Previous Dittons river Hamble Safari’s have gone from Warsash to Curbridge with the flood tide for lunch at the Horse & Jockey then back down on the ebb tide. This year, we decided to swap the thrilling tides of the past for a slower, more laid-back, novelty adventure – perfect for our less confident and experienced paddlers (and those of us who just wanted to avoid a muddy disaster), and what an unforgettable day it turned out to be! 

The upper reaches of the Hamble offer a beautifully rural setting, free from the hustle and bustle of motorboats zooming by. This end has fewer challenging hazards, such as moorings and fast currents around bridges too which makes it an ideal spot for all skill levels, allowing everyone to enjoy the day at their own pace. Far less daunting yet just as enjoyable.

Launching from Fairthorne Manor also makes for easier trip planning as they’re only open for self launch during the high tide window.

The atmosphere was inviting, and we could feel the excitement building as our group of six enthusiastic ladies set off, paddles in hand, eager to explore the river. Our destination? The Hidden Tap at the Botley Brewery, where we looked forward to quenching our thirst. We were greeted by the stunning upper reaches of the Hamble, characterized by its tranquil surroundings. New friendships blossomed, and old ones rekindled as we glided along the calm waters, laughing and chatting, creating a warm and welcoming vibe among us.

Our journey took an amusing turn when Caroline, our ever-adventurous leader, headed under a bridge – neglecting to mention that it was a dead end! Following her lead, in true comedic fashion, we soon found ourselves tangled in a tight space, maneuvering five paddleboards in what felt like a gentle game of Tetris. This isn’t the first time Caroline has led club members on an off piste adventure – all took it in good jest and one by one after much hilarity, a few awkward paddling positions and some very creative paddling, everyone quickly reappeared victorious from under the bridge – albeit slightly disheveled. It was a memorable moment that brought us closer together, showcasing the fun spirit of our club.

We paddled on to quench our thirst with drinks lowered down to our SUP’s from the Hidden Tap above. Hydration is key during such sunny escapades!  We enjoyed our refreshments whilst gazing at the most spectacular sight of the infamous “Botley waterfalls” – which, let’s be honest, was just a delightful trickle down a wall from a pipe. In our sun-soaked state, it felt like the grandest of spectacles!

With temperatures soaring into the 30’s and wall-to-wall sunshine, the cool water beckoned, making the river look too inviting to resist for some who took a refreshing plunge. Some of the group, inspired by Caroline’s adventurous spirit, ventured up a shallow, fast-flowing stream, while others savored the serene beauty of the river.

The DPB hotline for lessons and board hire back at our Surrey base had been ringing off the hook all morning – it seemed people were keen to make the most of the heat wave by getting out on the water there today too – Clare juggled organising these requests before we paddled back down past our launch point with newfound vigor. 

Some enjoyed a fast paddle whilst others maintained a more relaxed pace, marvelling at the riverside houses & wildlife along the way. Anya & Caroline explored the Cudbridge branch whilst Clare paused where the river splits for the other group to appear. Once they caught up they decided to head downstream towards Manor Farm, another one of the many popular launch points along the Hamble.

The river seemed to sparkle in the sunlight and was awash with paddlers, swimmers, and ribs making the most of the glorious weather, making it feel like a floating festival of fun – it was quite a sight to behold and we bumped into many familiar faces along the way, sharing waves and laughs. 

We stopped for many swims, practiced our paddling and rescue techniques, step back turns, and soaked up the sun, embracing the joy of the day. Rita, ever the multi-tasker, decided to take a snooze on her board, blissfully unaware of the aquatic antics unfolding around her before we all regrouped for drinks and snacks, much chat & laughter and more swimming, footwork and self rescue practice – what better day to do so?! 

The wind picked up (as is often the case on this stretch of the river). As tempting as it was to continue on further downstream, we were aware the tide was due to turn shortly and we didn’t fancy battling our way back up against the headwind and ebb tide in those temperatures. Heading back, we had just enough time to explore the Cudbridge branch, where we paddled upstream while dodging those who had perhaps sampled a bit too much of the local brews. It was like navigating through a river obstacle course, complete with tipsy paddlers veering left and right in this narrow, meandering section of the river – survival of the fittest, indeed. It was both a challenge and a highlight of our adventure!

The tide had noticeably turned – water was beginning to rush back out to sea, we enjoyed the assistance back downstream and swiftly returned to exit the river and hose the salty water from our equipment & ourselves. Some headed straight off, keen to catch the end of the Wimbledon men’s final, while others lingered for a sausage sizzle, chatting and reliving the days hilarities before heading off home.

Our trip on the Hamble was a fantastic experience, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and just the right amount of chaos! The day brought us together, fostered new friendships, and allowed us to appreciate the beauty of nature. The river may have been our backdrop, but it was the memories we created (and the tales of Caroline’s “detours”) that truly made the trip one for the books. Here’s to many more paddleboarding adventures like this in the future, where we can continue to explore, laugh, and create lasting memories in the true spirit of Dittons Paddle Boarding.