On the 11th of July 2026, a few of us went out on the water in kayaks and stand up paddleboards. Great morning of fun in the sun.

Different starting points but same ending. If you look at the map in the gallery, some started at Mudeford Quay and others at the Christchurch Civic Centre (near Bridge Street Car Park).

We met at the point encircled and then carried on going up river. After a break we turned around and went all the way back down river and ended up at the Beach House Coffee Shop on Hengistbury Head before dispersing for the day.

Some reflections from the day are below. It was a pretty demanding day of paddling as the reflection show (literally or by their short nature as no one had energy for more 🤣)

“If you bite more than you can chew…chew for longer!”

“When you have forgotten how to breathe, go visit the water. It will remind you how.”

“Great fun and brill to catch up with everyone. Cheeky snooze in front of the rugby this afternoon but ready for the footie. Gonna try to glide through life more rather than frantically paddling”