Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy this popular activity in East and West Sussex. Below are some of the better known places to go paddleboarding in Sussex.
List of Sussex paddleboarding locations in this article:
Brighton / Hove Seafront
The paddle
For a more detailed look take a look at our list of paddleboard routes around Brighton. But Brighton and Hove on a low wind day is a great place to start your Sussex paddleboarding adventure. Launch your board at the King Alfred and make your way up the beach checking out the i360, West Pier, Palace Pier and whatever other activities might be going on along the seafront. It’s a must do for Sussex paddlers! Here’s a little video of what it looks like from the water in winter.
Places to eat:
– It is Brighton so the list is lengthy but for post paddle spots you can’t beat one of the beach front bars or Bison Bar at the Sea Lanes ( once they re open ).
Arundel – River Arun
The paddle
One great place to go paddleboarding in Sussex is the River Arun. If you start in Arundel you’ll be paddling with views of Arundel Castle which dates back to the 11th century. The river Arun winds its way through the county, providing plenty of opportunities for paddlers of all skill levels to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise. Be sure to check that the tides are right before you paddle, the river will be fastest flowing in the middle of when the tide changes from high to low tide, see the rule of 12ths.
Places to eat:
– Depending on how far you get you can stop in at the Black Rabbit Pub & Restaurant or a little further on you have the Bridge Inn.
Shoreham – River Adur
The paddle
The calm waters and gentle currents of the River Adur make it an ideal spot for both beginner and experienced paddlers. As you paddle downstream, you’ll pass through a number of beautiful stretches of countryside, including rolling hills, picturesque meadows, and dense forests. You may even catch a glimpse of Lancing College, a prestigious boarding school that is located along the river. Remember to keep an eye on the tides or you could find yourself
Places To EaT
If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty during your paddling adventure, there are a number of pubs and restaurants located along the River Adur that you can visit. One popular spot is The Anchor Inn, a cozy pub located in Shoreham-by-Sea that offers a range of traditional pub food and a selection of local beers. Another popular spot is The Waterfront, a popular pub located in Shoreham-by-Sea that offers a range of traditional pub food and a selection of local beers.
Seaford – Cuckmere Haven
The paddle
Cuckmere Haven is a beautiful spot located in East Sussex, England. It is known for its stunning scenery, which includes the Cuckmere River, the Seven Sisters cliffs, and the South Downs National Park. It’s one o the best paddleboard spots in Sussex, with options to paddle down to the sea or back in land towards Alfriston. You can hire paddleboards on the river and then make your way down Cuckmere River to Cuckmere Haven Beach, the beach offers a range of different conditions, from calm, sheltered waters to more challenging open-ocean paddling.
Places To EaT
Once you’ve finished paddleboarding head to The Cuckmere Inn – this pub is located right on the river. The menu features a range of traditional pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and fish and chips. Another option is the Seven Sisters Country Park Café – This popular café is located within the Seven Sisters Country Park and offers a range of hot and cold drinks, as well as sandwiches, cakes, and other light snacks. It is the perfect place to stop and rest while exploring the park.
Sussex Lakes
The paddle
Sussex is home to a number of lakes and reservoirs that are perfect for paddling. The clear, calm waters of these bodies of water provide an idyllic setting for a relaxing paddleboarding session. The main lakes to take a look at are Ardingly Reservoir and further west you have Chichester Watersports.
Overall, Sussex is a great place to go paddleboarding, with a variety of different locations to choose from. Whether you prefer the calm waters of a river or lake, the rolling waves of the sea, or the stunning scenery of the South Downs, there’s a spot in Sussex that’s perfect for you. So grab your paddleboard and hit the water – you won’t be disappointed!
The Witterings
The paddle
The Witterings is a beautiful area in West Sussex, England, known for its picturesque beaches and waterways, making it a perfect place for paddling sports such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Here are some recommendations for places to paddleboard in the Witterings:
- West Wittering Beach: This beach is located in the village of West Wittering and offers miles of sandy shoreline, making it a great place to paddleboard. The water is relatively shallow and calm, making it suitable for beginners.
- Chichester Harbour: This is a large estuary located just to the east of the Witterings and offers a variety of paddling options, including sheltered creeks, open water, and tidal marshes. The harbour is home to a wide range of wildlife, including birds and seals, making it a great place for wildlife viewing while paddling.
- Selsey Bill: This is a long, narrow peninsula located to the south of the Witterings and offers a variety of paddling options, including sheltered coves and open water. The peninsula is home to a number of small fishing villages and has a rich history, making it a great place to explore by paddleboard.
- Bracklesham Bay: This is a large bay located to the east of the Witterings and is known for its long, sandy beach and shallow, calm water, making it a great place for paddling. The bay is also home to a number of surfing breaks, so you may see surfers out on the water as well.
Last Updated on 1st February 2023 by Brighton Paddler
Hi I’m looking for best area to take 2 adults 1 child 10 years old for 1st paddle board lesson.
Hi thanks for the comment, I think Hove Lagoon is probably your best bet for this or Cuckmere Haven both have paddleboard lessons available and will be calmer than learning on the sea.