Granchester Meadows, Cambridgeshire

The River Cam, Granchester  hasn’t changed little since Edwardian times. Made famous by Rupert Brooke and Virginia Woolfe others when they camped, picnicked and swam in the river. On a Summers day the Orchard Tea Gardens are fantastic and along the meadows is a particularly pleasant place to swim. Some spots deepen to 1.8 meters (6ft)

Snowdonia’s stunning tarns

Tarns – or llyns as they’re known to the locals! These are the lakes near the tops of the mountain. The Rhinog Range has more tarns per square meter than anywhere else in Wales.  If you get u early or go out of season they can be extremely isolated giving the feeling of being in another world. The back drops can be amazing.  There are a few that are that close to the edge they look like infinity pools.

Waterfall Woods in the Breacon Beacons, Wales

The name says it all. This section of river is packed with natural pools and small waterfalls. It can be found 20 minutes along the woodland trail from Pontneddfechan. When you reach a flat outcrop on the right, just above a mini canyon you will see the river below you. Further along the track is a large junction pool, just beneath the footbridge.  Sgwd Gwladys, or Lady Falls, occupies a giant amphitheatre rimmed with a lip of dark black gritstone.  This is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Wales!

River Avon, Claverton weir

Along the valley of the Avon is a stretch of approximately 100 metres of deep water patches and shallow paddling areas. The water is crystal clear in the Summer and its quite easy to get to. Follow the A36 for about 3km towards the Claverton Hamle and turn left down Ferry Lane.  Simply walk to the bottom and across the big field, the weir will be on your right.

The Cheviouts, Northumberland

This is very popular with walkers and families to col off in the Summer, it’s an easy location to get to.  It has the famous Linhope Spout which is high shoot that falls into a round and very deep plunge pool. There is a high jump into the pool, go careful as the water depths do change depending on the season.

River Ouse, Yorkshire

The River Ouse, which winds through the Sussex Downs is set in the most idliic location. It’s the perfect place for swimming, relaxing and having a picnic.  You can stop for lunch at Barcombe Mill or head a little further up river to the riverside Anchor Inn.  There are even some paddle boats that you can hire. The only building you will see on the entire journey will be the spire of Isfield Church.

.Skye’s faerie pools, Scotland

The Faerie Pools on the Isle of Skye lays in a sheltered glade of red rowans and ancient rock. The Black Culin rise above the Gaudi Spires, the remains of a massive volcano. You may see a pink look about the water, this is from the quartz in the rock, it can seem to glow on occasions.

Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland

Lough Shannagh, County Down, is a wide open loch surrounded by the magnificent Mourne Mountains. About 30 minutes walk from the road brings you to the edge of the lake. It is is framed by several peaks, including Slieve Doan and Slieve Loughshannagh. The water is crystal blue and refreshingly cold. There is also a small beach area for the children to play in.

River Dart, Devon

The River Dart, which runs through the Dartmoor National Park, Devon, is the setting for Charles Kingsley’s The Water Babies. This is one of the best spots in the UK for wild swimming. There are so many pools, rivers and small lakes (tarns) to find and explore. We will be  adding another blog soon just on our favourite Dartmoor spots. Some to get your started in the Dart, the East Dart and also the West Dart. If you do your research you may even find some natural water slides!

Established in 2013, by Dan Sulsh, whom has over 20 years of experience in surfing and river kayaking, has merged his skills and knowledge into the stand up paddle boards we know today. The SUP boards on the market at this time were based on large surfboards or modified windsurf boards. He had the initiative and knowledge to make paddle boards not only look better but perform to the highest standards. He took the basic design and developed them to unite the board with the user, maximising performance and efficiency. Whether it is the unique hull design on the Crane or the layered bamboo veneer on the Eagle, the same level of craftsmanship oozes from every board in their range. Hatha Paddle Boards strive to use the latest technologies, their commitment on improving board design makes them true innovation leaders. His vision was not just to make high quality paddle boards but he also wanted them to be affordable for everyone to enjoy.

The meaning behind the logo

The name Hatha derives from the practice hatha yoga, which means “wilful or forceful”, it is also known as the yoga of activity, the sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha).

All of the stand up paddle boards have names that relate to yoga poses, cobra, plank and even the warrior. The Hatha logo has a variety of meanings on first look it is a water drop or even an inverted SUP paddle blade.

The deeper meaning is that it resembles the yoga posture “raised namaste”. The water droplet being the person’s head, with shoulders and arms stretching above, with hands together. Stand up paddle boarding is a core strength practice/sport just like yoga, so the basic principles apply to them both. Not only is it about using the correct form and posture but it is also about channeling inner strength.

Hatha Paddle Boards are continually evolving their products and ideas. They not only have the first hybrid paddle board in the UK, the mighty “Crane” but they also have the “Warrior” a hybrid board that has merged a wing tailed surfboard with a general purpose cruiser. Please continue to follow Hatha Paddle Boards through their continual journey and help us to carve the future in stand up paddle boarding.

HATHA is not just a brand it is a lifestyle.