One question on quite a few peoples’ lips as soon as they hear about stand up paddle boarding in Gloucester Docks and canal is: “Is that water safe?”, or they say “I wouldn’t go near that water.”
The truth is, the water IS safe and actually a lot cleaner than many swimming pools – honestly! I’ll explain.
Since May we’ve had hundreds of people paddle, fall in, swim and probably take more than a few gulps of that water – including kids as young as 5.
There hasn’t been one stomach problem or ear infection. The water is cleaner than even we thought it was! The colour of the water is caused by silt brought up by our famous Severn bore and unfortunately most of the litter you see is blown into one corner making it look more untidy than it actually is.
It is regularly tested by a water quality expert at the Canal and River Trust and we’re ensured that the water is good enough to hold an open water swimming license.
SUP Gloucester has been started as a way to make good and fun use of something unique but hugely underused in our city – our amazing docks and waterways. After coming out with us into the docks basin, surrounded by people enjoying a drink or meal at the surrounding bars and restaurants and the beautiful view of our Cathedral, the question is no longer about the water quality. It’s ‘why isn’t this used more?’
If your only reason for missing out on the fun to be had in SUP is ‘that’ water, I guarantee you – you have nothing to worry about.
Come along and see for yourselves.