Ross Mathieson and one of his friends were paddling down the River Medway when Environment Agency officers stopped them to check if they had a licence before warning them not having one could result in a fine £1,00011:38, 10 Jul 2026Updated 17:02, 10 Jul 2026This is the moment two men were "pulled over" by the Environment Agency - while paddleboarding.‌Ross Mathieson and one of his pals were on the River Medway in Kent on July 3 for around two hours when Environment Agency officers stopping them to check they had a licence. Upon finding out that they didn't have a licence, they were warned they could be fined up to £1,000.‌In a video of the interaction, Ross's friend says "Are you going to fine me £1,000?" before an officer says "No, I'm not." Ross, who works in car recovery, then says: "What happened?" before he's told "you need a river licence, my friend" by an officer.‌Ross, 35, responds: "That's crazy," to which the officer says "it is, we don't make the rules, I'm afraid." Officers take photos of the pair and inform them that should 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 is not required for paddle boarding in the sea, only on inland rivers and canals. Ross describes his paddle board as being like a "bicycle on water" and says he's not going to pay now that he's learned of the licensing requirement.‌Speaking following 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.‌"It's unexpected, but it's expected at the same time. You just never know what's next." On TikTok, users shared their disbelief at the interaction.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?"Article continues belowA 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."