LED and Glowsticks Night Paddle

Enjoy a whole new paddling experience exploring the river at night with LED's. This trip is a little different, illuminated by LED and Glowstick lights to add to the fun.

Level: Grade 0 - This means it is a flat paddle and should be within most people’s abilities.

Adults £29.00 / Children £19.00

TBC
18:30 - 20:00
Duration: 90m mins

Things that go bump in the night! Change your waterscape with our LED Night Paddle enjoying the river at night and Bedford's stunning Victorian Embankment

What's Included

Craft
Buoyancy Aid
Dry Bag
Paddles
Professional Coaches

What else we can provide on request

Hire of Wetsuits

Our instructors will lead you on a night-time paddle for a special way to experience nature under the moonlit sky. Paddling on the river in the darkness heightens your senses, allowing you to hear and see wildlife.

This is a paddle with a difference with LED lights and glowsticks to light up the canoes and kayaks.

DATE: TBC

Adult £29.00| Time 18:30 - 20:00 | Location Bedford

Book early to avoid disappointment.

What do we need to bring?
Bring a towel and a change of clothes (just in case!) and warm clothes, we’ll take care of the rest.

Feel free to bedazzle your outfit with more glowsticks and lights

What age is it for?

Ages 8+. No paddling experience is needed and all kit is provided.

We look forward to seeing you on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if it rains?

Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a few times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.

What should I wear?

We paddle all the year round and believe the old adage “There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing”! Participants should wear light (gym style) clothing suitable for getting wet such as tracksuit bottoms or shorts and a top. Jeans are not the best things to wear as they wick water. In simple terms, dress for the weather and check the forecast beforehand. If cold then a thermal top or sweatshirt may also be needed. Hats and gloves are a great way to feel slightly warmer in winter and caps and wide-brimmed hats are also useful in summer to protect you from the sun. You should also bring a change of clothes in the event that you get wet. We do have waterproofs usually available, you can arrange for some courses and trips to hire wetsuits and drysuits.

Are the trips guided?

There are no guides or instructors needed for hire of canoes, kayaks or SUP's. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point or in some cases an A to B journey via your chosen craft, canoe, kayak or Stand up paddle board. You will receive a full briefing from a professional outdoor instructor before you set off. We recommend our preferred routes and timings for your ease, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river at your leisure but ensuring you are back for your agreed return time.

How does the booking process work?

During the season our hire of canoes, kayaks, and SUPs, and paddle and camp trips are scheduled for customers to book via an automated schedule. Typically Kempston base is open throughout the season 7 days a week whereas Bedford is usually weekends or holidays. At the time of booking you will need to enter medical information, any special requirements and sizes into the booking forms. You will also need to provide contact details and emergency contact details as a contingency. Depending on what you are doing (e.g. camping, expeds, etc), you can book optional extras such as wood (you need to bring your own otherwise), water, grills, tipis and luggage service, or if you're on an exped you can hire hire drysuits. Once you have booked and your information is captured by the system, you will receive an automated email including a QR code and parking information to help you arrive in good time for your booking and get checked in. See our Terms & Conditions - www.canoetrail.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

Why can't I select a date to book?

Our schedules are automated and are linked to the calendar and available resources. We have over 260 craft available (canoes, kayaks and SUP’s) so you can drop us a line if you want a date that you cant see. Our Kempston base is throughout the season every day whereas Bedford is only weekends and holidays. There is a cut off time of 30 mins prior to each time slot, so if you are making a last minute booking then call us and we can help!

Do you offer private bookings for a group?

Yes we do offer group, club and private bookings for all watersports including kayaking, canoeing, and SUP. As well as whitewater courses, qualifications, and our expeditions. Please contact us to discuss a private tailored booking for your team, friends and family. We run taillored sessions for youth charities, schools, family and friend groups, corporate and other groups to learn outdoor activities.

What happens if we're late?

You will need to arrive 10 mins before your booking time to allow for registration etc. If you arrive late, please note that you may not be able to do the trip you booked and may have to do an alternative route. In some cases, you may not be able to paddle on that day. If you are running late then please let us know ASAP by calling our mobile number. Please contact us to let us know if you are going to be late. Our staff work on tight schedules to load kit and reset trailers for the day. On expeditions and trips we aim to share our beautiful surroundings, wildlife and vistas with the group and cover the distance. We will travel at the speed of the group so occasionally an injury, participant struggling or inclement weather may affect our finish time. On courses we aim to start on time for the entire group to cover the course syllabus. occasionally an injury, participant struggling or inclement weather may affect our finish time.

Are estimated durations for the trips accurate?

We have operated on this river for many years and have built up experience of how long it takes people to paddle each route. Our times allow the average time and we have graded all of our trips to further help you choose the right one for you (Slow, Medium, or Hard). Even our Hard trips will be easily achievable for those who are relatively fit and paddle at a steady rate. Please note if you think that you will not make the pick-up time, please call us immediately as you may have to be picked up at a later time.

What is the youngest age of children allowed on the water?

We recommend our youngest paddlers to be at least 3 years old. You and the child will need to be confident around water. Obviously you need to manage any trips to keep the children entertained with food and drink and regular breaks. The river Great Ouse around Kempston and Bedford provides a fantastic outdoor experience with nature, lots to see and explore as well as plenty of history. Please contact us if you wish to bring children under 3 years.

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t need to be super fit to paddle, but a bit of stamina helps, especially around locks. Our 1-hour and half-day hires don’t include any locks, so there’s very little lifting. Full-day hires usually involve at least one, where you’ll need to move your craft a short distance on land (they do make great picnic spots though!). All of our routes for hire are considered 'Grade 0' meaning they're a great choice for beginners and we’ll give you plenty of tips before you head out. If you’re unsure, just give us a call. For expeditions then we often use the analogy of walking in the hills for a day with a light rucksack, its not lung busting effort but it does require up to 6-7 hours paddling in the great outdoors. We can provide guidance for customers on building Paddlefit endurance ahead of bigger trips.

Do you take photographs?

We aim to take pictures at the start of your trip and post these to our social media for your ease of access. If you take pictures of your paddling trip please tag them with #canoetrail, @canoetrails (Twitter/Instagram/TikTok), Canoe Trail on Facebook/Trip Adviser.

How to find us. Transport? Parking?

The more rural locations have lay-bys and small car parks available. Please allow time for parking so you are not running late. Parking in Bedford can be more of a challenge but the council does have their own designated parking locations, please have a look online for the closest one to your start point and prices.

How do I protect my valuables?

We offer drybags as part of your hire, these are designed to keep whatever you put in them dry - so it's best to place your valuables (phone, wallets, car keys, etc) inside of them. Drybags are also designed to float by trapping air inside them (if sealed correctly). If you do not wish to use a drybag offered to you, please note we are not liable for any valuables dropped in the river.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Participants should be confident in and around water although they do not need to be swimmers. We will provide all safety briefings and equipment for the day, including a buoyancy aid for all paddlers.