Paddling and paddlesports have many physical and mental health benefits and being close to nature is a crucial part of the experience.  Accessing blue space (rivers, canals, lakes, the sea) is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity in adults. Kayakers, stand up paddleboarders and canoeists tell us they are substantially happier outdoors in all natural habitats. 

Blue space appears to have restorative qualities which exceed those attributable to green space. It can reduce levels of psychological distress and promote cognitive restoration and stress reduction, relaxation and mindfulness. Spotting kingfishers, coots, moorhens, herons, ducks, water voles and otters is all part of that wonderful experience. On the sea, paddlers can observe seals, puffins and gannets. If they’re very lucky, dolphins and whales. However, there is also responsibility when you enter these precious environments. 

Putting nature first as you paddle
 

By becoming a Paddle UK member it supports the environmental work we do with our partners on national projects. In 2022, we published the Paddlers’ Code - a guide to help people enjoy our beautiful waterways responsibly. We encourage paddlers to be kind to nature, to respect breeding and nesting seasons and to minimise noise, while keeping a sensible distance. We also ask our members and other paddlers to avoid gravel beds in rivers, which may hold precious spawning grounds for fish and other species.  Sticking to established paths or bare rock when exploring rapids or rock pools is also encouraged, to avoid erosion and disturb vulnerable species. 

We have done lots of work with paddlers about stopping the spread of invasive, non-native species. Floating pennywort is a huge problem in parts of the country, it can clog up waterways and harm our native wildlife. Checking, cleaning and drying kit after each trip is a message we promote. 

Keeping our waterways clean
 

We are, of course, also worried about plastic pollution and sewage being released into our rivers. The Big Paddle Cleanup was set up to improve our precious blue places. Last year, over 2,600 paddlers took part in a bid to clear their local waterways of junk and plastic pollution, while raising more public awareness of the issue. About 1,800 huge sacks were filled containing 6,767 plastic bottles, 2,739 glass bottles, 4,403 cans and 7,682 food packaging items. 

Volunteering in general can have huge mental health benefits for people. In the context of a cleanup on a river, members report feelings of happiness because they’re taking action and doing it as part of a team. This year’s Big Paddle Cleanup took place between 25 May to 9 June, but many clubs and individuals continue throughout the year. 

Pollution is an issue that affects everyone. For users of blue space, there can be a risk of infection caused by microorganisms. Bacteria and viruses can be picked up through cuts or through ingestion. The presence of bacteria indicates that human or animal faeces may be present in the water. One cause is from sewage being discharged from combined sewer overflows (CSOs). Through our Clear Access, Clear Waters campaign we have been doing lots of things to end sewage pollution. While the problem is not going away fast enough, we don’t want to discourage people from doing what they love. However, we don’t want them to get ill doing it. This is why we’ve published our water quality safety advice.  We have also shared with our members maps showing real-time storm discharge activity. 

There are challenges for paddlers in blue spaces, but it doesn’t stop them doing what they love. If anything, it makes them more determined to protect them.  

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