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Canoeing and paddleboarding along the waterways

Are you looking to go canoeing or paddle boarding along the vast stretches of rivers and canals in the UK this summer?  Look no further, these pages have all the information you need to know before setting off.

There is nothing quite like messing about in boats – and small boats, such as rowing boats, dinghies, canoes or stand up paddleboards, are a great and affordable way to get afloat.  It’s also a great way to introduce children and young people to sport and the great outdoors. 

All you need to know about canoeing & paddleboarding

Getting on the water

What you need

On most inland waterways you must register or licence any boat, including small unpowered craft, with the navigation authority responsible for the waterway you intend to use. 

Navigation authorities typically offer licences for different time periods, often from as little as one day, through to a full year. 

Membership of some canoeing, rowing and sailing organisations includes a licence for access to some waterways. 

Stay safe

  • Make sure your craft is suitable for the waterway you are using and that you are competent to use it.
  • Wear a life jacket – a good quality life jacket will keep you afloat the right way up, enabling you to breathe if you have an accident or knock yourself out.
  • Unpowered craft are not allowed through many tunnels, or on parts of some larger river navigations or the Manchester Ship Canal.
  • If you are allowed to use a tunnel, carry a light and whistle to warn other craft of your presence, and travel through in groups of at least three.
  • Locks, weirs and sluices are dangerous, so don’t stay aboard your craft in a filling or emptying lock; carry it around or use lines to keep control.

Be considerate

  • When passing anglers, unless they ask otherwise, follow a straight course in single file, along the middle of the waterway.
  • Larger craft need deeper water to manoeuvre, so move to the side of the channel, away from the larger vessel, where you can be seen.  Pass port to port.

Frequently Asked Questions – Canoeing and Paddleboarding

All you need to know

If you want to get involved with canoeing or paddleboarding, we have gathered together the information that we think you’ll need to know before taking to the water.  From FAQs to our ‘Top Tips’, find out more about canoeing along the waterways and paddleboarding along the waterways to make the most out of your waterways and get closer to nature.

Where can I go canoeing or paddleboarding in the UK?

You need a licence from the relevant navigation authority to canoe or paddle on most canals and river navigations.  For non-navigable waterways, the permission of the landowner may be required, although there are rights of navigation on some rivers.  If you are new to the sport, it is best to go out with a group or someone else with relevant experience.

How much does it cost to canoe or paddleboard?

Renting a canoe or paddleboard is a cost effective way to try before you buy.  Doing your research online to find a club that rents out boards and canoes near you is the most cost effective way.  Borrowing equipment from friends or buying second-hand can also be cost effective.

Do I need a licence to go canoeing or paddleboarding?

On most inland waterways you must register or licence any boat, including small unpowered craft, with the navigation authority responsible for the waterway you intend to use.

Navigation authorities typically offer licences for different time periods, often from as little as one day, through to a full year.

Membership of some canoeing, rowing and sailing organisations includes a licence for access to some waterways.

What are the benefits of canoeing or paddleboarding?

There are many benefits to getting outside in the fresh air and closer to nature.  Canoeing and paddleboarding can be social activities you share with friends, or solo excursions to clear your mind from your busy everyday life.

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