Two men were unexpectedly stopped by authorities while paddleboarding on the River Medway in Kent. Ross Mathieson and his friend were approached by police and Environment Agency officers during their two-hour paddleboarding excursion on July 3. The officers checked for a river license, which the men did not possess, warning them of a potential fine of up to £1,000.
A video of the encounter captured Ross’s friend questioning the possibility of a fine, to which the officer responded negatively. Ross, a car recovery worker, expressed confusion about the situation, only to be informed by the officer about the necessity of a river license. The officers proceeded to take photos of the pair and advised them to join Paddle UK, an organization that includes a waterways license in its membership fees.
The annual adult membership fee for Paddle UK is £65. Notably, paddleboarding in the sea does not require licensing, only on inland rivers and canals. Ross likened his paddleboard to a “bicycle on water” and expressed reluctance to pay for a license now that he was made aware of the requirement.
Reflecting on the incident, Ross shared his disbelief, stating that he was not surprised by the encounter, given the regulatory nature of activities in England. Social media users also reacted with astonishment, questioning the necessity of licensing for paddleboards compared to motorized boats and jokingly suggesting the need for a “walking license.”
A spokesperson from Kent Police mentioned that patrols have been conducted along the River Medway to ensure water safety and address antisocial behavior. The Environment Agency emphasized the importance of waterway licenses in managing and maintaining inland waterways for the safety and enjoyment of river users.
The incident sparked discussions online, with users sharing their views on the regulations surrounding water sports activities.