Knoll Beach in Studland is the first beach in Dorset and the first National Trust property anywhere in the UK to install an automatic paddle board pump offering visitors a quicker and easier way to get out on the water.
The self-service station, operated by Blow Me SUP and the National Trust, allows stand up paddle boarders to inflate their boards in around five minutes, cutting out the physical effort of manually pumping up a board.
Knoll Beach is a hive of watersport activity during the summer
First of its kind in Dorset
The machine costs £4 to use for 10 minutes, enough time to inflate up to two standard boards and after operational costs, proceeds will go towards supporting the National Trust’s work at Studland.
Safety guidance is printed on the station, but Blow Me SUP executives are already in early stage talks with the RNLI to have larger information boards produced to stand next to the machines to promote responsible use of paddleboards.
Cody from the National Trust with the SUP inflation station – the first of its kind in Dorset and a UK first for National Trust beaches
Free use day is planned
Blow Me SUP founder Howard Day said the installation is part of a growing network of inflation stations appearing at waterside locations across the UK, but that Knoll Beach is a first both for Dorset and for the National Trust.
Howard Day said:
“The National Trust owns the pump at Knoll Beach, we installed it and manage it on their behalf, so it’s a joint venture.
“We formed the company last year, and installed a few in Devon, Cornwall and Wales, and it’s our belief that these will become more and more popular – paddle boarding is the largest growing water sport and potentially the largest growing participant sport out there now.
“From the venue’s point of view, a pump has the potential to make them a little bit of money, but also has the potential to draw people into the site to use the pump.
“It was set up quite early in the season and although a few people are using it already, it’s not quite paddle boarding season yet – but we are looking to do a free use day on Sunday 24th May 2026, weather depending, for anyone who wants to come down and use the pump.”
Inflating standup paddle boards by hand can take a lot of time and effort
“By then, you’re exhausted!”
Howard added:
“If you’re a regular paddle boarder and already have your own electric pump, it’s probably not for you.
“But if you’re a parent heading down to Studland with a couple of children and three boards, you can easily spend 45 minutes pumping them up before you even get on the water – and by then you’re exhausted!
“There is a downside to standup paddle boarding now that anyone can go and buy one easily, which is that anything inflatable on the water can be dangerous, and you need to stay safe while using them.
“Our inflation station carries safety guidance, encouraging users to follow the four basic safety principles – wear a personal flotation device, use the correct leash, watch for obstructions and carry a telephone in a waterproof pouch.
“We are in early stage talks with the RNLI to see whether they would go further and create education boards to go by the pumps for people to read while they are inflating their paddle boards – they are a captive audience for that time, they can read and learn.”
Sheltered Studland Bay is a perfect place for water sports
“A sheltered bay that’s perfect”
Emma Wright, visitor operations and experience manager at Studland, said:
“Studland offers a sheltered bay that’s perfect for getting out and enjoying nature. The new station cuts out the effort of inflating equipment so visitors can make the most of their time here.
“It is a great idea and will make the process of getting in the water much more enjoyable and help preserve energy!
“But we do need to stress that conditions on the sea can change rapidly, and simple safety steps save lives.”
The pumps carry a four point safety code using the acronym PLOT, to make sure every paddler, from first timers to seasoned pros, hits the water with the right mindset.
Safety advice is a vital part of the pumping station
Four point safety code
P = Personal Flotation Device
- As a minimum paddle boarding safety requirement, users should wear a 50 Newton buoyancy aid, even in rivers where it will give essential support if paddle boarders end up in the water.
L = Leash
- The leash ensures users don’t get separated from their boards if they fall off. Where there is a flow from a river or tide, it is important to have a waist leash which be can quickly released if required.
O = Obstructions
- Consider potential hazards – when paddling inland, stay at least two board lengths away from moored boats, bridge pillars and other obstructions. At the coast, check the tide times and weather forecast, and avoid launching in offshore wind conditions.
T = Telephone
- Phones are essential, and should be placed in a waterproof pouch and kept inside your buoyancy aid. Save emergency contact numbers and load the What3Words location app on the phone before heading out.
Stand up paddle boarding is the fastest growing watersport in the UK
Watch how to use the SUP station
Further information
- More on the Blow Me SUP website
