If you head to Brighton beach on a sunny, calm day, you’ll probably see loads of people out paddleboarding.
Stand-up paddleboarding (also known as SUP) exploded in popularity in Brighton during the pandemic and it’s not hard to understand why.
Paddling across the ocean, surrounded by amazing views and picturesque sunsets – it doesn’t get better than that!
Lots of people in Brighton own their paddleboards, but if you just want to try it out, you can rent paddleboards in Brighton for a few hours or even an entire day if you’re feeling more adventurous.
There are five places to rent paddleboards in and around Brighton, including Brighton Watersports, Hove Lagoon Watersports and SurfSup Brighton.
You might also be wondering where the best paddleboarding in Brighton is. We’ve shared some of our favourite spots in and around Brighton for a SUP session.
In this blog post, we’ll explain where to rent paddleboards in Brighton and share a few tips to help you make the most of your paddleboarding experience!
Table of Contents
Where to rent paddleboards in Brighton
Brighton Watersports
Located right on the seafront in central Brighton, Brighton Watersports is a popular spot for water activities, including paddleboarding rental.
Brighton Watersports offer both kayak and paddleboard rentals suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers.
The staff here are super friendly and you’ll often see them out on the water themselves. They can provide guidance on selecting the right board and equipment based on your experience and preferences.
Paddleboard hire costs £20 per hour at Brighton Watersports. They will also give you a wetsuit and life jacket (which is a requirement).
You can also book group tutorials – perfect for hen and stag do’s and birthday parties.
They are normally open from 10am every day, although this is weather-dependent, so you can just rock up and get out on the water.
If you’re a large group heading to Brighton in the summer, it’s best to book ahead to make sure they have enough paddleboards.
Hove Lagoon
Your second option for where to rent paddleboards in Brighton is to head down to Hove Lagoon, at the end of Hove. Set back from the beach, this is exactly how it sounds – a big lagoon filled with sea water.
This is the perfect destination if you’re a newbie to paddleboarding or want calmer waters as you don’t have to deal with the waves from the sea.
Lagoon Watersports at Hove Lagoon offers paddleboard rentals and lessons, allowing you to learn the basics or enhance your skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Explore the serene waters of the lagoon and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while gliding on your paddleboard.
SUP hire on Hove Lagoon costs £20 per hour, but you must have already completed a taster session or show that you have the ability of this level. Also, they only offer paddleboard rentals to take to the sea for regular customers.
Looking for fun things to do in Brighton? Check out our list of the best activities in 2023!
SurfSup Brighton
SurfSup Brighton is a mobile paddleboard rental company based in Brighton. As they don’t have premises, they drop boards off on the seafront near Rockwater in Hove.
If you’re hiring for a larger group, they also do drop offs between Shoreham and Brighton Marina. You can hire for half days (mornings or afternoons) or full days.
They don’t offer wetsuits, so make sure you bring your own if it’s a cold day.
You can book on their website, but contact them ahead of time (ideally before the day you want the paddleboards) to ensure they have enough boards available.
Decathlon
Recently, sports shop Decathlon has joined the list of paddleboard rental in Brighton. Decathlon announced earlier this year that stores would now offer sports equipment rentals, including paddleboards.
This means you can rent paddleboards in Brighton for an entire day.
Decathlon Brighton is located in the town centre. Rentals can be ordered online and collected in store an hour later. They can also be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance to allow for any weather changes.
They have different size boards on offer and rentals start from £30 per day.
We haven’t tried this out ourselves but it sounds pretty handy!
Adur Outdoor Activities Centre
If you’re up for heading a bit further out, the Adur Outdoor Activities Centre in Shoreham is another great option for paddleboard rentals.
This centre provides various water-based activities, including paddleboarding, along the tranquil waters of the River Adur.
Rent a paddleboard from the Adur Outdoor Activities Centre and experience the peaceful beauty of the river, surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
They offer rentals for individuals and groups, catering to both beginners and experienced paddlers.
In summary, your main options for renting paddleboards in Brighton are: Brighton Watersports, Lagoon Watersports in Hove, Decathalon Brighton, SurfSup Brighton, and Adur Outdoor Activities Centre in Shoreham.
Best places to go paddleboarding in Brighton
Between the piers
If you head to the beach between Palace Pier and West Pier (the burnt-down one), you’ll find yourself in one of the most popular paddleboarding spots.
