Water sports such as windsurfing and paddleboarding have become some of the fastest-growing summer activities in the United Kingdom.
According to The Watersports Participation Survey, 13.2 million UK adults tried a boating activity in 2022, up 3 per cent from 2021. Paddlesports like canoeing and kayaking also saw an increase, as results revealed more than 7.5 million adults took part last year.
But as the weather heats up and popular seaside destinations become crowded and costly, water sports fans are left searching for alternative locations to cool off.
And whether it’s the picturesque views that bring you here or the variety of lakes and rivers to choose from, it’s no surprise southeast England is a top destination.
Home to Bewl Water, which straddles the Kent/Sussex border, the 800-acre reservoir is a popular spot for athletes and thrillseekers alike, offering a wide range of water-based activities for all skill levels.
Bewl is open Monday to Friday until 5pm and boasts calm waters – ideal for a first go at sailing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing.
Memberships are available or, in response to soaring demands, Bewl Water has introduced day passes. They cost from £20 per adult or £10 per child under 18 years old.
You can also enjoy wild swimming with TriSwim, Kent’s only certified Swim Smooth Centre, alongside rowing with the Bewl Bridge Rowing Club which offers coaching and tuition.
For those seeking a bit more excitement, there’s a giant ‘Total Wipeout’-style inflatable obstacle course.
The 3,000 square metre Aqua Park was the first of its kind when it opened in 2019, and last season took an impressive 35,468 bookings, making it Bewl Water’s most popular attraction.
It features an ice tower, springboard, balance bar, flip mattress, monkey bars, aqua slide, and lots more, with sessions lasting 50 minutes.
They cost £23 per person and bookings can be made at aquapark.bewlwater.co.uk.
Children must be aged six and over to use the Aqua Park, and visitors are advised to arrive 45 minutes prior to their Aqua Park session to watch a safety briefing and change into their wetsuit and buoyancy vest – both included in the ticket price.
