On July 20th 2025, a friend of mine (Neil Armstong Boast) suffered a heart attack mid-paddle while enjoying a dual kayak paddle with his friend Paul, on the Deben Estuary. He lost consciousness. Capsized. Out cold in the water.

He was only saved because he was wearing a buoyancy aid.

Paul—his paddling partner and quick-thinking legend—dragged him up a muddy slipway using the BA straps, got him into the recovery position, and called for help. The paramedics got him to hospital in time.

Let’s break this down:

🚨 Unconscious in water?

If you’re not wearing a BA, you don’t float. You sink.

💪 Your mates can’t drag you out of the water easily without something to grab onto. A BA isn’t just floatation—it’s a rescue tool.

📱 A phone in a waterproof pouch is your lifeline. No phone = no help = no second chance.

The day before, they were 8km offshore. What if it had happened then?

Please, please don’t be casual about this stuff:

Always wear your BA

• Always carry a phone in a waterproof pouch

• Never assume you’re too fit, too skilled, or “just going for a short one”

• This was a wake-up call from someone who nearly didn’t wake up at all. Don’t wait for your own.

The Captains Note

"To my mate—heal up quick, and to Paul—thank you for being the guy we all hope we’d have on board when it goes sideways."

Why not plan ahead and book on to a Rescue and Safety training course, (PSRC) its not just about you, its about looking after your mates when you are out there.

Or join one of our many NPMU training sessions where we will help you resuce others safely

Please feel free to contact me and i will happily guide you to the right people"

Stay safe, be wise, plan ahead

The Captain Baldie

#WearYourBA #PaddleSafe #SaveLives #CallForHelpNotRegrets

During the safety briefing before launching, I addressed it with the group. We spoke about the risks, especially of falling in, and advised everyone to stay on their knees to reduce the chance of a dip. I also reminded everyone to wash their gear down thoroughly afterwards and explained just how dangerous blue-green algae can be — especially to our furry friends.

Just as I was about to get on the water, a couple with a very old dog stopped to chat. They commented on how beautiful the water looked, and I explained that while it may look magical, it’s actually lethal — particularly to dogs.

That’s when the woman said:

“Oh my, we were here the other day. He got really sick that evening and has been like that for three days! Today is the first day he’s eaten anything – he seems a bit better.”

Shocking, right?

She asked the same thing I was wondering:

“Why are there no warning signs? Has it been reported?”

I told her I’d report it once I got back. But as luck would have it, we bumped into a Broads Ranger during the paddle. One of our group paddled over and raised the issue directly. The ranger went to inspect the area — and sure enough, the next morning, the algae warning was all over the news.

But here’s the thing:

It wasn’t until we shared it on our Facebook page that the Broads Authority chimed in, saying:

“There’s a reporting app you can use to log algae sightings.”

Wait, what?

There’s an app?!

Why isn’t this more widely known? Why isn’t it included in the news reports or even posted by the water where people — and their dogs — are likely to be?

This stuff isn’t just a mild irritant. If a dog drinks algae-contaminated water, it can be fatal — and in some cases, in as little as 15 minutes.

That’s not just frustrating — that’s terrifying. There should absolutely be warning signs the moment a bloom is spotted. Public awareness can’t rely on chance conversations or the odd social media comment.

So here’s what you need to know:

👉 There is an app called [Bloomin’ Algae], available on Android and iPhone.

It lets you report sightings and includes loads of helpful information about how to identify blooms and what to do.

If you paddle, walk dogs near water, or just enjoy time around our beautiful Broads, I urge you to download it and spread the word. It could save a life.

Keep safe out there, folks.

Captain Baldie, out. x

It lets you report sightings and includes loads of helpful information about how to identify blooms and what to do.

A paddling app that gives you basic launch point information. Though this doesn’t get updated often it’s great for giving you ideas of different locations and what to expect at the launch point (from parking, toilet access and type of launch)

It’s classed as the goto for recording all your exercise - from walking to paddling, through to cycling. It’s a paid up but nearly everyone uses it, great bit of kit to copy other people’s paddle and adventures

The following information is provided by one of Norfolks leading Arboriculturists (Ian Flatters) the CEO of Target Trees.

"We all love a calm summer paddle — sun on your face, birdsong in the air, maybe a cheeky SUP snack floating in your drybag. But while the skies may look friendly, there’s a sneaky seasonal danger that catches many off guard: summer branch drops."

-Sunny Days Can Still Bring Unexpected Hazards on the Water

-What is Summer Branch Drop?

Watch the Trees! Understanding the Danger of Summer Branch Drops

Why a Calm Day on the Water Might Still Come With Hidden Hazards

At Norfolk Paddle Meet Up, we’re all about fun, safety, and a bit of paddle-powered adventure. But even the sunniest days on the river can hide a surprising threat: summer branch drops.

Also known as “summer limb drop”, this phenomenon isn’t just about trees being moody — it’s a complex natural reaction to weather stress, and it can catch paddlers off guard when they least expect it.

⸻

💥 What Is a Summer Branch Drop?

A summer branch drop happens when a large tree limb suddenly falls, even on windless, sunny days — and often with no warning signs. These aren’t little twigs either — these are big, mature limbs capable of doing serious damage to a person or paddleboard.

And while they seem random, there’s fascinating (and slightly alarming) science behind it.

