The Wildest Sport You’ve NEVER Tried: Paddle Board Netball

I know it sounds completely bonkers — netball, but on water?! I haven't played since secondary school let alone on water! How the heck can you even play a game like that without falling in every two minutes? That’s exactly what I thought, until I went along to Clevedon Marine Lake last year for a game of watery fun with the team from SUP Bath. They showed me the ropes (or should I say paddles?) and even how to score. What followed was equal parts chaos, laughter, and unexpected teamwork — and I came away with the biggest grin and a new appreciation for just how inventive water sports can be.

I love a challenge, and this was definitely that! But fun aside, safety was taken seriously — life jackets were a must, and the SUP Bath team kept a close eye on everyone.

The game itself is simple in theory: hop aboard your paddleboard, paddle toward the ball, scoop it up, and make your way to a gigantic inflatable red triangle floating in the water. Hit it with the ball and you score a goal. Easy, right? Well… not quite.

Throw in a team of determined opponents and suddenly it’s chaos on the lake. And let’s just say cheating isn’t exactly off the records. I quickly discovered the sneaky tactics: someone lifting the back of your board when you’re not looking, a cheeky poke with a paddle to send you splashing, or even twisting your board just as you’re lining up a shot. It was wild, competitive, and absolutely hilarious.

The sides of the lake were lined with swimmers cheering us on, adding to the excitement (and pressure!). I actually surprised myself by staying on my board the whole game — though I’ll admit it was mostly down to quick thinking and a soggy bum. Sitting and kneeling gave me a lot more stability than standing… and I wasn’t ashamed to take the safer route. Those who stood up were fearless — but also ended up very wet! It just added to the comedy of the game, with splashes, wobbles, and plenty of laughter echoing across the lake.

This game was an absolute blast — full of skill, laughter, and determination. I loved meeting new people and doing something completely different; it's been a long time since I've played a team sport. If you haven’t tried paddle board netball yet, it’s an experience not to be missed! For more information and to get involved, check out SUP Bath on their Facebook page — you might just find yourself laughing, splashing, and paddling your way to victory!