Paddle Broads through the

Canoeing on the Broads is suitable for all the family. Canadian canoes usually carry two or three adults, but if you’re hiring, we advise you to check with the operator. Some hire centres offer paddleboards and other paddlecraft, plus related activities and facilities.

All canoeists should wear a buoyancy aid. Paddleboarders should wear a buoyancy aid and a safety tether. Don’t deliberately capsize your canoe or kayak. Stick to the right-hand side of the waterway unless it is unsafe to do so. Read the Boating Basics guide in Broadcaster, see page 25, for advice relevant to all boating. Wherever you are on the Broads, you must take account of local conditions at the time and put safety first. We don't recommend canoeing in the lower reaches (which have stronger currents and tides, and more powered boats). The lower reaches are the stretches of river approaching the sea at Great Yarmouth, so, beyond

Acle Bridge on the Bure, beyond Reedham Bridge on the Yare and beyond the Broads Authority moorings at Somerleyton on the Waveney. If you do canoe downstream beyond these places, you need to be extremely experienced, fit and able. Paddleboarders, please be aware that you are especially vulnerable to winds, currents and tides. It’s also much more difficult for boaters to see you and you are more likely to fall into the water.

During warmer spells you may see a blue-green coloured scum on the water. This can indicate the presence of toxic bacteria. Do not paddle in areas where the scum is present and avoid coming into contact with it or ingesting it, as it can lead to unpleasant symptoms and

Exploring

diseases. One waterborne disease to be aware of is leptospirosis (Weil's disease). You can reduce the chance of becoming ill by covering open wounds, avoiding swallowing the water, washing your hands before eating or drinking and showering after paddlesports. If you start to feel unwell after taking part in paddlesports, please seek urgent medical advice.

Paddlesports allow exploration of the headwaters (less tidal waters). Please respect nature reserves and private land, as most smaller channels that lead off from the rivers and broads do not have a public right of access.

Please note that the Trinity Broads is a Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve with no public right of access to the water, including for non-powered craft. In the spring and summer, please paddle away from the edges of waterways to minimalise disturbance to breeding birds.

Hire centres and trails

• For Broads canoe hire centres (mostly open from Easter or April to October) and trails (onehour, three-hour and six-hour return routes) go to VisitTheBroads.co.uk/canoe-hire

• Some centres are members of the Broads Canoe Hire Association canoethebroads.co.uk

• All centres are monitored for safety by the Broads Authority as part of the licensing agreement

• British Canoeing also has routes on gopaddling.info

Geldeston canoe pontoon

The Broads Authority has recently installed a new canoe pontoon, providing greater access to the River Waveney for paddlecraft. You’ll find the pontoon at our 24-hour moorings by the Locks Inn, a pub that is owned and run by the local community. This is a beautiful and quiet stretch of the Waveney, perfect if you’re new to paddlesports. The pontoon is adapted to rise and fall with the tides, meaning it will always be at the right height for paddlers to launch or disembark safely. After disembarking, please remove your craft from the water and leave them (at your own risk) on the designated grassy area, directly behind the pontoon. This helps to keep the moorings and footpath clear.

Thanks to the Canoe Foundation and Love the Broads (see page 13) for funding to enable installation of this pontoon. canoefoundation.org.uk

If you have your own paddlecraft…

All canoes, kayaks and paddleboards (including inflatables) that are used on the Broads must have an annual or short visit licence. For details go to broads-authority.gov.uk/tolls

For launch points (for public but not commercial use) and slipways go to broads-authority.gov.uk/slipways

Follow the canoe manufacturer’s guidance on carrying capacity. Before you set off, tell someone where you’re going and how long you plan to be out. Let them know when you get back.

Be aware of biosecurity and help stop the spread of invasive species. Check out the Check Clean Dry campaign for more information. nonnativespecies.org/what-can-i-do/ check-clean-dry

For more about canoeing go to VisitTheBroads.co.uk/canoe-hire

Wild swimming

The Broads Authority does not recommend swimming in the Broads, except as part of an organised event. For more information please go to broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/ navigating-the-broads/outdoor-swimming