What Is GlowPaddle? A Different Way to Experience the Lake District
Have you ever wondered what the Lake District looks like after the sun has gone down?
We spend so much time exploring the lakes during daylight that it’s easy to forget just how different they can feel as evening turns into night. The colours change, the crowds disappear, and, if the conditions are right, the stars start to come out.
That’s where GlowPaddle comes in.
GlowPaddle is a 1.5-hour evening paddleboarding adventure from Taylored Outdoors, combining the simple enjoyment of being on a SUP with glowing boards, changing skies and the chance to experience the Lake District from a completely different perspective.
What is GlowPaddle?
The idea is pretty simple: paddle into the evening, then light up your board as darkness arrives.
You’ll meet your guide shortly before sunset and get kitted up before heading onto the water. We start paddling while there’s still daylight, giving you time to settle onto your board and get used to the changing conditions.
As the light fades, it’s time to choose your colour and switch on your GlowPaddleboard.
Suddenly, the board beneath your feet is glowing, and the water around you takes on a completely different feel.
It’s not about racing across the lake or tackling challenging water. GlowPaddle is designed to be a relaxed evening adventure, giving you the chance to enjoy the views, spend time on the water and experience paddleboarding after dark.
And if you’re lucky, you might even get a clear enough evening to see the stars.
Is GlowPaddle suitable for beginners?
Yes — but there is one important requirement. - You need to be able to stand on a paddleboard comfortably.
GlowPaddle is classed as a beginner-level experience, but it isn’t designed as your first-ever attempt at standing on a SUP. If you’re already comfortable standing and paddling on a board, you can enjoy the experience without needing to be an experienced paddler, as our experienced guides will look after you every step of the way.
That makes it a great option if you’re looking for something a little different to do with friends, a partner or family.
It’s also a good excuse to get back on the water if you haven’t been paddling for a while.
How do we keep you safe?
Paddling after dark obviously requires a little more consideration than heading out on a sunny afternoon.
That’s why the session starts before sunset.
Rather than launching straight into darkness, we get you onto the water while there is still natural light. This gives everyone time to get comfortable on their boards and allows you to adjust as the environment gradually changes around you.
You’ll also be paddling with a guide rather than heading out alone. Our guides are experienced paddleboarders and know the venues extremely well.
Not only will your paddleboard be lit up, but both your buoyancy aid and paddle will have glow sticks attached, so if the lights do go out, we can still identify you and your kit.
You’ll need to bring appropriate warm clothing for paddling, a waterproof jacket and closed-toe shoes.
As with any outdoor activity, the conditions matter. The session is about enjoying a calm evening on the lake rather than pushing the limits, and the exact location can reflect the conditions on the day.
What to wear?
Appropriate warm clothing - warm sports wear such as leggings or joggers with a hoodie, maybe even a woolly hat. As the sun sets, the evening will chill off.
Waterproof Jacket - Helps keep the wind off and provides an added layer of warmth.
Closed-toe shoes - We will be walking on broken ground in the dark; these will protect your feet and keep them warm.
What does a GlowPaddle session look like?
So, what can you actually expect when you arrive?
Meet your guide before sunset.
We’ll get you kitted up and ready to launch, with a quick introduction before heading onto the water.
Start paddling in daylight.
We’ll spend some time paddling while there’s still plenty of natural light. This gives you a chance to settle in and enjoy the scenery before the evening really gets going.
Watch the light change.
This is one of my favourite parts of being outside at this time of day. The landscape changes as the sun drops, and the lake can feel completely different from how it did half an hour earlier.
Turn on the glow.
As darkness approaches, choose your colour and switch on the lights beneath your board.
Enjoy the evening.
From here, it’s about slowing down, enjoying being on the water and taking in the atmosphere. And, with a bit of luck, you might finish the session under a clear night sky.
Who is GlowPaddle for?
GlowPaddle is aimed at anyone who can already stand on a paddleboard and wants to experience the lakes differently.
That could mean:
A couple looking for something different to do in the Lake District
Friends wanting an evening adventure
Families looking for an outdoor activity
Visitors wanting to experience the lakes beyond the usual daytime activities.
Paddlers who simply fancy trying something new
You don’t need to be an expert paddler. You just need to be comfortable standing on a SUP and ready to enjoy an evening outside.
Sessions are for ages 16+, with under-18s accompanied by an adult.
Why paddle at night?
There’s something quite special about being outside when the day is winding down. The Lake District is often busy during the day, particularly around the most popular lakes and viewpoints. An evening on the water gives you a chance to see a quieter side of the landscape.
And GlowPaddle isn’t really about doing something extreme.
It’s about taking something familiar — paddleboarding — and looking at it differently.
For us at Taylored Outdoors, that’s what adventure is often about. You don’t always need to climb a mountain or tackle a rapid. Sometimes it’s simply trying something you haven’t done before and seeing somewhere you know from a different perspective.
Ready to give GlowPaddle a go?
GlowPaddle launches on 3 October 2026, with weekly sessions available throughout the season. Launch sessions also have a 10% discount, on a first-come, first-served basis.
So, if you’re in the Lake District this autumn and fancy swapping the usual daytime paddle for something a little different, come and Find Your Next Adventure after dark.
Comments