You can now go stand-up paddle boarding on the Bridgewater Canal

For the first time in the 260 years the waterway has graced our city, residents can now enjoy a spot of stand-up paddle boarding on the Bridgewater Canal.

The groundbreaking decision comes after the Bridgewater Canal Company conducted a survey to see what kind of changes and improvements the public wanted to see with the city’s waterway, which stretches from Runcorn to Leigh. 

The survey, which looked specifically at the health and wellbeing benefits the canal provided to local residents during 2020’s series of Covid lockdowns, found that stand-up paddle boarding was a popular request when they asked people what other recreational activities they’d like to see on the waterway.

David Dixon / Geograph

Out of the 335 people surveyed, 284 (84%) said they had used the canal to improve their mental wellbeing significantly throughout the last year. 

Similarly, 40% of people said they felt ‘relaxed’ or ‘happy’ when spending time on the water.

Peter Parkinson, director of the Bridgewater Canal, said in a statement: “Our recent survey showed us how invaluable the canal is to people’s health and wellbeing and we’ve looked after the waterway for many years now to bring continuous investment and improvements including towpath works for cyclists and walkers.

British Canoeing / Facebook

“We’re pleased to be working with British Canoeing to meet public demand for stand-up paddle boarding on the canal and be able to offer another recreational activity on the waterway that we’re sure will be enjoyed by many people.”

Places to Paddle manager, Ben Seal also welcomed the addition of stand-up paddle boarding on the Bridgewater Canal, saying: “We have seen a huge spike in stand-up paddle boarding activity in the last twelve months.”

If you’re interested in taking up paddle boarding on the waterway, you’ll need to become a member of British Canoeing, which costs £3.75 per month.