28/08/2025
Proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone…..from river to sea!
Preparation is key….here are my top tips for launching at Lee Bay (Black Pitt Beach)
☀️- Do your research before you go, for example check out PaddlePoints and have a plan (always be ready to adapt it tho!)
☀️- Arrive early to get parking (there’s only 2 or 3 spaces right on the seafront and beware of warden issuing tickets!)
☀️- Alternative parking at the village hall, take cash for the honesty box (£5) or pay by card in the cafe/craft shop (well worth a mooch and the staff are so lovely!) A variety of cakes, sausage rolls, hot/cold drinks, ice-cream galore!
☀️- If you can drive down to drop off boards first (this wasn’t an option for us, taking the last two spaces in the carpark 😬) and then park and walk down (there’s a fab little pub on route to beach that serves food if your picnic’ing)
☀️- Remember your shoes! I had been barefoot in Croyde for 4 days and didn’t….ouch! (Shingle path on route to beach).
And finally safety first……
🌊 - Check weather/wind/sea conditions and tide times
🌊 - Stay within 15 meters from shore
🌊 - If you don’t feel you have enough experience book a tour and/or lesson with a local company
🌊 - Speak to the locals or paddle board school if you’re lucky enough to bump into them for need to know’s (any potential hidden dangers) and insider advice (I found this really reassuring)
🌊- Always wear a BA, wetsuit and take a fully charged phone in a waterproof case
🌊- Be prepared to call it, I was disappointed that our paddle was cut short (and the kids didn’t get to paddle out the secret beaches) but respect the sea and stay safe there’s always plenty more paddle board adventures to come!
🌊- Leave no trace!
It was definitely a work out, we laughed lots and made some special memories 🥰 Lee Bay we will be back! (Not sure my mate feels the same tho 🤭 the scary B roads broke her spirit on route, we did find an alternative route home (Yay!) 👏👏
Please do add any other tips in the comments 🥳💙
Happy Vibes 🥳 T x
