Where can I kayak in the UK for free?
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. Becoming a member of Paddle UK gives you the best value waterways licence around. Simply become a member and you are covered for over 4,500km of water. Start to type a river, canal or lake below to find out if your waterway covered by membership. Don’t know your nearest waterway?The good news is that you don’t need a licence to kayak on the sea in UK waters. But that doesn’t mean you can go kayaking just anywhere in the sea. For your own and others’ safety, there are some exclusion zones and danger areas that are out of bounds.In England and Wales, there are differing opinions regarding Public Rights of Navigation (PRN) along non-tidal waters. To simplify the answer, if you want to paddle on virtually all the inland waterways in England you will need a licence.Unlock 4,500km of Waterway Adventure – Get Your Waterways Licence Membership (new members only) for just £60. We are the official paddle boarding partner of Paddle UK (formally British Canoeing), allowing us to offer the exclusive Waterways Licence Membership (new members only).It’s not just narrowboats that need a licence on our canals and rivers. All portable, unpowered craft such as canoes, kayaks, dinghies, rowing boats, paddleboards and even light inflatable craft do too.
Do I need a licence to kayak on rivers 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. A Paddle UK ‘waterways licence’ gives you access to 5,000 miles of inland waterways, including our canals and rivers. It also gives you access to the waterways managed by the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority.The good news is that you don’t need a licence to kayak on the sea in UK waters. But that doesn’t mean you can go kayaking just anywhere in the sea. For your own and others’ safety, there are some exclusion zones and danger areas that are out of bounds.Buying individual licences for the same waterways would cost around £150 per year. Paddle UK membership includes your licence for much less, plus exclusive benefits for paddlers.
What is a British style kayak?
Sea kayaks are often categorized into 2 design classifications: British Style or Greenland Style and North American Style. British style kayaks feature more of a curved hull design, whereas North American style kayaks have a more conventional or straighter styled hull. In general, V-hull kayaks are more efficient to paddle, with better speed and glide than flat bottom kayaks. V-hulls are typically associated with more advanced kayak designs while flat bottom kayaks are more suitable for beginners and flatwater conditions.