Skip to content
CallBook hire

Swanwick Marina · River Hamble

Paddleboard and kayak hire

Choose your craft, pick a time and we'll get you on the water. Every hire includes a buoyancy aid, a paddle and a safety briefing, plus route advice for the tide on the day.

  • Ages 12+
  • Under-18s with an adult
  • Hourly hire
  • Free cancellation up to 14 days

Book online

Choose your hire

Stand-up paddleboarding on the River Hamble

Paddleboard hire

Stable inflatable paddleboards for first-timers and improvers. One person per board.

  • Ages 12+
  • One per board

From£19.50per person

Paddleboarder on the river

Touring paddleboard hire

Longer, quicker Moloko 12'6" touring boards for confident paddlers who want to cover more of the river.

  • For experienced paddlers

From£18.00per person

Sit-on-top kayaking on the River Hamble

Single kayak hire

Your own sit-on-top kayak. The easiest way to get started if you've never paddled.

  • Ages 12+
  • 1–4 hours

From£19.50per person

Prices are per person for one hour. Any booking fee is shown before you pay. Live prices and availability are shown when you choose a time.

Google reviews

Why paddlers come back

4.8 out of 5

from 300+ Google reviews

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

    Maureen B.Paddleboard hire
  • I went kayaking on the Hamble with the team at the Paddle Centre and it was brilliant.

    Sunjeev M.Kayak hire

Before you book

Good to know

What's included

  • Paddleboard or kayak
  • Paddle
  • Buoyancy aid
  • Safety briefing and route advice

Who can hire

  • Minimum age 12
  • Under-18s must be accompanied on the water by an adult
  • One person per paddleboard or single kayak
  • We're unable to take anyone who is pregnant

What to bring

  • Clothes for the weather that can get wet
  • A change of clothes and a towel
  • Your phone in a waterproof pouch or dry bag
  • A deposit item, such as a bank card or car keys
Kayak paddlers on the water

Not sure which to pick?

Kayak for ease, paddleboard for a challenge

Sit-on-top kayaks are stable and quick to pick up, so they're the easiest choice for first-timers and for families with teenagers. Paddleboards take a little more balance, and you might get wet, but standing up for the first time is a great feeling.

Mixed group? Plenty of people book a mix of both.

On the day

How your hire works

  1. Arrive 30 minutes early

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

  2. Get your briefing

    We fit your buoyancy aid and run through the kit and technique on land.

  3. Head out

    Carry your craft to the water's edge and follow the route we suggest for the tide.

  4. Come back on time

    Return your kit at the end of your booked time, sign back in and grab a drink.

Hire questions

Quick answers

Where can we paddle?

Most hire paddlers head upriver from Swanwick towards the quieter stretch beyond the M27, or across to the Jolly Sailor. We'll suggest a route at your briefing based on the tide. Read our River Hamble paddling guide.

Is an instructor with us during hire?

No. Hire includes a safety briefing and route advice, then you head out on your own. If you'd like an instructor on the water with you, see our lessons and guided trips.

How long can we hire for?

Hire is booked by the hour. You'll see the session lengths available when you choose a date and time.

What if we're late back?

Please return at the end of your booked time. If you're running late, call us straight away on 01489 536151. Late returns are charged per craft: the hire charge for the extra time (minimum one hour) plus a £20 late fee, and a £100 emergency response fee if we have to start a search because we can't reach you. Full details.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Cancellation is free up to 14 days before your booking. Moving a booking is subject to availability, with a 10% charge within 14 days and 25% within 48 hours. Call or email us with your booking reference.

What happens if the weather's bad?

We keep a close eye on the wind and tide. As a guide, we cancel hire and beginner lessons when winds are over 20mph, gusting to 30mph, or in heavy rain. If we have to cancel because of the weather, we'll phone you. Please don't assume your session is off because of a general forecast: if you're worried, give us a call.

Questions first?

Talk to the team

Not sure what suits your group? We're happy to help you choose.