Two paddleboarders were 'pulled over' by Environment Agency officers on the River Medway in Kent on July 3 and warned they could face a £1,000 fine for not having a river licence. Ross Mathieson, 35, and a friend were paddling for about two hours when officers stopped them to check their licence. Upon discovering they did not have one, the officers warned them of the potential fine.
Video Shows Exchange with Officers
In a video of the interaction, Ross's friend asks, 'Are you going to fine me £1,000?' An officer replies, 'No, I'm not.' Ross then asks, 'What happened?' and is told, 'You need a river licence, my friend.' Ross responds, 'That's crazy,' to which the officer says, 'It is, we don't make the rules, I'm afraid.' Officers took photos of the pair and advised them to join Paddle UK, the sport's governing body, which includes a waterways licence as part of its fees. Adult membership costs £65 per year.
Licensing Not Required at Sea
Licensing is not required for paddleboarding in the sea, only on inland rivers and canals. Ross described his paddleboard as like a 'bicycle on water' and said he would not pay the fee now that he knows about the requirement. Speaking after the incident, he said: 'I said "are you going to fine us?" and he said "well no, but we will recognise you if you're on the water again". He took photos of us.' He added: 'I'm not surprised at all, this is England what next. We're all used to it now, there's just so many petty little things - of course you can't have fun without paying.'
Public Reaction on Social Media
On TikTok, users expressed disbelief. One wrote: 'It's madness, what damage do paddle boards do to the bank, unlike motorised boats?' Another added: 'Have you got a walking licence too?' The incident has sparked debate about the necessity of licensing for non-motorised watercraft.
Police and Environment Agency Statement
A Kent Police spokesperson said: 'Maidstone officers have been carrying out dedicated patrols, alongside the Environment Agency, to offer words of advice about water safety and tackle reports of antisocial behaviour by the River Medway, between Lockmeadow and Allington Lock, over the summer.' An Environment Agency spokesman said: 'We manage and maintain more than 600 miles of inland waterways across England. Vessel registration fees contribute a reasonable proportion towards the cost of the navigation services and facilities we provide for river users, allowing us to keep them open and safe for thousands of boaters and others to enjoy.'
