People living in Nottinghamshire will have the chance to try something a bit different this summer as a number of stand up paddle boarding taster sessions on the county’s waterways is launched.

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the fastest growing watersports due to it being a great form of exercise as well as an opportunity to spend time in a tranquil waterway environment. It involves standing on a board and propelling yourself along with a long paddle.

The Canal & River Trust want to encourage more people to try it on Nottinghamshire’s waterways and is holding a number of free taster sessions enabling people to have a go for themselves. The sessions are being organised in partnership with SUP Fitness.

The ‘Let’s Paddle’ taster sessions are taking place at Castle Wharf in the centre of Nottingham and Trent Lock, near Long Eaton. Booking is essential and the sessions are open to anyone over the age of 16 who is a confident swimmer.

Anna Malnutt, community and youth events coordinator, said: “Stand up paddle boarding is getting really popular and it’s a great way to be active and discover your local waterways.”

“We’ve got such amazing waterways in Nottinghamshire that are right on the doorstep for so many people and freely accessible. That makes them incredibly valuable, important spaces for us all and we want to encourage more and more people to feel the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time by water.”

“Waterways are great places to keep in shape or to escape the pressures of modern life and the brilliant thing about stand up paddle boarding is that it combines the two. Most of all it’s great fun. I encourage people to book onto one of the sessions and have a go at something a bit different.”

Places are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Those taking part are advised to wear fitness clothes and shoes they don’t mind getting wet, and bring along a towel and change of clothes.

Details of the sessions are below:

• Wednesday 21 August, 10am-11.30am – Castle Wharf, Nottingham. Parking available at city centre car parks
• Thursday 22 August, 10-11.30am – Trent Lock, Long Eaton. Parking available in Council-run free car park
• Sunday 1 September, 1pm-2.30pm – Castle Wharf, Nottingham. Parking available at city centre car parks

For more information, or to book a place, go to our East Midlands’ Eventbrite page.