A new chapter for Paddle Cabin

If you are reading this, I'll take it you care about Paddle Cabin. Thank you.

The rumours are true, we are closing our Paddle Cabin site in East Peckham, Kent and swapping it for even more adventure.

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MORE THAN A BUILDING

From day one, it's been more than a place - it's about a sense of belonging.

So many moments that have made your soul happy that have given you that 'lust for life' kinda feeling.

Whether you have been here from the start, dipped in and out, or you are brand new and watching from the sidelines, you are part of this story. We've always been about people who are happiest outdoors, no matter if you live 5 miles from the cabin or 500 miles.

Let’s talk about how this feels

I know it's a big change. People are feeling different things and that is okay.

• Some of you are excited. This change will fit life better.

• Some of you are curious. Change is uncomfortable, even when it brings opportunity.

• Some of you are sad. That makes complete sense. The cabin itself has held five years of magic. That feeling exists because what we built together mattered.

  
  

Why the change

In December, I heard a quote that stayed with me:

“Everyone has two lives, until YOU realise YOU ONLY have one.”

In 2017, my own breast cancer changed how I see life. It gave me a sense urgency for how I spend my time and gratitude for what I experience. That's the energy I bring into Paddle Cabin. You tell me it's changed your life, and do you know what? It's changed mine for the better too.

This winter I've spent time reflecting on our journey since 2021. Thousands of moments of fun, growth and magic with you. I keep thinking about people who arrived feeling nervous about stepping on a board, and are now paddling wild places with ease or crossing racing finish lines. You did that. You prioritised time in the outdoors, and I adore that you chose Paddle Cabin to be part of your journey.

MY PASSION HAS evolved

My own interest and experience has developed too. In the early days I loved the nitty gritty of paddleboarding technique. While that still matters, my passion is best served elsewhere.

For me, now it's about using paddleboarding as a mode of transport to access even more adventure. To experience incredible landscapes, create special moments and share that passion for realising that life truly is there to be lived. I didn't work hard for those extra qualifications for nothing.

Sunrises. Big views. Little things to notice. Proper conversations. Campfires.

Last Autumn, I designed and delivered a 6-day Cabin Adventure to the Scottish Highlands which sold out in 1 minute. I knew it was set up to be an incredible experience, yet oh my goodness, it's still in my heart because I saw the magic in people’s eyes. Every. Single. Day.

I adore that I can create that for you.

That is where I want to spend my time. Less laptop. More adventure. More connection.

The practical bit

Paddle Cabin is a community and a business. I understand why you may be surprised that after one of our most successful years, even with severe flooding and blue-green algae difficulties, that I've made this decision.

Fewer adults need beginner lessons now because so many of you can already paddle with confidence. In recent years, most of our income has come from family and children’s sessions.

The river is not what it was in 2021. Sadly, our water quality on the River Medway is on a decline. I do not feel comfortable encouraging people to splash around like we used to. With 'Responsibility' sitting at the core of our values. I have to listen to that.

This is not me saying you should not paddle the river. I will definitely still be paddling on it. It is simply no longer the right foundation for my business, especially for kids in the water.

What this opens up

Stepping away from the physical site gives me time, energy and headspace to do more of what you joined for. Adventure.

We will base many of our experiences from our new pop-up home at Bewl Water Reservoir, a place we've been paddling since 2019 and plays a huge part in our story.

It also opens up the opportunity to be even more accessible financially. I am making our community free of charge to be a part of, and move to a pay as you go model for organised experiences, so you are only paying for what you use.

We will explore places we could not reach before. We will add coastal paddles, island overnighters, sunrises and of course, campfire nights under the stars. We will build more varied day trips and multi day adventures.

Most of all, I will be with you out there, present, guiding experiences that feel special from start to finish.

A moment for the Cabin

I built that cabin, literally, with my own hands (alongside some lovely people who helped!) and it holds the most special place in my heart.

I have watched friendships form, confidence grow and lives shift because of what happened here. Closing this chapter is sad. It really is.

I also see the opportunity clearly. The next chapter equals more places, richer experiences and the same Paddle Cabin magic. Because the Paddle Cabin was never the wooden cladding on the modular building on an industrial estate. It is, and always will be, the people.

Thank you for being part of this journey so far. I hope you will stay with us for what comes next. Keep prioritising the outdoors. It changes lives. I see it every day.

Let's raise a cuppa... here's to Chapter 2.

Until next time,

Hayley x

PS: If you're lookign for the nitty gritty for how this all works - click here