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Guidance for Paddle Board & Kayak Exmouth to Lympstone

*This article is to be used for guidance only at your own risk.

The paddle between the Exmouth Recreation ground (public slip) and Lympstone village is on the whole a safe paddle suitable for most competent paddlers at high water but there are things to be aware of that are detailed here.

Nature Reserve

The direct route crosses the nature reserve and this is out of bounds from 15th September to the 31st December so please avoid the yellow buoyed areas during that time.

At all times please avoid disturbing the wildlife.

The overall distance to paddle is roughly 6km there and back.

What are the risks?

1. You are in fairly open water with changeable conditions so check the weather forecast before and also on the day. Exmouth can be prone to sea breezes which can alter the wind direction sometimes by 180 degrees and pick up unexpectedly so be aware of this and be prepared.
2. The estuary has a wide tidal range and it is advisable to depart roughly one hour before absolute high water toward Lympstone and depart from Lympstone to return roughly just after absolute high water. There are large sandbanks between Exmouth and Lympstone so if you are later returning you will need to take a wider path to avoid these otherwise you will be walking. Before setting off it is advisable to make sure you know the state of the tides.
3. The sandbanks can contain many shellfish shells and they can be quite sharp so either wear or bring with you something to put on your feet to avoid cuts. Some areas of the sandbanks can be quite swampy but these areas are mostly down to local knowledge so where possible join a group or other paddlers who know the area. 
4. If you paddle wider into the main estuary you need to be double sure of tides as this can be an area of fast moving water which is popular with ski boats so can also be quite choppy.
5. Where possible paddle closer to the east edge of the estuary which is generally calmer particularly in a south east breeze.
6. Avoid paddling this route in anything over 8 to 10 mph wind unless you are experienced.
7. Always tell someone where you are paddling to and roughly what time you will return.
8. At high water close to Exmouth Recreation Ground you may find speed boats and PWC's (Personal Water Craft) buzzing about. Be aware of those.
9. The route passes over submerged rocks and the occasional man-made structure so be aware of those and keep an eye open for clues to where they are. In general if you depart at the times suggested you should pass over them without incident just keep them in mind.

Paddle Safety 

For general safety advice take a look here.

1. Waist leashes are very highly advised as this is a tidal area and therefore a risk of entanglement in mooring zones.
2. Remember that without a leash and a flowing tide your board will run away faster than you can paddle.
3. It is highly advisable to wear a personal floatation device.
4. Bring a mobile phone with you if you have one for emergency purposes, cakes and coffee in Lympstone and of course taking amazing selfies of yourself.
5. Should for any reason you cannot get back to Exmouth there's always the train or footpath which follow the route. If in doubt BALE OUT!
6. If you are paddling in a group please ensure you tell someone in the group if you turn back or for any reason need to go your own way.
7. Always wear appropriate clothing for the conditions, the expected conditions and of course ability. It's better to remove clothing than not have it when needed!

Diagram A is the route normally taken from Exmouth to Lympstone and back.

Diagram B is the route to take if you miss high water that re-routes around the sandbars.

Stay safe and enjoy!

Please send me any thoughts or updates about this risk assessment.

Addition 24th April 2025

"It’s a good document and I like the diagram, but I see no reference to the cockle bank south of Lympstone on the charts or the markers? There are a variety of large bamboo canes in and close to, stuck in to the sea bed that are sticking out above the surface. Also there is a large plastic, cabinet roof of a boat (glass fibre) inside the WR near to the Duckpond, that needs marking as a friend recently hit it, (Amanda’s Wreck)

Also is it worth mentioning anglers as I’ve been garrotted a few times on the East bank with their invisible lines?" B.Bowers

Correction 25th April 2025

"For technicality I believe you are asked to not go past the round buoys on the Nature Reserve from 15th September to 31st December." P.Beadsmore

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