When it comes to paddle boarding along the picturesque Hampshire coastline, choosing the right type of board can make all the difference in your experience.
Both hard and inflatable paddle boards have their unique advantages depending on the weather conditions and specific locations.
Let's explore the best times and places to use each type along this beautiful stretch of England.
Hard Paddle Boards: Stability and Performance
Best For: Calm Conditions and Open Waters
Pros:
- Superior stability and performance
- Better glide and speed
- Ideal for racing and long-distance paddling
Cons:
- Heavier and harder to transport
- Requires more storage space
Top Spots and Conditions
1. Calshot Beach
- Ideal Weather: Clear skies, low wind.
- Why: This spot, located near the entrance to Southampton Water, offers calm and clear conditions on good days, perfect for a hard paddle board's performance capabilities.
Early mornings or late afternoons, when the water is glassy, are ideal for taking advantage of the stability and speed of a hard board.
2. Hurst Castle Spit
- Ideal Weather: Mild, sunny days with minimal wind.
- Why: The long stretch of water here can get choppy, but on calm days, it’s perfect for a hard paddle board.
The board's stability will allow you to enjoy the scenic route with minimal effort.
Inflatable Paddle Boards: Convenience and Versatility
Best For: Durability and Portability
Pros:
- Easy to transport and store
- Lightweight and versatile
- Durable and less prone to damage
Cons:
- Slightly less stable and slower than hard boards
- Requires inflation and deflation reducing your valuable time out on the water
Top Spots and Conditions
1. Langstone Harbour
- Ideal Weather: Low winds, calm waters.
- Why: This large natural harbour provides a mix of sheltered areas and open water, making it a versatile spot for an inflatable paddle board.
Its portability allows you to explore different parts of the harbour easily, even if the weather changes.
2. Hayling Island
- Ideal Weather: Low wind, calm waters.
- Why: Hayling island has a great coastal path, allowing you to walk and paddle around the sheltered western side of the island. Or you can pack up and migrate to various different sheltered areas of this reasonably small island to find the best conditions in next to no time.
3. Milford-on-Sea
- Ideal Weather: Low wind, calm waters.
- Why: The beach here can provide a mixture on conditions, but on sunny days this is a brilliant destination to spend your day down at the sea.
The lightweight nature of an inflatable paddle board will make it easier to carry over the pebbly beach here.
Conclusion
When paddling along the Hampshire coastline, both hard and inflatable paddle boards offer unique advantages tailored to specific weather conditions and destinations.
Hard boards shine at locations like Calshot Beach and Hurst Castle Spit, offering superior performance and speed.
For low wind, calm water days inflatable boards are the go-to choice, particularly at versatile spots like Langstone Harbour and Hayling Island.
Always check the weather forecast before heading out, and choose the board that will best complement the conditions and enhance your paddle boarding experience.
Happy paddling!
