The sport of paddleboarding has exploded in popularity in recent years.

But with more and more people taking to the waterways, it has prompted calls for restrictions to be put in place on where they can and can't go.

Daniel Thwaites, who is on the Broads Authority navigation committee, fears if measures are not put in place, it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt in an accident with other river craft.

The financial director for hire firm Barnes Brinkcraft, told the Broads Authority it should consider restricting paddleboarders from some busy areas, such as Wroxham.

READ MORE: Calls for restrictions for paddleboarders

He suggests that, much like restrictions on water skiing, creating no-go-zones for paddleboarders would help protect against accidents with larger boats.

But what do people using the county's waterways think about these plans?

Eastern Daily Press: Oana Indires and Lottie Ryan out paddleboarding in NorwichOana Indires and Lottie Ryan out paddleboarding in Norwich (Image: Owen Sennitt)

Oana Indries, from Norwich, said she felt very safe during her first attempt at trying out the sport.

"I feel like paddle boarding is a big part of the local community and that there shouldn't be any restrictions put on people," the 25-year-old said.

Eastern Daily Press: Paddleboarders enjoying the September sun on the River Wensum in NorwichPaddleboarders enjoying the September sun on the River Wensum in Norwich (Image: Owen Sennitt)

READ MORE: Paddleboarders urged to stay safe after increase in call outs

Whereas John Bell, 67, who visits the Norfolk Broads every year for a boating holiday, has a different view.

Eastern Daily Press: John Bell visits the Norfolk Broads for a boating holiday each yearJohn Bell visits the Norfolk Broads for a boating holiday each year (Image: Owen Sennitt)

He thinks restrictions should be on the cards as there are "a lot of amateurs who don't know what they are doing" on Norfolk's rivers and that for safety reasons, restrictions would be a good idea.

Eastern Daily Press: Lee Tayler, CEO of Norfolk PaddleboardsLee Tayler, CEO of Norfolk Paddleboards (Image: Lee Taylor)

But for Lee Tayler, CEO of Norfolk Paddleboards - a company that offers lessons and board hire in Norwich, Brundall and Salhouse - education should be the priority.

He said: "I don't think we need restrictions but there needs to be better education to make sure both paddleboarders and boaters know how to keep safe.

"Making people aware of the places that are likely to have higher boat and paddleboard traffic as well would be helpful."