COME PADDLEBOARDING WITH STAND UP PADDLE UK

It got to Friday and Darren and I were ready for another SUP adventure. Car packed with Stand Up Paddle Boards and gear and we hit the road – both of us setting off from different locations.

We wanted to check out Cardiff and were drawn to the fact that albeit a city has a wide offering of watersports access. Cardiff hosts CIWW, Cardiff’s white water centre and here you can paddle on the local river or try paddle boarding on the lagoon, white-water rafting, and various other water based activities. They even have a surf machine called Indoor Wave.

With my family I left Nottingham at 4pm and the journey was a breeze, driving into Cardiff Bay and arriving at Voco St David’s Cardiff hotel at around 7pm. Darren was coming in from Bedfordshire so an additional hour of travel for him.

Arriving at the Hotel it was clear to see why this is a 5* hotel. The lobby was quite spectacular and we were greeted by amazing hospitality. As we came by car we left our gear in the car but I’m sure the hotel would have stored them for us if needed.

As Darren was arriving later in the day, we took a short walk to Mermaid Quay, a very short distance from the hotel, where there were a lot of restaurants and bars with great water views. We had a wander around and even went on Cardiff’s version of the Big Wheel (it’s there in the summer months), gaining sights over the Bay during sunset which was spectacular! Then a quick bite to eat and back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. Darren arriving slightly later, but a very smooth check in was greatly appreciated!

The rooms at Voco were amazing, both had huge views over the bay and what views they were! Next morning, Saturday, we got up and checked out the hotels tasty cooked and continental breakfast offer, socially distanced and well managed by the most hospitable staff, even going out of their way to entertain and make my daughter a little hot chocolate and talk to her.

After breakfast we headed to CIWW to check in. It was pretty close to our hotel, 5 minutes by car. We prepared our boards in the car park then headed down on to the water. If you want to paddle on the river it’s a small £5 payment and sign in at reception, so that’s what we did. Our plan was to head up the River Ely for around 2 miles as the weather was a bit dubious and we had afternoon plans with our partners. We changed in the car park, however there is access to changing facilities and toilets at the centre.

We carried out boards through the side gates and down some steps to the pontoon which was an easy get on. It was really nice to launch in the marina. Heading right the river was well protected from winds so it felt like an easy paddle. It is a pleasing start, heading through the boats in the marina and high rise buildings as a back drop. The River was empty so it was plane sailing for us. We did a shade over 4 miles in 1hr 20 mins. Once we got off the water it was a quick deflate of our boards and drive back to our hotel.

Whilst paddling, my wife and daughter went to Techniquest, a science attraction in Cardiff Bay and played for hours their until we returned. One thing about escaping to a city break to paddle is keeping the family entertained. We even managed to book into the hotel pool and spa in the evening and have a swim and sauna before dinner.

Darren sampled some of the shopping in the area with his partner. St David’s Dewi Saint shopping centre was vibrant, busy and full of shops.. As you’d expect! Lots of parking and plenty of options for lunch. Tip: Darren recommends the Yakatori1 restaurant in Mermaid Quay… “Some of the best Sushi I’ve experienced”.

Sunday, we enjoyed another great breakfast and recharged our battery’s before meeting at Channel View Leisure Centre. £5 to access the river per board, free parking and easy access, not bad at all. We met with a couple of local paddlers and headed up the River Taff. This route is excellent, especially for those who love a stadium. We cruised past the Principality Stadium, the views from the water were very cool. Certainly a different back drop to other paddle routes!

A very wide river at the base of Cardiff Bay which narrows down and gets quite shallow after you reach Cardiff Castle. We did a 5.5 mile route in 2hr20mins. Just watch out for those river boats ferrying passengers up and down the Taff.. they will leave you in a meaty wake!!

Just before getting off we also paddled out into the Bay to check out the views over the hotel and large sailing boats the water here was glassy and definitely very different from a river paddle. Worth noting to make sure you understand the buoys to make sure you have a safe paddle.

After the paddle we head our separate ways. Darren heading home with the longer journey, and me and my family heading to Cardiff Castle another great attraction whilst in the city.

If you’re looking for a trip away and want to check out some easy city watersports we definitely recommend adding Cardiff to your list!