We are very fortunate to live within a short drive of four very different rivers - the Wye, the Severn, the Avon and the Thames. All four rivers offer opportunities for fun on the water so, with that in mind, a few years ago we decided to treat ourselves to three kayaks. We currently have a double sit-on-top and two singles. We have recently added an inflatable kayak to our collection too.
We did a considerable amount of research before we made our purchases, going to open days at different retailers in order to try out a selection of canoes and kayaks before we chose.
So, what is the difference between canoes, kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks? The most obvious difference is the sitting position. In a canoe (often referred to as Canadian canoes) the paddler either kneels on the bottom of the boat or sits on a raised seat. In a kayak the paddler sits on a low seat with their legs extended in front. You have to climb into a kayak and your legs are enclosed. With a sit-on-top kayak you literally sit on the top of it. The next obvious difference is in the type of paddle you use and the number of blades it has. A canoe paddle has a blade on one end, while a kayak paddle is bladed at both ends.
Why did we choose a sit-on-top? At the time we started looking our children were around 10 and 7 years old. We tried Canadian canoes but found that they struggled to paddle them and we found them difficult to paddle alone. As we couldn't find a canoe that could comfortably accommodate two adults, two growing children and a fat spaniel it quickly became clear that Canadian canoes were not going to be an option for us - at least not for a few years until the children were older.
We have a relative who has a kayak so we were able to spend time messing about with hers on the river Thames one summer. It was a lovely kayak, very light and easy to steer and fast through the water but none of us were comfortable with the enclosed nature of a traditional kayak. We were worried that the children would panic in the event of a capsize and would not be able to get out quickly. Then, at an open day run by a local canoe and kayak retailer, we tried a sit-on-top for the first time and we loved it. My advice to anyone thinking of buying any sort of canoe or kayak would be to make sure that you try before you buy. You can either do this through a reputable retailer, who will be only to happy for you to have a play with a variety of different canoes and kayaks, or by paying for a days hire, loading up a picnic and giving it a go.
Sit-on-top kayaking is enormous fun, whether you are on a river, a lake or the sea, they can cope with everything. As a sport it is accessible to almost everyone and you do not need to be particularly fit to enjoy it. Sit-on-tops are made from moulded plastic and they come in all shapes and sizes. They are very stable and easy to paddle. We found our children took to them very quickly because they did not have a fear of capsizing - it you tip a sit-on-top over you simply fall off into the water. They are slightly more cumbersome through the water than a traditional kayak but, I think, less so than a Canadian canoe. We transport ours on roof bars on the car with no difficulty. The double kayak is big and heavy and takes two people to get it onto the roof where as the single ones can be loaded by one person.
So, where can you paddle in the UK? It would be wonderful if you could drop your kayak into any river, lake or canal that you fancied and paddle away but it is not quite that simple (but it isn't hugely complicated either). The restrictions in England and Wales are considerably more than in Scotland where they take a much more relaxed view of rights of way and of navigation.
RIVERS
Messing about on a river can be a fantastic way of seeing the countryside from a different perspective. You will see wildlife that you would not normally see and, if you are lucky, you may experience total solitude. It is a lovely way to unwind from a busy working week.
In England and Wales the situation regarding use of our rivers is not terribly enlightened, with many landowners claiming ancient rights over the river that flows through their land. This is particularly so if they also sell fishing rights. Many of the larger rivers, such as the Severn, the Thames and the Trent require a British waterways licence (this is included in the cost of membership of the British Canoe Union). The larger rivers are often busy with floating gin palaces passing up and downstream. Be aware of the rules of the road and always paddle on the right. You can find a lot of useful information on the do's and don'ts on the British Canoe Union website.
To the best of my knowledge, the river Wye is the only river in England and Wales that has a right of navigation for virtually all of it's length. This explains why it is so popular and why there are so many canoe hire companies and campsites based along it's banks. The beauty of the Wye is that it has something for everyone. There are sections that you should not attempt unless you are experienced but there are many sections that are suitable for the complete novice. If you are interested in trying some canoeing or kayaking on the Wye the best place to start is with a marvellous little book called 'Wye Canoe? Canoeists Guide to the River Wye' produced by the Environment Agency for Wales. This will tell you everything you could possibly want to know about canoeing on the Wye (see below for a link to a downloadable PDF of this book)
CANALS
As the 'roads' of the industrial revolution in the 18th & 19th century, canals run through the heart of many historic towns and cities. They also pass through some beautiful countryside. The licence included in the membership pack of the British Canoe Union covers the entire canal network. The drawback of using canals is the locks. Canoeists must get out and carry (portage) their canoe around the locks. My advice, if you plan to use canals, is to do some research and try to find stretches with few locks. Canals are often busy with large boats so, if you are not very confident, you may wish to avoid them.
LAKES
The same access considerations apply to lakes as to rivers. Many will be privately owned and you will have no right to use them. On others, such as many in the Lake District, you will find all types of craft including canoes and kayaks. Paddling on lakes can be incredibly hard work, particularly if the lake is large and it is windy. You have been warned!
THE SEA
Sit-on-tops are incredibly popular at the coast because you can have a huge amount of fun riding the surf once you have the knack. However, it is essential that you make sure that you take advice from lifeguards and other surfers familiar with the beach you plan to use. Local conditions may make kayaking unsafe in certain coastal locations. Make sure you understand the tides, currents and the effect the wind can have before you venture out.
So, you have your kayak or canoe, what other equipment will you need to get started? The list below shows what we bought initially:-
- buoyancy aid - a no-brainer!
- paddles - basic ones often come as part of a package
- removable clip in seats with adjustable back support
- straps to secure the kayak to your car
If you know you will be out all day take enough drink and food to keep you going (unless you plan to paddle past a lovely riverside pub, in which case, take your wallet!) and a mobile phone in a waterproof case in case you have a problem.
I also bought three books that I have found very useful:-
- 'Wye Canoe? Canoeists guide to the River Wye' - Environment Agency Wales
- 'Sit-on-top Kayak' - Derek Hairon
- 'Pub Paddles - the best short canoe trips in the South of England' - Peter Knowles
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