ABOUT MIW
It started with six paddleboards and a simple idea — get people out on the water. That was 2013. Within weeks we’d outgrown our fleet, and we haven’t slowed down since.
We’re watersports people through and through. Most of our instructors grew up on Mersea Island — they know every channel, creek and current like old friends. Before each season opens, the whole team trains together so that when you arrive, you’re in genuinely safe hands.
Because that’s the point. Not just to teach you a skill, but to make sure you leave the harbour feeling capable, confident, and already planning your next visit.
Choose from stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing
We offer lessons for all age groups and abilities as well as equipment and kit hire plus kid clubs, parties and corporate events!
THE CENTRE
In 2018 we took over the old Saw Mill on Coast Road — a building with proper history, previously used for boat building. We refurbished it from the ground up into a space that feels like it belongs here.
Inside you’ll find changing rooms, hot showers, a kitchen/bar and a sofa to sink into after your session. It’s the kind of place you don’t want to leave in a hurry — which suits us just fine. It also makes a brilliant venue..
OUR TEAM
Every instructor on our team holds SUP qualifications from BSUPA (British Stand Up Paddle Association), RYA First Aid and RYA Powerboat certifications. All staff are DBS checked and hold RYA Safe & Fun Safeguarding Certification.
Beyond the paperwork — most of our team grew up here. They know these waters personally, and that local knowledge is something no qualification can replace. Individual instructors hold specialist qualifications in kayaking, sailing and windsurfing, teaching only in the areas they know best.
OUR KIT
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We’re fussy about kit — because you deserve equipment that works, not just equipment that’s available.
We’re a recognised RED Paddleboard test centre, which means we’re constantly rotating the latest boards from the industry’s leading brand. Tourers, explorers, different lengths — if you’re thinking about buying, there’s no better place to try before you commit.
Our kayaks come from Tootega in Norfolk — designed and built not far from us. They’re stable, well-made and genuinely great on the water. Keeping it local where we can matters to us.
For everything else, our friends at Fluid Lines share our standards and supply all the kit we use. Between us, we’ve tested a lot of gear so you don’t have to.
HOW TO FIND US
Our address is 110 Coast Road, West Mersea, CO5 8NA. Once you cross the Strood (the causeway linking the island with the mainland), follow the road all the way up, into the village and out the other side. The road turns into the Coast Road and the sea should be on your left. Past the houseboats, and Dukes Seafood, you will find the Coast Inn pub on your right and we are next door. Go up the pathway next to Micro Scooters and you will find us at the end. Make sure you park first though! Coast Road car park, the boatyard carpark near the houseboats are all within a 5 min walk or use on street parking, but please be considerate of private driveway access. Cashless parking using MiPermit is available in all car parks: www.mipermit.com. Please also check tide times and depth. Link to page. Anything over 5m and you will need to leave a 45 min buffer either side of the tide to get across the Strood as the water covers the road.
MERSEA ISLAND
We’re biased — but Mersea Island really is something special. A largely undiscovered corner of the Essex coast, it’s the kind of place that surprises people the moment they arrive.
From the harbour you can paddle to five small islands, lose yourself in miles of creeks and inlets, or find hidden shortcuts that only the locals know. The sheltered channels are perfect for learning and building confidence, while the open water of the Blackwater Estuary waits for those ready to push further.
Paddleboarding and windsurfing at the calm end of the Besom fleet. Kayaking through the creeks. Sailing the channels. It all starts right here.
And if you’re ready for a longer adventure beyond the harbour, just ask us — we know the water, and we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
FAQ’s
You’ve booked a session, now what? We’ve collated a list of frequently asked questions below.
Stand up paddle boarding or SUP is now one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. The boards look like surf boards and are paddled using a single blade paddle from a standing position. The simplicity and versatility of SUP means they can be ridden on lakes, river and the sea. It’s easy to learn and great fun as well as being an excellent core muscle workout.
Pretty much everything you need.
SUP – board, leash, paddle, wetsuit and buoyancy aid.
Kayaking – kayak, paddle, a wetsuit and a buoyancy aid.
Windsurf – board, rig, wetsuit and buoyancy aid
Sailing – buoyancy aid. You can hire a wetsuit if you need to but otherwise just bring something waterproof.
Sure thing! Go explore! Look round the estuary, marshes and backwaters and see what you can find. (You may even find Mersea’s famous Sammy the Seal).
The kayaks we use are extremely stable. You probably won’t flip over while paddling with us but if you do our guides are skilled at kayak rescue and will have you back in your boat in jiffy.
In summer shorts and a T shirt are fine for an introductory session, although you can hire a wet suit if you prefer. We advise wearing old trainers or water shoes as there can be sharp shells hidden in the sea bed. For poor weather or winter riding we suggest a wet suit as standard. Don’t forget to pack dry clothes and shoes as well as a towel.
Being able to swim is not essential for SUP, as you will be wearing a buoyancy aid and attached to your board via the board leash. However, you DO need to be able to swim to windsurf, sail and kayak.
If you are generally confident in the water but are feeling a bit unsure or apprehensive then book a 1-2-1 session so we can help build your confidence.
Anyone can paddle board, as a guide we would recommend from 8 upwards and they must be accompanied by an adult. For younger children we recommend you book a dedicated family session. These can be booked by emailing us. For kayaking, children as young as 4 can get involved as they sit in the front of a double. Because of the upper body strength needed for windsurfing, we recommend a minimum age of 12 years. All ages love and can come sailing but under 8’s need to be accompanied by an adult and competent swimmers.
You’ll need to arrive about 15 minutes before your session’s start time to get changed.
Yes, all our instructors hold SUP instructor qualifications from BSUPA (British Stand up Paddle Association). In addition they are all DBS checked. They also hold relevant qualifications in kayaking, sailing and windsurfing.
We have a newly refurbished centre that has changing facilities, a place to leave your stuff and hot showers for when you come off the water.
Generally, we suggest you leave them behind. Salt water doesn’t have any love for electronics. However, we do have some pretty amazing scenery so if you want to take some photos, we have waterproof cases for sale. If you are paddling solo then we definitely recommend taking some form of communication with you.
Get in touch by email: info@mersea-island-watersports.co.uk or give us a call on: 01206 381859. We’d be happy to answer your questions.