This is partly because you’re right by Brighton Watersports, where you can rent paddleboards, and also because this is a busy spot of the beach in general given its proximity to the train station and town centre.
If you’re nervous about paddleboarding, it’s best to stay somewhere busy like this where people can see you.
There are also lifeguards around this area during the summer months. However, it can get very busy so make sure you watch out for swimmers and other paddleboarders.
Hove beaches
We like paddleboarding off the beaches down in Hove, as it’s much quieter down here. We normally start on a beach parallel to Hove Gardens and then aim to paddle down to Rockwater or West Pier, depending on the wind direction.
Hove lagoon
If you’re not ready to paddleboard on the sea, you can head to Hove lagoon for a calmer experience. To paddleboard here, you need to rent boards from Lagoon Watersports.
They also offer group sessions, either as lessons or less formal sessions. You can bring your own paddleboards to these for a smaller fee than the price of hiring them.
Shoreham
Paddling around Shoreham is a completely different experience to Brighton’s beaches – it’s much quieter and the views are very different.
We suggest starting on Southwick Beach (where parking is available) and paddling around the harbour up the River Adur.
Tips for paddleboarding in Brighton
Paddleboarding is really fun and most people get used to it pretty quickly. However, like any water activity, there are risks involved so it’s important to be careful and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Here are a few tips for staying safe and having fun while paddleboarding around Brighton:
Wear the leash
One of the most important safety precautions while paddleboarding is wearing a leash. A leash attaches you to the paddleboard, ensuring that you stay connected to it even if you fall off.
This prevents the board from drifting away, allowing you to easily retrieve it and reducing the risk of being separated from your board in the water.
Paddle against the wind
When setting off on your paddleboarding adventure, try to paddle against the wind at the beginning.
This way, you’ll have an easier time returning to your starting point when you’re tired.
Paddling against the wind at the start also ensures that you don’t get carried too far from shore unintentionally.
Always tell someone you’re going out and take your phone
Before heading out for a paddleboarding session, inform someone on land about your plans.
Let them know where you’re going, how long you expect to be out, and when they should expect you back.
Additionally, take your phone with you in a waterproof case or bag. Having a phone allows you to call for help in case of an emergency or unexpected situation.
Sea paddleboarding is different from river paddleboarding
If you’re used to paddleboarding on rivers or lakes, it’s important to understand that sea paddleboarding presents different challenges.
The sea has tides, currents, and potentially larger waves, so it’s essential to be aware of these factors and adjust your paddleboarding technique accordingly.
Familiarise yourself with the local sea conditions and consult with instructors if you’re new to sea paddleboarding. There are apps available, like Surfline, which tell you how big the waves are and which direction the wind is going.
Look forwards, not down, for balance
It’s natural to want to look down at your feet or the water to maintain balance while paddleboarding.
However, this can throw off your balance and make you more prone to falling.
Instead, keep your gaze forward, focusing on the horizon or a fixed point in the distance. This helps you maintain stability and improve your paddling technique.
Beware of other watercraft and swimmers
When paddleboarding, be mindful of other watercraft sharing the same area, particularly in central Brighton where the sea gets very busy.
This includes boats, kayaks, jet skis, and other paddleboards. Always yield to larger vessels and give way to other water users.
Be aware of your surroundings, and if necessary, use hand signals or verbal communication to indicate your intentions and avoid collisions.
Don’t go too far out
While paddleboarding can offer a sense of freedom and exploration, it’s essential to know your limits and not venture too far from the shore.
Stay within a reasonable distance from the coastline, especially if you’re a beginner or unfamiliar with the area.
Keep in mind that fatigue can set in, weather conditions can change, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear paddleboarding in Brighton?
Wear a swimsuit or trunks underneath your wetsuit. Most paddleboard hire comes with a wetsuit and you’re also required to wear a life jacket, which will be provided. You might also want a hat and sunglasses if it’s a sunny day.
Can I rent a paddleboard with no experience?
Absolutely! Paddleboarding is a versatile activity suitable for all skill levels, including beginners. Many rental providers offer paddleboards and equipment specifically designed for beginners. They can provide guidance on technique and safety to ensure you have a great experience on the water.
How much does it cost to rent a paddleboard?
The cost of hiring a paddleboard depends on where you’re getting it from and how long you want it for. Both Brighton Watersports and Lagoon Watersports charge £20 per hour. Rentals at Decathalon start from £30 per day but can vary.
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That’s it for where to rent paddleboards in Brighton – let us know how it went in the comments!
