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Paddling on the River Hamble from The Paddle Centre

Swanwick Marina · River Hamble

Paddleboard and kayak hire on the River Hamble

Pick a board or a kayak, get a quick briefing from the team and head out from our base at Swanwick Marina.

Ages 12 and up · Under-18s paddle with an adult · Buoyancy aid, paddle and briefing included

Choose your craft

Stand up, sit down or share the paddling

Three ways onto the water, all booked by the hour. Every hire includes a buoyancy aid, a paddle and a safety briefing before you set off.

Stand-up paddleboarding on the River Hamble

Paddleboard hire

Stand-up paddleboarding on the Hamble. Stable inflatable boards for first-timers, and touring boards if you've paddled before.

  • Ages 12+
  • One person per board

From£19.50per person

Sit-on-top kayaking on the River Hamble

Single kayak hire

A stable sit-on-top kayak of your own. Easy to pick up, and a relaxed way to explore the river at water level.

  • Ages 12+
  • 1–4 hours

From£19.50per person

Kayakers on the River Hamble

Double kayak hire

Share a sit-on-top kayak with a friend or family member and take turns setting the pace.

  • Ages 12+
  • Two per kayak

From£13.50per person

Prices are per person for one hour. Any booking fee is shown before you pay.

How a hire works

From car park to river in about half an hour

  1. Book online

    Choose your craft, date and time. Your confirmation has everything you need.

  2. Arrive 30 minutes early

    Sign in, get changed and watch our short induction video.

  3. Get your briefing

    We fit your buoyancy aid, run through technique on land and suggest a route for the tide.

  4. Paddle, then relax

    Head out on the Hamble, then bring your kit back and grab a drink.

Google reviews

What people say after a paddle

4.8 out of 5

from 300+ Google reviews

  • Never managed to stand up but really enjoyed it. Good instructions and excellent equipment.

    Maureen B.Paddleboard hire
  • We had a really great experience at the Paddle Centre. Friendly and helpful staff, we got shoes to wear on the SUP boards, the toilets were clean and there was a hose to rinse our feet when we had finished.

    Sarah H.Paddleboard hire
  • Staff were very welcoming, water etiquette instructions & the laminated map in the kayak were very helpful to use & it was a very short distance to lift the kayaks up & down the slipway.

    Lisa W.Kayak hire
  • I went kayaking on the Hamble with the team at the Paddle Centre and it was brilliant.

    Sunjeev M.Kayak hire
  • Went paddling. Came a bit late but the lady let us stay a bit later whilst she packed up which was so nice of her. Really relaxing and nice trip around the river.

    Jess B.Google review
  • This was our second time at the Paddle centre it's a lovely location to be out on the water and the staff at this centre were excellent.

    Ian G.Google review
Time on the water at The Paddle Centre

Gift vouchers

Give time on the river this Christmas

A Paddle Centre gift voucher is a present they'll actually use. Choose any amount from £5, and they can put it towards paddleboard or kayak hire whenever suits them next year.

The Paddle Centre at Swanwick Marina

Your paddle starts at Swanwick

A riverside start on one of Hampshire's prettiest rivers

We're based beside the slipway at Swanwick Marina, between Southampton and Fareham. From here you can head towards neighbouring Universal Marina or explore further upriver, and we'll suggest the best route for your experience and the tide.

Key facts

Minimum age
12 yearsUnder-18s paddle with an adult
Arrive
30 mins earlyTo sign in and get changed
Included
Kit & briefingBuoyancy aid and paddle
Free cancellation
Up to 14 daysBefore your booking

Good to know

Questions before you book

The short answers. There's more on our FAQ page.

I've never paddled before. Is hire OK for me?

Yes. Most of our customers are first-timers. Kayaks are the easiest place to start; paddleboards take a little more balance. Every hire starts with a briefing on land, and we'll suggest a route that suits you. If you'd like an instructor alongside you, ask about our lessons.

How old do you have to be?

The minimum age is 12. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied on the water by an adult.

What should I bring?

Clothes you don't mind getting wet, a change of clothes, a towel, your phone in a waterproof pouch or dry bag, and a deposit item such as a bank card or car keys.

Where can we paddle?

From Swanwick you can head towards Universal Marina or explore the quieter upper reaches of the river. We'll suggest the best route on the day based on your experience and the tide. Read our River Hamble paddling guide.

Explore the Hamble

Get to know the river

Thinking about your own board?

Our sister company, The SUP Company, sells paddleboards, kayaks and kit, with honest advice on what suits the way you paddle.

Meet The SUP Company

Ready when you are

Find a time that suits you

Live availability for paddleboard and kayak hire. Book in a couple of minutes.