Hoe He’e Nalu, this is the beautiful name for paddleboarding in the paradise where it comes from - Hawaii. But though the sport was developed on a farflung group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it’s currently taking the world by storm. That’s why we want to transport your mind from Hawaii to Hampshire. It might not have tropical beaches and huge surfing waves, but this county in southern England is blessed with all kinds of coastal and inland waterways which are perfect for paddleboarding.

This region is a place that’s always had a strong relationship with water. From branches and inlets of the English Channel that make for excellent deep water and recreational harbours, to rivers that flow through National Parks and canals that cut through the landscape, there’s an endless range of possibilities for SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) experiences. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a peaceful paddle or a wild watersport, if you’re an individual trying to get off the beaten track or part of a big group looking for a good time, old, young, sporty, chill, a paddleboard is the thing for you.

Where are the best places to go paddleboarding in Hampshire?

• The New Forest: The only national park in this part of the country, the New Forest is more famous for open heathland and ancient woodland than for water, but there are various rivers that wind through it and it meets the sea in a beautiful coastline. And there’s a huge array of paddleboarding options which you can enjoy on the water. As well as initiation sessions and tours, you can take part in the chaotic fun of a game of SUP Polo or a group trip on a Mega SUP. You can have a go at paddleboard surfing or racing. And you can even take your dog with you on a voyage across the waves!

• Southampton Water: This channel connects the port of Southampton to the Solent, and onto the sea. The labyrinth of channels in this area create an unusual double high tide which make this a unique place to try paddleboarding - preferably in the company of someone who’s accustomed to the tidal idiosyncrasies. On the west side of the channel, Fawley is a good place to launch a normal SUP or a giant one, while courses take place around the harbour, and the River Itchen, which runs from Winchester to meet Southampton Water is a beautiful place for a paddle.

• The River Hamble: Like the Itchen, the freshwater of this river meets the salty sea at Southampton Water, but away from the city. It’s a charming watercourse, with tree lined banks, secluded spots and species of birds, fish and invertebrates. Paddleboarding doesn’t get much better than this, unless you share the ride with someone on a tandem SUP, which are available to hire at Bursledon.

• The Solent: Squeezed between the Hampshire coast and the Isle of Wight, the Solent is a sound of the English Channel. Some fantastic views in both directions are in store for anyone who goes paddleboarding here, especially at the western end where the points of the Needles on the Isle of White and Hurst Castle almost close off the channel. Paddleboards are to be found in Fareham and Gosport, and it’s also possible to get into Portsmouth Harbour from Gosport Lake.

• Portsmouth Harbour: The historic docks and naval installations of this harbour make it a fascinating place to explore, and what could be better than a manoeuvrable, stable and silent paddleboard for this purpose? The maritime town of Porchester is a great place to start this voyage of discovery.

• Hayling Island: Sitting between Langstone Harbour and Chichester Harbour, and sheltering both from the swells of the English Channel, Hayling Island is a great destination for you if you're looking for flat water to paddleboard on. And it’s not just the water that’s good, both harbours are surrounded by natural and human landmarks, and populated by the picturesque sails of small sailing boats. SUP fitness is an innovative activity that you get involved with from the island itself, while Emsworth is an alternative starting point for a trip around Chichester Harbour.

• Basingstoke Canal: It’s not just the coast and rivers that are perfect for paddling. Further inland, the Basingstoke Canal connects the county to the River Thames, passing through Basingstoke, Fleet, Aldershot and into Surrey. Although it was built as an industrial waterway, nowadays it winds a tranquil route through the countryside, with trees and vegetation coming right up to the water’s edge.

What are the options for organising an experience?

- As far as stepping onto a paddleboard and getting going is concerned, we recommend the following. There are taster sessions of 1 or 2 hours offered by numerous watersports providers around this region, that will have you paddling on your knees, then standing upright in no time. After that, you can take more lessons of a similar duration to refine your technique further and, if you want to take this sport really seriously, you can even take a course that spans several days and will make you a competent and confident paddleboarder. Alternatively, or in addition, you can join tour groups to see some of the highlights from the water. SUP rental is also available at numerous locations around the county, and this can be organised by the hour or the day.

- But this sport isn’t just about getting from A to B. When you realise that the SUP is essentially a floating platform, you’ll start to see the water based possibilities that it opens up to you. From fitness and yoga, to surfing and polo, and even the oversized Mega SUP which can fit about 8 people on it at once, there are so many ways for this activity to enhance your experience.

Who can do this activity?

You can start from square one as no prior experience is necessary - and you don’t need any kind of permit either. Although it’s recommended that you’re comfortable in and around the water, you don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer either. The whole family can get involved from the moment that the smallest children can hold a paddle correctly, usually around 8 years old, and you can bring the family dog too!

It might not be Hawaii, but it’s our English paradise. Book an experience today!