Canoeing is a great water based activity that offers something for everybody, no matter what their ability or age, in a beautiful outdoor environment. Last year just over 50% of our customers were 'first timers', many coming back this year to paddle a different section of the river or to go on a weekend trip, camping out by the river. Some get really bitten by the bug and come back to take a skills training course and perhaps a Star Test. With every outdoor activity, however, safety always come first.

Some points to consider when planning your trip..

• Unless you are on a guided trip you are responsible for your own safety on the river and for the equipment.
• Previous experience and fitness. You do not have to be 'superfit' to enjoy a paddle down the river in summer.
  However, if you have not done much canoeing before start with a day or half day trip rather than going straight into a longer 3 - 5 day camping trip. Five days on the river in summer is tiring if you are not used to it.
• In the event of a capsize are you confident in river water conditions ?
• If you have younger children with you are you confident of managing their safety in a river environment ?
• We do not cater for children below primary school age and we do not hire to solo paddlers.
• Alcohol and rivers do not mix - we will not proceed with the hire if we think a group is incapable due to alcohol. Celebrate at the end of your trip!

After you have booked

Following confirmation of your booking we will send you our Health and Safety Guidelines which gives advice on such things as 'what to wear', 'safety on the river' etc.

Hire on the day is subject to river levels and weather conditions. If a postponement of your hire is necessary due to adverse river\weather conditions we will give you as much notice as possible. We will offer you alternative dates or refund you any monies already paid if we are unable to re-arrange another convenient date

Prior to the start of your trip we will..

• Go over the Health and Safety and answer any questions
• Give you a briefing on your boat and go over the basics of paddling your boat.
• Provide a waterproof map of your trip and brief you on your route down the river.
• Explain where you will finish and get out.
• What to do in the case of an emergency on the river.
• Answer any questions about any aspect of your trip.
• Wave you good-bye.