, or a fire-lighter and spare fuel.

Camping accessories

Camping trowel: If you are wild camping a lightweight folding towel is just what you need to ensure you leave no trace and toilet time.

Washing line: Sure you can sling your wet kit over a rock or hang it in a tree, but a thin line of camping cord makes drying your kit out for the next day so much easier.

Insect repellents: You will not be alone, it might not be other humans but you will not be alone. Our little buggy friends also have an infinity for water edges, so to make your outdoor time more comfortable a midge repellent, or in more extreme cases a midge repellent head net will stop you going crazy. Appropriate choice of campsite clothing will also be effective.

4. Clothing

Whether you wear a wetsuit, drysuit, swim vest / board shorts, or waterproofs your choice will come down to personal preference, experience, time of year and your itinerary. Let's look at some approaches:

What to wear for a stand up paddle boarding expedition

A wetsuit is great if you know you are going to get wet, but it isn't the most comfortable option to wear all day, especially if it is hot. If you are navigating white water, or out at sea a wetsuit makes a lot of sense. We have a guide to which of our wetsuits can be used for paddle boarding.

Our Element wetsuit system is ideal for paddleboarders who like to keep their options open. Keep warm your way with separate tops and bottoms. When the water’s biting, choose the pants and jacket. Or, on mild spring and autumn days, go shorts and sleeveless. Our Element wetsuit is made with Glideskin technology for low drag in the water, and windproofing out the water. Designed for easy changing, in sizes 8-18 and S-XL. Sold in separates so you can fit the wetsuit to you – not the other way round.

Drysuits are also popular as you stay warm and dry if you fall in. Think of an all-in-one waterproof with silicone neck, wrist and ankle seals. Unfortunately a drysuit is the most expensive option.

Board shorts are for those of us living the good life. They are perfect when the water is warm and the weather is ideal in every sense. They are for jumping in, snorkling around, sunbathing on the deck and fishing off the the nose.

Nestled in between these examples we have what is the reality for most of us. On an extended river trip in the UK you need something that can dry quickly if it gets wet, stays warm when wet, protects you from the wind and rain and will be comfortable to wear all day. It sounds a lot like what you might already have in your cupboard.

Thermal, moisture-wicking base layer tops are ideal. They feel comfortable against the skin and don't mind getting wet. Lightweight, quick drying shorts or trousers for your legs or a pair of neoprene shorts. Over the top a lightweight windproof or waterproof jacket and trousers will keep off the wind and spray. Neoprene booties or water shoes will keep your feet warm and provide protection getting in and out of the water.

What to wear when you reach your campsite

When you reach your campsite you might be hot, wet, cold, sunburnt, tired - our point is you might want to change into something more comfortable.

A lightweight pack towel is useful to towel down if you have taken a plunge, or just to dry your hands when you reach land.

Shirts and trousers with long sleeves will help protect you from biting insects. Ankles are especially tasty so pack a pair of long socks.

A dry changing robe or insulated jacket will keep you warm when the sun goes down.

Of course you will have packed everything in a drybag so it is all nice and dry.

For more ideas check out our guide on what to wear for stand up paddle boarding.

5. Food and water

What to cook while camping

Meals like pasta, soups, or dehydrated foods are quick and easy-to-cook with a camping stove. If you prefer the joys of cooking real food whilst camping you can follow Paul Messners' approach. High-energy snacks like nuts, and chocolate will keep you fuelled on the go. Remember that whatever you carry in you will have to carry out, so try to reduce packaging and remember to carry recycling bags.

How to ensure you have a clean water supply when wild camping

It is a sad fact that even though you are surrounded by water you could go thirsty! Even if you are heading into the wild places, away from all perceivable signs of human interference, a portable water filter or purification tablets will ensure you have a source of safe drinking water once you have used up your reservoir.

How to look after your hands while paddle boarding

Make sure there are no wee burrs on your paddle handle to rub during the day. Monitor your hands for signs of blistering especially if you are paddling in salty water and act early on. Moisturise your hands at the end of the day. Wear sun protection - a high factor, waterproof sun cream, a wide brimmed sun hat and of course killer sunglasses.

6. Navigation and communication

Using a GPS to navigate along your river

Familiarise yourself with your route before setting out and estimate how long it should take to reach key points along your route. This will help make sure you are staying on track during the day. Even if you use GPS, a map and compass are important backups. Keep your map in a waterproof map case.

Using a phone as an emergency contact device

As well as being great for recording memories of your trip, a fully charged phone can be used to communicate in emergencies. Keep it in a waterproof case or dry bag and follow your favourite battery saving regime and carry a powerpack.

7. Preparing for your overnight camping trip

Where can you standup paddle board?

Check to see if you need a license to paddle on your chosen waterway. Membership of PaddleUK is an easy way to get yourself a waterways license to paddle over 4500 km of rivers and canals across England and Wales.

Outline your route and share it with a friend or family member. Include emergency contacts and estimated return time. Look out for river obstructions suck as bridges, locks and weirs that you may have to portage around and ensure there are no restrictions on stopping along the riverbanks.

Monitor the weather forecast for changes and plan your gear accordingly. If you route follows a tidal river check the tide charts and go with the flow.

How can you ensure the water quality is good?

Awareness of water quality is rightly of great concern to us all. Arm yourself with a little knowledge and common sense actions you can take to prevent illness from common waterborne diseases such as Weil's disease, Blue green algae, gastro-intestinal illness. and Hep A. If swimming in lakes and rivers is your bag the Rivers Trust Sewage Map is an essential tool in your search for safe waters. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser to wash your hands before eating.

Where can you wild camp along the river?

Planning your route around waterside campsites can give you the reassurance that you will find amenities, but many of us are looking to catch nature off guard with a wild camping adventure.

You can wild camp in England and Wales if you have the permission of the landowner. If you do not and are asked to move on, be polite, apologise and move on. Be discreet and respectful when selecting wild camping spots. Be sensitive, be discrete. Pitch your tent late, be on your way early and leave no trace.

Wild camp in Scotland is permitted and we hope one day England and Wales will follow suit to allow responsible wild camping. We have a longer guide to wild camping and encourage you to support the Right to Roam Campaign.

Leave no trace: Respect nature by packing out all rubbish and avoiding disturbance to wildlife. In the spring and summer be aware of fire risk and nesting bird restrictions.

By carefully planning and packing the right equipment, your SUP overnight adventure will be an unforgettable journey into the beautiful British outdoors. Stay safe, have fun, and savour every moment on the water!