For our canoe hire, it is recommended to sit in a canoe rather than kneeling. Sitting can be more comfortable and less strenuous on the knees and back over longer periods of time.

However, kneeling can be useful in certain situations, such as when navigating rapids or when trying to increase the power and efficiency of your paddling strokes. You would only experience these river conditions on our courses or expeditions.

Note, for our hire you only ever need to carry your canoe on full day hire and this is for a small distance.

When you walk with a canoe, it is typically referred to as "portaging." Portaging is the act of carrying a canoe over land between bodies of water. This is often necessary when encountering obstacles such as dams, rapids, or shallow areas that cannot be navigated by boat.

You do not necessarily need two people to canoe but should only solo if you are experienced. Canoes can be paddled solo or with a group of people. Our hire canoes are designed to accommodate multiple paddlers, with two or more people paddling together to navigate the boat. The number of paddlers needed for a canoe depends on the size of the boat, the intended use, and personal preference.

You cannot book a solo canoe for our hire but can take a lesson or canoe trip in one

Kayaks are generally faster and more manoeuvrable than canoes due to their streamlined shape and lower profile in the water, but they can also be more tippy and difficult to balance.

Canoes offer a more stable platform for paddling and can carry more gear and people, but may require more effort to paddle and steer due to their larger size and bulkier shape. Ultimately, both activities offer unique benefits and challenges, and the choice comes down to personal preference and circumstances. Read the difference between the two.