From a beginning almost as old as mankind, when the kayak or canoe was part of the process of survival, to the present day, when boundaries of exploration are being rolled back, canoeing is a sport rich in potential for young and old - the adventurous and the less adventurous.

Canoeing offers a wide range of activities with something for everyone, some based on competition and others, less formalised, based on journeying and adventuring.

HOW CAN I GET STARTED ?

Join a Club

Join with a local group or club - it’s more fun, safer, and will help you to master the basic skills more quickly.

The BCU publishes regional lists of affiliated clubs who welcome new faces, many running special sessions for newcomers.

Activity holidays often include canoeing and this can be a pleasant introduction, or perhaps you’d prefer to attend one of the many BCU regional events, and chat to some of the paddlers themselves.

Courses

One of the best ways to get to know what canoeing has to offer is on an activity holiday or specialist course.

Under expert guidance you will learn the basic techniques, and the simple safety rules, which will equip you to enjoy a lifetime of water wanderings, or aquatic adventure.

Where to canoe in Britain

The British Isles are made for canoeing - there is a wonderful variety of water to choose from. Inland, the canals, rivers and lakes offer simple touring on placid water, through to challenging white water descents.

Not all inland water is open to canoeists, some is privately owned or is bounded by land which is private. The law is actually very cinfusing and unclear as to acces/navigation rights. The British Canoe Union has an Access Officer in each region who can advise you about local canoeing waters.

The coastline of Britain provides superb canoeing water, some of which is remote with spectacular scenery. Coastal canoeing in all but enclosed, sheltered sites demands knowledge and skill.

Experienced canoeists are always keen to help beginners develop themselves, but you are strongly advised not to embark upon any coastal cruise or whitewater river trip without adequate personal ability, training and knowledge.

CANALS

• There are several thousand miles of canals
• These ‘water highways’ offer safe touring
• A licence is needed - included with BCU membership for all 2,000 miles of British Waterways canals

SEA

• Surf beaches, off shore islands, sea cliffs
• Seek expert guidance before going afloat
• Courses available around the country

RIVERS AND LAKES

• Upland rivers offer white water
• Lowland rivers, lake s and lochs offer interesting touring
• Many lowland rivers require a licence – BCU membership includes a licence for British Waterways rivers and canals and Environment Agency waters.
• Some of the best whitewater rivers have a voluntary access agreement where the landowner has agreed to let canoeists paddle, however many do not. Check first with the local BCU Access Officer, local paddlers and/or up-to-date guidebooks.
• BCU Access Officers can give help on where to get on and off the water.