Canoeing and Kayaking In Leicester

Check out this useful information before going on your canoe or kayak adventure.

Do I need a license for Canoeing and Kayaking?

Simple answer, yes if going on your own, if you paddle with Let’s Get Lost you paddle under our waterways license.

Before you decide to go paddling by yourself, or even as part of a club, you’ll need the necessary license for kayaking and canoeing on inland waterways. Thankfully, membership of British Canoeing will give you the necessary permissions for most inland waterways in England and Wales If you want to take a friend in another boat, they’ll have to have a separate license.

Where can I go canoeing or kayaking near me?

Search through Let’s Get Lost experiences to find a kayaking experience near you. If you’re looking to go paddling in your own boat, make sure you check whether you need a license to paddle there. Canals and inland rivers can be great places to kayak and canoe as waters can be easier to navigate and manage than tidal waters. However, for many inland rivers in the UK, you’ll need to work out whether you are able to canoe or kayak there due to both private restrictions and licensing restrictions.

Restrictions also exist for where land is privately owned (e.g. beaches), where there are environmental protection schemes such as Nature reserves, where there are military bases or activity happening, or where there are restrictions due to safety such as avoiding shipping lanes, waste disposal, or dangerous wrecks.
There are some places where licenses aren’t required, like paddling in the sea, estuaries, or most tidal water (which can often travel quite far up many rivers). However, these are the areas that require skill and experience to go paddling. Nevertheless, this type of kayaking can offer some of the most rewarding experiences with sightings of seals and a wealth of other animals.

Safety Advice for Canoeing and Kayaking

A license is just one small part of the puzzle when it comes to working out where and when to paddle. See our list below on things to consider before going canoeing or kayaking:

• Weather, flow, tides, and visibility: Attention should be paid to the flow of the river by checking the environment agency website and others. A significant flow on the river can be caused by excessive rain, often hundreds of miles away, that over a number of days, pour into the river can cause significant currents. Whilst it’s often hard to see ‘flow’ just by looking at the river the National River Flow Archive can provide specific information on the flow to enable you to decide if it’s worth the outing. Often, it’s much nicer to paddle in calmer waters, rather than battling a surging river and having greater risk around meanders, bridges, and other boat vessels, so this is something to consider. Likewise, wind, tide, weather, and visibility should be taken into consideration when planning your canoeing or kayaking trip. - Conditions within your level of capability Always err on the side of caution when going out in your canoe or kayak and make sure you’re comfortable with the conditions of the water

• Tell your friends: Let people know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Ideally, go with a group of people so if someone falls in, you’ll have others to help or raise the alarm - Get training: Book in a canoeing or kayaking instructor course or experience days

• Practice falling in drills: In calmer waters and with the instruction of an instructor, practice how to fall in and what to do when you do fall in, so you’re prepared on what to do

• Consider wearing safety equipment such as buoyancy aids, which can be life-savers in many scenarios even if you’re a strong swimmer, the water temperature, flow, or taking a knock to the head, can all present risks that will make your swimming skills useless and a buoyancy aid life-saving

• Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions of your paddle. Don’t risk getting soaking wet and cold in the rain if you’re going out for prolonged periods

• Be aware of waterway restrictions, from boating lanes, military operations, and more, to avoid any dangers - Make sure to get stacked up on nutrition and water to maintain energy levels if you’re going for over an hour's paddle.

• Take a communication device, mobile, or radio in case of emergency and call 999 if needed.

Canoeing and Kayaking for Families and Kids

Canoeing and Kayaking are great family-friendly sports. Canoes are more of the stable and spacious choice that allows for gentle and calm paddling experiences. Kayaking also offers the option for two-seaters that are a great way to bond with a friend or family member. Recreational Kayaks are built for stability and so it's more difficult to fall in or get wet. When it comes to the types of water to look out for, calmer water makes for a more enjoyable experience with kids. Look out for local lakes or canals for safer and more tranquil paddling. The beauty of canoeing and kayaking is that they are 'sit down' sports. The level of fitness required for both is relatively low, so most people can get involved with the sport.

Content source: https://beyonk.com/uk/canoeing-kayaking/in-leicester