⸻

🌦 Why Does It Happen?

It used to be thought summer branch drops only occurred during prolonged heatwaves. But recent understanding shows it’s often triggered by a rapid change in temperature, and more commonly after a heavy downpour.

Here’s what’s going on inside the tree:

• Trees under stress (particularly those with fibrous root systems or those in wetland environments) may limit water uptake to prevent leaf scorch during hot, dry conditions.

• Following a heavy downpour, that water uptake suddenly increases.

• The tree begins rapid conversion of water into starches, sugars, and enzymes through photosynthesis — an essential process for survival.

• Water is pulled acropetally (upward in a spiral) through the cambium layer and stored in the heartwood.

• This nutrient surge adds weight to lateral limbs (especially older, heavy ones), creating a lever arm effect.

• If there’s a weak limb union, internal decay, or a hidden cavity — the branch fails under the weight, and down it comes.

So while it sounds freakish, it’s actually a biological process gone a bit haywire under pressure.

⸻

⚠️ When and Where Is It a Risk?

• It’s not an everyday danger, but it can occur at certain times of the year, particularly in late spring through early autumn.

• We typically see a few every year — and unfortunately, they’re almost always unpredictable.

• Areas to be especially cautious: wooded riverbanks, canopy-heavy broads, or any launch spots with overhanging trees.

⸻

🚧 Nature’s Not Always Predictable

Summer branch drops are rare but real — and understanding the “why” behind them helps keep us safer on the water. It’s just another reason to keep your wits about you, even when the sun’s out and everything looks calm.

-What You Can Do to Stay Safee

Just like checking the weather and tide, keeping an eye on your surroundings is key.:

✅ Avoid loitering under large overhanging limbs, especially on still, hot days.

✅ Give leaning or low-hanging trees a wide berth — they may already be weakened.

✅ Educate your group: Make sure paddlers know why you’re steering away from that “nice shady spot.”

✅ Listen: Creaking, cracking, or a sudden rustle above could be nature’s warning bell.

✅ Report fallen branches: If you see a fresh branch drop on a popular route causing an obstruction, let a Broads Ranger know, or infom one of the NPMU admin and also let others know via local groups or hazard reporting tools.

✅ Have a first aid kit handy and always carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch for emergencies.

Captain Baldie’s Bonus Tip:

If you’re leading a group session or coaching, mention summer branch drops in your safety briefing — especially if launching from a wooded area. Awareness saves headaches (and heads)!

Paddle Smart, Stay Sharp, Stay Safe

"Nature is beautiful, but she doesn’t always play fair. By keeping your head up — literally — you can enjoy those glassy summer paddles with confidence and care. The water’s calling, but so is common sense."

Captain Baldie & the NPMU Crew, would like to peronally thank Toby and his Broads Ranger Crew for all their safety advice and Ian Flatters of Target Trees (our local Norfolk arboriculturalist) for the information that they provided me to compile this Blog.

NPMU run brilliant Beginners training sessions in North Walsham - Check out our events section

https://www.npmu.co.uk/store/products/session-1-beginners-and-paddle-technique-training-saturday-9th-may-dc201dd2-c07e-4265-9e14-ba5e8e16bcd1

If you paddle in Norfolk (or anywhere in the UK), you’ll quickly run into the question:
Do I go with a Paddle UK licence or a Broads Authority licence?

The answer depends on how, where, and how often you paddle—but in most cases, one clearly stands out.

Understanding the Basics

A waterways licence is required for many inland rivers and canals across England and Wales. Without one, you can be asked to leave or even fined.

There are two main options for paddlers in Norfolk:

• Paddle UK membership (includes waterways licence)

• Broads Authority toll (local licence for the Broads only)

Option 1: Paddle UK Licence (The “All-in-One” Option)

A Paddle UK membership gives you a waterways licence covering over 4,500km of rivers and canals across England and Wales.

Key Benefits

1. Nationwide coverage
You’re licensed on waterways managed by:

• Canal & River Trust

• Environment Agency

• Broads Authority
  …and others

👉 This means one licence = most of the UK sorted

2. Works on the Broads (no extra cost)
If you’re a member, you don’t need to pay a Broads toll at all.

3. Better value for regular paddlers
Buying individual licences across different waterways can cost significantly more annually.

4. Extra perks

• Insurance cover

• Discounts

• Support for paddlesport access and development

Option 2: Broads Authority Licence (The Local Option)

The Broads Authority requires all paddle craft using the Broads to either:

• Pay a short-term toll (7 or 14 days), or

• Pay an annual toll

Key Benefits

1. Ideal for occasional paddlers
If you’re only paddling the Broads once or twice a year, a short visit toll is simple and cost-effective.

2. Supports local waterways
Your fee goes directly into:

• Maintenance

• Safety patrols

• Access improvements

Which One Is Best?

👉 Paddle UK is best if:

* You paddle regularly

* You travel to different rivers/canals

* You want one licence that covers almost everything

* You paddle beyond Norfolk (even occasionally)

👉 Broads Authority licence is best if:

* You paddle very occasionally

* You only ever paddle on the Broads

* You want a cheap short-term option

Paddle UK Licence (Membership)

👉 Join Paddle UK – Waterways Licence

Broads Authority Licence (Toll)

👉 Buy a Broads Authority Toll (Licence)