Nick Braithwaite, Paddleboarder

We got in touch with Nick Braithwaite who setup Paddleboarding Brighton as a site to help people hoping to get out for a paddle in the vibrant East Sussex city. He offers information from Paddleboarding routes, hire and lessons to where to stay whilst you take advantage of Brighton’s gorgeous coastline and the Sussex river networks.

What do you enjoy most about paddling?

It's one of the most social sports you can do on the water, you can spend a couple of hours on the water with friends and not realise you've also had your exercise for the day. I also love the unique views you get of Brighton when paddleboarding, there's nothing quite like watching the sunset from behind either of the piers. 

What sort of paddleboard should a beginner be looking to buy/start on?

So I would always recommend getting a lesson first or hiring. You want a board that's nice and wide say over 85cm and 10ft plus long, if you're going for longer paddles on the ocean you may want a board with a pointier nose rather than a rounded one to help cut through any chop.  

Why do you think paddleboarding has grown so much in popularity?

Inflatable paddleboards, they're getting better each year and the price has come down a lot, it seems like a paddleboard is becoming an essential bit of beach kit for a fun day out!

What's the most common mistakes first time paddlers make?

I do see quite a few people holding their paddle the wrong way round when they first start and also you want your top hand on top of the paddle handle not underneath it. 

Where are the best/your favourite places to paddle?

Apart from around Brighton's piers I really enjoy a long paddle up the river Adur if you time it right you can go up with the tide pause for lunch and then let the river push you all the way back out to sea. 

Do you take anything paddling with you?

I do take my phone or GoPro with me in case I seen anything interesting whilst out on the water.  

What tips do you have for staying safe in the water?

Take your phone in a waterproof case, get a lesson from a qualified instructor, let someone know that you're going and don't go out in strong offshore winds!

What do you love about the sussex coastline?

I think it's the contrast of the South Downs and the sea, the way the whole mood of the area can change from one day to the next. 

Do you support beach cleaning organisations like ’surfers against sewage’?

Before this interview, I didn't but this interview has been a good prompt and I do now, their Safer Seas Service is incredibly valuable for letting people know about water quality around the beaches of Brighton.