Can you kayak for free in the 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. 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.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 Paddle UK here. Either of these entitles you to paddle on the non tidal section of the Thames.The tidal Thames is not the place for an inexperienced kayaker or canoeist, but several kayak clubs actively paddle on the River Thames, and will ensure that inexperienced kayakers can go out under the guidance of experienced canoe coaches or leaders.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 Paddle UK here. Either of these entitles you to paddle on the non tidal section of the Thames.
Do you need a permit to kayak in the UK?
If you want to canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard on most rivers and canals in England and Wales, you’ll need a waterways licence. Without one, you risk fines or being asked to leave the water. An On The Water individual licence costs £60 for the year when you purchase through Paddle UK and covers around 4,500km of waterways. For renewing members the cost is £47 per year. If you purchased all the canal and river licences included in Paddle UK membership it would cost you around £150!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 Paddle UK here. Either of these entitles you to paddle on the non tidal section of the Thames.
How much does it cost to do kayaking?
Kayaking Options Hire from one hour to all day from £20 an hour. We have a range of kayaking trips, courses, and adventures to suit all abilities ranging from pottering along the backwaters of London to just paddling from pub to pub. At a large outdoor retailer such as REI a recreational kayak can go for between $500 and $1200 USD. Meanwhile, at a paddling specialty store, recreational kayaks and a higher-performing next level called day-touring kayaks are as low in cost as around $500 and range up to almost $2000.
Do you need a permit to kayak 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 Paddle UK here. Either of these entitles you to paddle on the non tidal section of the Thames. 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.