Dorset has some of the best coastal scenery in the country. Poole harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world, separates the sandy expanses of Bournemouth beach from the rugged, rocky cliffs of the Isle of Purbeck, while to the West the 20 mile long shingle bank of Chesil Beach connects the Island of Portland to the mainland. But what’s the best way to enjoy this landscape? Swimming is fun at the beach, a clifftop walk will give you views down to the breakers and a boat trip could take you along the coast, but there’s a better way to enjoy the water and the shore. We’re talking about Stand-up Paddleboarding, SUP for short, one of the fastest growing water sports in the country and the perfect way to discover Dorset from the water.

A paddleboard is similar to a surfboard on the surface, but you won’t spend your time splashing about in the surf trying to get on your feet on it. Instead, you can stand up easily and use a long paddle to propel yourself through the water, a technique so intuitive that you’ll be moving with ease in no time. This sport can take you far out to sea, if the conditions allow it, but even better it can take you right along the edge of water, up close and personal with the coastline. It’s no surprise that it’s become so popular here, it’s the most enjoyable way to explore the coast of the county, and there’s no level of difficulty - or high price tag - to put you off.

Where are the best places to go paddleboarding in Dorset?

• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole: These towns - which make up an urban conurbation - are hemmed in on three sides by water. The River Stour separates Christchurch from the suburb of Tuckton, and is a great place to go paddling down to Christchurch Harbour. Bournemouth beach is long, sandy and a favourite among visitors. If the crowds get too much for you, you can’t do better than escaping onto the water on a paddleboard. And if you want a chance to see some wildlife, we recommend Poole Harbour, where you can explore the islands, inlets and mudflats. You start your journey in the harbour itself, or get on a paddleboard in Wareham up the River Frome and let the current take you down.

• The Isle of Purbeck: Although more of a peninsula than a true island, Purbeck has a coastline with a bit of everything. There are fantastic adventures here. You can journey from the sandy, sheltered beaches of Studland to Old Harry Rocks, chalky stacks that jut out into the sea. You can play in the waters off the beaches of Swanage, an old Seaside resort. Or you can explore the wild Jurassic Coast around Lulworth Cove, seeing the bays, cliffs, and world famous archway of Durdle Door from a unique point of view.

• Weymouth, Portland and West Dorset: The sandy expanse of Weymouth Beach sits at the edge of the harbour formed by the island of Portland. You can go paddleboarding in both places to enjoy views of Weymouth town in one direction and the cliffs of Portland in the other. Further around the coast, Chesil Beach extends for 20 miles protecting a lagoon from the Atlantic swells of the English Channel. You can start your trip right from the beach.

Best ways to enjoy this sport

- With their ease of use, paddleboards are available to hire all along the Dorset coast. In some places you can enjoy a SUP for as little as half an hour, whereas other rentals are arranged on a half or full day basis, or you can get your hands on a board for several days or a week and explore various parts of the county on your own terms. If you haven’t tried it before, you can get an introduction to the equipment and technique before going off on your own.

- If you want a bit more guidance, or you want to go a little further from the shore and see some of the most breathtaking parts of the coast, a lesson or tour with a guide is the best option. We recommend getting some expert instruction so that you can get the most out of the experience and because, when done properly, it's a great core workout. And in the company of a paddleboard guide, you can see things that will stay with you for a lifetime. There’s truly beautiful scenery on the coast of Dorset, both within the World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast outside it. You find 1 or 2 hour long lessons, while trips can be 2.5 hours or half a day if you’re going to get all the way around Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour or Old Harry Rocks from Studland.

Requirements to do this activity

There are no official regulations on paddleboarding in the UK, so whether or not someone can get involved is down to the equipment. The standard size for boards and paddles is quite big, which means children can struggle to use them.While there are some SUP lessons in Dorset that cater to children as young as 6 years old, businesses that hire equipment out might not have anything suitable for youngsters. Another factor to consider is that in a lesson you’ll be provided with a lifejacket, but you won’t necessarily be given one if you’re renting, so we strongly recommend that you only go paddle boarding if you know how to swim. Be prepared to fall in at some point!

Longer excursions can be quite demanding if you’re not used to paddling in a standing-up position. For that reason, exploring the coast far from civilization is reserved for those with some experience of paddleboarding or similar activities.

What do you need to take with you the day of the experience?

You don’t need anything special to enjoy this sport here. It’s pretty similar to surfing: you need your swimming costume and any of the optional extras that you judge necessary for the time of year. We’re talking about wetsuits, hats, sunscreen, t-shirts, etc. One of the advantages of SUP is that you can use your hands while out on the water, so you can bring a camera or a phone with you to capture some awesome photos and videos of your adventure - but please put it in a waterproof case and wear it around your neck! You can also bring a bottle of water or something similar, so long as you take any waste back to shore with you.

What’s up with this sport that is on the mood? Come down to find out!