Kayaks, canoes, outriggers and paddleboards will be back on the River Tees in Stockton on Sunday 6 September for a free 5km community paddle through the town centre.
AquaPaddle Stockton starts from the River Tees Watersports Centre at 10am. The route uses two laps of a course above the tidal barrage, heading upstream past Infinity Boat Club before turning downstream beneath the Infinity Bridge and returning towards the watersports centre.
The Stockton event became AquaPaddle’s first North East location when it launched in 2024. It is designed as a social, accessible paddling event rather than a race, with people bringing their own suitable craft.
The Canal & River Trust also lists the Stockton event as a free 5km paddle, giving an overall event window of 9.30am to 11.30am at the River Tees Watersports Centre on North Shore Road. AquaPaddle’s own listing gives the paddle start as 10am.
Parking is available a short walk away at Riverside car park, while participants can drop off their craft at the centre before moving their vehicle. An outdoor toilet is available during the event.
The local event is largely volunteer-run. AquaPaddle says optional donations help pay for equipment including defibrillators, first aid kits, radios and event safety systems, with surplus funding going towards mental and physical health activity.
Further Stockton paddles are currently listed for 11 October, 8 November and 6 December. Current route and participation information is available from AquaPaddle Stockton, with the 5km format independently listed by the Canal & River Trust.