Poole Harbour is shallow, sheltered and very large, which is close to the ideal combination for learning to paddleboard.
Why it works
The harbour is almost entirely enclosed and mostly under two metres deep. Shallow water does not build much of a wave, so even when it is blowing the surface stays flat. That is why so much of the south coast learns to sail, windsurf and paddle here. See Poole Harbour.
Where to start
Lessons and board hire operate around the harbour and at Sandbanks, on the harbour side rather than the bay side. A first lesson on flat water usually ends with you standing up rather than swimming. See watersports.
What to avoid
The harbour entrance. The gap between Sandbanks and Studland drains and fills a 36-square-kilometre harbour twice a day. The tide runs hard through it and the chain ferry crosses constantly. Stay out.
The main navigation channel. This is a working harbour with ferries and commercial traffic.
An offshore wind. This is the one that catches people. A breeze blowing off the land feels gentle on the shore and will carry a board out faster than you can paddle back. Check the forecast and the direction before you launch, every time.
Sensible precautions
Wear a leash. Tell someone where you are going. Do not paddle alone. Carry a means of calling for help. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
And the wildlife
The harbour is a RAMSAR wetland. Birds roosting on the mudflats at high tide have nowhere else to go, and a board that pushes them off costs them energy they need. Give them room. See Respect, Protect, Enjoy.