Paddleboarder stopped by police and warned he faced a £1,000 fine

Ross Mathieson, 35, was paddleboarding on a river09:32, 16 Jul 2026Man threatened with paddelboarding fineA paddleboarder was stopped during a joint operation carried out by police and the Environment Agency and informed he was facing a £1,000 penalty. Ross Mathieson was navigating the River Medway in Maidstone, Kent, alongside a friend earlier this month when officers approached them.‌The 35 year old said the Environment Agency and Kent Police, who were conducting a joint patrol, informed him that a licence was required to use his paddleboard or face a substantial fine. According to PaddleUK, a £65 waterways or river licence is required if you want to canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard on most rivers and canals in England and Wales.‌Those found without one risk being fined or removed fr