Summer means it’s time to cool off and one of the perfect ways to do it is by being on the water. See the city of Manchester and the beautiful landscapes nearby in a whole new way by drifting along the water with a spot of paddleboarding.
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing watersports and where you can stand on boards and use a paddle to propel yourself through the water. If you’re ready to challenge yourself then grab your wetsuit and make a splash with these tranquil spots for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in and around Manchester.
1. Trafford Watersports Centre
Located within Sale Water Park, Trafford Watersports Centre offers a wide range of fun things to do, including water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you’re an adult seeking exciting activities or looking for kids activities or family fun, you can try paddleboarding for just £15 an hour per paddleboat. Plus, Trafford Watersports Centre also offers Mega SUP – a super-sized board at 17’0 long and 60″ wide, the Mega SUP is designed to carry not one but as many as eight people on board, and it’s bound to be fun with a large group.
📍Trafford Watersports Centre, Sale Water Park, Rifle Rd, Sale, M33 2LX.
2. Bridgewater Canal
For more experienced paddlers on the water, you can experience paddleboarding a little closer to Manchester on the Bridgewater Canal. Mancs can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the canal in a whole new way, taking in the sights of nature while taking care of their wellbeing. However, anyone wishing to use a stand-up paddleboard on the Bridgewater Canal must be a member of British Canoeing. It is also recommended that paddle boarders wear high visibility clothing as well as a life buoyancy jacket or personal floatation aid.
3. Venture Out
If you’re looking to try paddleboarding south of Manchester then head to Venture Out where you can paddle under the iconic arches in Stockport. Located right by the River Mersey in Heaton Mersey, Venture Out provides guided and self-guided trips on the water down to Northenden, static sessions at their centre or in the Marple area, as well as offering water sports like canoeing, kayaking and rafting. The activity centre can also offer smaller sessions for groups looking to do a taster session for paddleboarding.
📍Venture Out, Burnage Rugby Club, Battersea Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, SK4 3EA.
4. Salford Watersports Centre
As well as offering open water swimming, Salford Watersports Centre offers a range of different paddle sports to try your hand at including kayaking and paddleboarding. The centre uses a variety of inflatable paddleboards in their sessions plus if you’ve tried stand-up paddleboarding, then why not now have a go on one of their giant SUP boards? Perfect to try with a group, whether it’s friends, family, work colleagues or on a Stag or Hen do, you can explore the Manchester waterways together, race against each other or simply see who can stand up for the longest.
📍Salford Watersports Centre, 15 The Quays, Salford, M50 3SQ.
5. 1-2- SUP
1-2-1 SUP is a Cheshire based company offering lessons in stand-up paddle boarding and operates in association with Grip Adventures. Based in the Greater Manchester area of Sale on the historic and beautiful Bridgewater canal, other locations for paddleboarding are also available. Whether you’ve already tried paddleboarding and are looking to improve your technique or you’ve never stepped on a board before, lessons are tailored to your individual needs. If you fancy a sunset activity after a hard day on a beautiful summer evening instructor Debbie is hear to lend a hand, or paddle.
📍1-2-1 SUP, Grip Adventures, Britannia Rd, Sale, M33 2AA.