Is prior SUP experience required?

Yes, participants should be competent paddlers with the ability to self-rescue and comfortable managing 15KM with lock portages.

Are paddles and boards provided?

Equipment hire is available but must be booked in advance via email or phone.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and finishes at Burnt Mill Lock car park in Harlow, Essex.

Is there a halfway rest stop?

Yes, The Shed Coffee House offers a break near Sawbridgeworth, roughly halfway along the route.

Bring your own SUP gear or book hire, water, snacks, suitable clothing, footwear for portages, and a dry bag for valuables.

Are there age restrictions?

Participants must be at least 14 years old; under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Stort Navigation SUP Safari: Paddle 15KM Along England’s Historic River Stort | Guided Tour | Boat Tour

Discover the charm of southern England’s River Stort on the Stort Navigation Safari, a 15-kilometer paddleboarding adventure that weaves history, nature, and a rewarding physical challenge into one unforgettable excursion. Launched as a round-trip journey between Harlow and Sawbridgeworth, this safari offers paddlers the rare opportunity to explore a canalised waterway lined by heritage malting houses and tranquil landscapes. Located just north of London in Essex, this stretch is an unexpected haven for stand-up paddleboarders seeking a balance between peaceful paddling and engaging obstacles like ten lock portages. These locks offer a hands-on chance to interact with the region’s waterway history while testing your portability skills between stretches of smooth water.

The journey begins at Burnt Mill Lock in Harlow, a town known for its post-war urban design and proximity to green spaces, setting the perfect scene for adventure. As you glide downriver, the riverbanks reveal the quiet beauty of old warehouses and malting houses, particularly around the halfway point, where The Shed Coffee House invites you to rest and refuel amid an authentic riverside setting. This unique stop adds a sociable twist to your day, combining local culture with your outdoor experience. Paddle UK qualified leaders guide the safari, lending informal coaching to enhance your paddling technique and ensure safety along the way.

Though the route is accessible to paddlers aged 14 and above who are fit and competent enough to self-rescue and manage the lock portages, it remains a challenging three and a half hours plus effort, ideal for intermediate paddlers. The flat water of the canalised river is countered by the physical demands of portaging your board and navigating locks, making this a fresh alternative to crowded ocean or lake paddles.

As part of the paddling community in this historic region, the Stort Navigation Safari highlights the river’s ecological and cultural value, emphasizing sustainable recreation and respect for one another on the water. Equipment hire is available with prior arrangement, making this a convenient option for visitors traveling light or newcomers eager to try the sport without owning gear. Whether you’re based in nearby Harlow or Sawbridgeworth or visiting from London, this safari offers an accessible day out with a distinctive English riverside atmosphere. Bring quick-drying layers, expect versatile weather, and prepare for a day punctuated by wide skies, quiet waters, and the distinctive rhythm of lock portages on one of England’s lesser-known paddling gems.