The following waterways are covered, River Thames, River Medway (Tonbridge to Allington), The Basingstoke Canal, Wey Navigation and the Wey and Arun canal. Tidal Rivers do not require a license. There are two other rivers you can paddle without requiring a license where there is a public right of navigation.
Can you kayak without a license UK?
To simplify the answer, if you want to paddle on virtually all the inland waterways in England you will need a licence. This includes narrowboats and unpowered craft such as canoes, kayaks, dinghies, rowing boats, paddleboards, and light inflatable craft.
Can you just kayak anywhere UK?
The sea surrounding the UK is free to Kayak except for a few off-limits areas as stipulated by the Ministry of Defence. This includes any estuaries and tidal rivers. Many rivers have tides that extend far inland so keep that in mind when researching your preferred paddling destination.
Can you kayak without a license?
If you’re paddling on the sea, estuaries or tidal water, or on a river or canal which doesn’t require a licence, then that’s fine, you don’t need one!
Can you kayak on canals UK?
Yes, licences are required for the Canal and River Trust, exceptions being for members of British Canoeing and Canoe Wales who can use the waterways for free.
Can you launch a kayak from anywhere?
Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards do not need to use boat ramps. You can launch from just about anywhere there is permitted access.
Can you kayak across the English Channel?
Kayaking across the English Channel – while quite tiring – was actually very straightforward. We were accompanied by a support boat and had some of the best conditions they had ever seen! The crossing took us five hours and eighteen minutes.
Can I kayak in rivers UK?
In England & Wales, you can kayak anywhere you like, free of charge, on tidal waters except those which are off limits as above. The effect of the tide extends far up many rivers. Non-tidal waters are very different.
Can you kayak on lakes in England?
In England we are fortunate to have many large lakes and reservoirs that can be enjoyed by kayakers and canoeists. They are normally sheltered from winds and have no currents making them a perfect beginner location to learn. Most are easily accessible at public slipways and are only a small fee or free to use.
Do I need insurance to kayak in UK?
There is no legal obligation to have canoe or kayak insurance in the UK so it is up to you whether you choose to insure yours.
How much is a UK waterways licence?
Prices range from around £20 for a week’s licence on a river only to around £122 for 30-day ‘Explorer’ licence on a canal or river (prices as of April 2022), which allows you to spread out your use across the year.
How much is the fine for not having a waterways licence?
What if I don’t have a waterways licence? You can be fined up to £1,000 if you’re caught on an inland waterway and the following applies.
Can I paddleboard anywhere UK?
Can you paddleboard anywhere UK? Almost all the waterways in the UK can be used for enjoyment by paddleboarders once you have a license. Cromford Canal and Bridgewater Canal do not accept paddleboarders on their waterways.
Where can I take my kayak UK?
- River Wear. Distance: 60 miles Known for providing the spectacular views of Durham Castle, the River Wear is also a well loved paddling spot!
- River Bain.
- River Barle.
- River Beaulieu.
- River Ancholme.
- River Aire.
- Old Bedford River.
- New Bedford River.
Do I need a license to kayak on the Thames?
Do I need a licence to paddle on the Thames? If you’re paddling on the non tidal section of the river (Cricklade Bridge to Teddington) yes, you need either a non powered pleasure craft licence available from the environment agency here or join the British Canoeing here.
Are you allowed to kayak on the Thames?
Yes you can canoe or kayak on the Thames or use any type of craft on the non-tidal River Thames between Cricklade Bridge and Teddington Lock, and the short section of the tidal River Thames between Teddington Lock and the Port of London Authority’s boundary, including backwaters and marinas.
Can you put a kayak in the water anywhere?
You can kayak virtually anywhere in the world with a large enough body of water. Unlike some other vessels, you can strap a kayak to the roof of your car and head out on a new adventure. You can explore calm lakes, river rapids, quiet creeks and serene seas.
Can I bring my own kayak to Spot Pond?
Bring your own or rent at select locations. Rentals are available along the Charles River, Spot Pond in Middlesex Fells State Reservation, and at Hopkinton State Park. Permits are not required for personal use.
What is the 120 rule for kayaking?
A good rule of thumb to follow is the “120° rule.” This means you should wear a wetsuit or dry suit whenever the sum of the air temperature and water temperature is equal to or less than 120°F. Warm weather does not cancel out the danger of cold water, wearing lighter clothing on a warm day increases risk.
How far up the Thames can you kayak?
From Lechlade (the uppermost navigable part of the river Thames) to Teddington (just before you get to central London) it is 137 miles. In the height of summer, it can be better to start in Cricklade if the river levels are low.
Can you kayak in London canals?
There are two main places you can go kayaking in London; in the canals and in the Tidal Thames (the section of the River Thames which is subject to tides and runs through central London).