Kayaking the River Arun - Littlehampton to Houghton and back

[@baronvonthrophousen5930]

I did this one with a friend from Littlehampton to Pullborough about 21/22 miles in June. Great paddle, 6 hour trip. Also, on a different trip, pullborough up following tide until it starts working against you and returning back to pullborough was one of my all time favourite trips. Best wildlife experience I’ve had in this country. Peregrine falcons, marsh harriers, and a juvenile sparrow hawk taking a dragonfly out the air 15 foot above our heads. As well as many large birds of prey I couldn’t identify, definitely not buzzards or kites. Just amazing.

[@travelswithpaddles]

Great stuff. Yes there is a good variety of wildlife in this area. Up from Pulborough is a great paddle too. I should have a video of it somewhere on the channel.

[@baronvonthrophousen5930]

@@travelswithpaddles I did notice that video, as well as a couple of the Welsh rivers you mentioned on your reply to another comment, it was getting late so thought I’d check them out another time.

[@theboycalledleaf]

Brilliant, thank you. I had a Canadian canoe lesson here a couple of years ago. We were ferry gliding near the car park in Arundel on some huge waves. And yes, we did see Gary. He stayed with us for a few minutes before disappearing. Lovely to see.

[@travelswithpaddles]

Hey hey, that's awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@karlgrove1585]

Cheers Geezer very helpful, I live in Littlehampton very close to the river & I’m getting a 2 man Kayak this week, so plan to do this very soon

[@travelswithpaddles]

Great stuff. Have a good paddle. Key thing for this paddle is to double check the tide times.

[@JoshSmith-hg1qz]

Hi I'm very local to Littlehampton. Is there any groups that do this? I haven't done it before what type should I buy. Ideally wanting to a group etc before I purchase items etc many thanks

[@travelswithpaddles]

Hi, great to hear that you're interested in starting up paddling. Joining a club is a really good choice to get you started in the sport. In terms of local clubs, I would have said Arun Canoe Club. But, searching the net, I can't find any club pages that have been active for years. Your next closest is probably Chichester CC or Hunston CC or Portsmouth CC. Check out this site for more clubs www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/canoe-near-you. In terms or buying a boat, joining the club first is your best bet. They should have boats you can borrow, to see how you like them. This will then guide your decision. All the best.

[@seamusanderson1982]

How long did the whole trip take? 20 miles is a long way, wondering how much quicker it is when using the tidal flow?

[@travelswithpaddles]

Hi, round trip was around 5 hours of paddling time. So averaging around 4mph.