Author

Neil Heath, Senior PR & Communications Officer at Paddle UK

Neil recently visited the English Riviera and spoke to key people who support and protect the Bay's natural environment. Here, he shares his top tips to paddle in an environmentally friendly way.

From 24-28 June, the SUP World Cup and Paddle UK SUPER Festival arrive on the English Riviera. The event will endeavour to balance global sporting ambition with vital environmental protection. 

Set within the unique landscape of the UNESCO Global Geopark, Paddle UK wants to make sure every visitor helps keep wildlife safe and the environment intact.

Protecting Local Seal Populations

There is a large population of seals along the South Devon coast, and it’s important to know how to paddle around these amazing mammals.

Sarah Greenslade from the Seal Project emphasises that while paddlers can be great for nature, they must follow simple advice to avoid accidental disturbance. 

• As paddleboards are quiet, seals often cannot hear your approach; being mindful of this silence is key to preventing stress to the animals. 
• The primary advice is to maintain at least 100 meters distance. 
• Respecting their need to rest on rocks is vital for digestion and is especially critical for pregnant females during the summer months.

Watch Paddle UK’s video about how to behave near seals >>

Safeguarding Seagrass Meadows

The English Riviera is home to wildlife-rich seagrass meadows, which The Cove Discovery Project has been working hard to restore. 

Paddlers should practice constant mindfulness of their environment to protect these habitats. 

It is particularly important to avoid uprooting seagrass at low tide when it is closer to the surface and more vulnerable to damage from boards or paddles. 

If you find uprooted seagrass, do not attempt to replant it yourself; instead, take a photograph, note the GPS location, and report it to thecovediscovery@gmail.com.

Watch Paddle UK’s video about why seagrass is so important >>

Tackling Coastal Pollution

Hannah Beaumont of the Torbay Cleaner Coast Initiative is leading the charge to stop pollution at the source.

Visitors are encouraged to use reusables, such as personal flasks and bottles, to eliminate single-use plastic. 

Always clear up your own waste, recycle whenever possible, and consider joining community efforts like Paddle UK’s Big Paddle Cleanup campaign. 

By taking these small steps, every paddler makes a big difference in preventing marine pollution.

Read more of Paddle UK’s interview with Hannah >>

Whether you are competing or spectating, please remember to follow the Paddlers' Code to protect the environment and respect the local wildlife.