Plan your visit
Your paddle starts at Swanwick
Everything you need for the day: where to find us, parking, tides and weather, what to bring and what happens when you get here.
Finding us
Beside the slipway at Swanwick Marina
We're on the River Hamble at Swanwick, between Southampton and Fareham, just off the A27 at Bursledon Bridge.
Swanwick Marina, Swanwick Shore Road
Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7EF
- Arrive
- 30 minutes before your booked time
- Sat nav
- SO31 7EF (our entrance on Swanwick Shore Road)
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- Parking
- Free on site for booked customers
- Phone
- 01489 536151
Parking
There's free parking on site at Swanwick Marina for customers booked on our activities.
Finding the centre
Use SO31 7EF in your sat nav. It takes you to our dedicated vehicle and pedestrian entrance on Swanwick Shore Road. For pinpoint directions, use the what3words address ///heads.nail.fixed. We're beside the slipway.
Facilities
There are toilets and changing facilities at the centre, and somewhere to rinse off after your paddle. Boathouse Swanwick, inside the marina, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Access
If you or anyone in your group needs step-free access or help carrying equipment, please call us before booking so we can give you accurate information.
Tides and weather
Check the conditions before you come
The Hamble is a tidal river and the wind makes a big difference on the water. We plan every session around both, but it's worth a look before you set off.
Tides at Swanwick
The tide decides which way is easier to paddle and how far it's sensible to go. Premier Marinas publishes daily tide times and heights for Swanwick, corrected to local time.
Look out for one Solent quirk: the tide often stands at high water, with a second high water one to three hours later. That gives a longer window of deep water, which is handy for trips up the creeks. How the tide works on the Hamble.
Weather and wind
Premier Marinas' 7-day marine forecast for Swanwick shows wind speed and direction, wave height and air temperature through the day.
Wind matters most. As a guide, we cancel hire and beginner lessons when winds are over 20mph, gusting to 30mph, or in heavy rain, and we'll phone you if we do.
Be back on time
Leave plenty of time to paddle back, especially against the tide. If you're running late, call us straight away on 01489 536151. Late returns are charged, and an overdue paddler we can't reach may trigger a search. Our late return policy.
About Swanwick Marina
Home to a working marina on the Hamble
The Paddle Centre is based at Swanwick Marina, one of the River Hamble's best-known marinas. Built in the 1970s, it has been run by Premier Marinas since 2005 and is home to berths, a full-service boatyard working seven days a week, and boat dealers including Sunseeker and Princess.
Premier Marinas, founded in 1994, is one of the UK's largest marina groups, with more than 20 marinas, including neighbouring Universal Marina just downriver. Inside Swanwick Marina you'll also find Boathouse Swanwick, a waterside restaurant with a terrace overlooking the river.
Because it's a working marina, please drive slowly, keep to the marked routes and give way to boats being moved around the yard.
On the day
What happens when you arrive
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Complete your forms
Fill in the participant questionnaire and waiver from your confirmation email before you come.
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Sign in
Come to The Paddle Centre 30 minutes before your session. Arriving late means less time on the water.
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Get changed and briefed
Leave a deposit item with us, watch our short induction video, then we'll fit your buoyancy aid.
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Paddle, and be back on time
Head out on the route we've suggested, and return at the end of your booked time.
Packing list
What to bring
To wear
- Quick-dry clothes suitable for the weather
- Footwear that can get wet and stays on
- Sun cream and a hat on bright days
To bring
- 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
To leave at home
- Jewellery and valuables
- Anything you'd hate to get wet or lose
All set?
Book your time on the river
Paddleboard and kayak hire, with live availability.