Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards

Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are used on most parts of the river, but should avoid the main channel where possible. There is no cost to visiting the river as a paddlecraft user.

The most popular area to paddle is beyond the M27 bridge where there is less traffic. The river is quiet, with natural inlets to explore, as well as a pub with paddlecraft storage facilities - the Horse and Jockey along the Curbridge Creek.

The Botley arm is a little longer. You can only access the upper Hamble at high water and a couple of hours either side. The ebb tide is strong, and can exceed three knots. Most people launch from the public slipways at Lower Swanwick or Bursledon and head up on the flood tide and return on the ebb. Check tide times before you set off to make your journey as smooth as possible.

There are public slipways at Swanwick, Lands End, Warsash and Hamble towards the mouth of the river.

Take care not to disturb local wildlife as you head out on the water. Visit the Bird Aware Solent Watersports with Wildlife webpage for a map of wildlife friendly launch points and paddleboarding routes.

Silhouette of harbour