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Whether you're seeking solitude, wildlife, or scenic beauty, this guide outlines the top locations to enjoy paddleboarding on the Broads.
What Makes the Norfolk Broads Ideal for Paddleboarding?
* **Flat water**: The absence of strong tides and waves makes for stable paddling conditions.
* **Scenic diversity**: Paddlers can experience reed beds, wooded areas, open broads, and riverside villages.
* **Wildlife watching**: A paddleboard offers a quiet and non-intrusive way to observe birds and aquatic life.
* **Launch accessibility**: Numerous slipways, staithe access points, and quiet moorings make launching easy.
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### Top Paddleboarding Locations on the Norfolk Broads
1. **Hickling Broad**
As the largest of all the broads, Hickling Broad offers open space and a variety of launch spots. It's excellent for beginners due to its wide, open waters with minimal traffic. Early morning paddles often reward you with sightings of marsh harriers and swans.
**Best Launch Points**: Hickling Staithe, Pleasure Boat Inn slipway
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2. **Salhouse Broad**
Close to Wroxham yet quieter than its neighbour, Salhouse Broad is surrounded by ancient woodland and features a sandy shoreline—perfect for a rest stop. The sheltered water makes it suitable for newcomers to paddleboarding.
**Best Launch Points**: Salhouse Broad moorings, via footpath from the car park
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3. **Barton Broad**
A mix of open water and connecting dykes make Barton Broad great for exploring. This area also forms part of the Barton Broad Boardwalk nature reserve, so expect to see an abundance of birdlife.
**Best Launch Points**: Neatishead Staithe, Barton Turf, Gaye's Staithe or even Instead Staithe.
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4. **River Ant (Stalham to How Hill)**
This stretch is particularly tranquil, winding through reed marshes and past traditional windmills. It's ideal for intermediate paddlers looking for a quiet route with a sense of discovery.
**Best Launch Points**: Stalham Staithe, Toad Hole Cottage (How Hill)
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5. **Oulton Broad**
Situated near Lowestoft, Oulton Broad is livelier and more open, with plenty of amenities nearby. It can be busy in summer, but early morning and weekday paddles are peaceful. It's also the starting point for longer routes down the River Waveney.
**Best Launch Points**: Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad Yacht Station
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6. **Dilham Canal**
This lesser-known, shallow canal is narrow, peaceful, and a hidden gem for paddleboarders. It feels almost like wild paddling through a lost waterway and is best suited for those seeking solitude and a rustic experience.
**Best Launch Points**: Dilham Staithe or Wayford Bridge mooring.
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Important Considerations
* **Licensing**: You’ll need a license to paddle on the Broads. This can be obtained from the Broads Authority or via membership with British Canoeing.
* **Safety**: Wear a buoyancy aid at all times, even in shallow areas. Check wind conditions before setting off.
* **Respect other users**: Give way to larger boats, avoid mooring points, and stay to the right-hand side of channels.
* **Leave no trace**: Take all litter with you and avoid disturbing wildlife, especially in conservation areas.
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Final Thoughts
The Norfolk Broads are an outstanding place to paddleboard, offering a mix of open broads, quiet rivers, and hidden backwaters. With the right preparation, each route can offer a new experience, whether you’re in search of nature, exercise, or just a peaceful float through the countryside.