Links
Paddlesport organisations
River access
Magazines
Manufacturers
Ainsworth Paddles Paddles
Avoncraft Prijon Kayaks and kit
Bliss-Stick Kayaks
Dagger Kayaks
Endless River Boats, paddles and kit
Eskimo Kayaks
Lendal Paddles
Liquid Logic Kayaks Kayaks
Lomo Kit
Necky Kayaks
Nookie Kit
Palm Kit
Peak UK Kit
Perception Kayaks
Pyranha Kayaks
Riot Kayaks
Robson Paddles
System X Kayaks, paddles and kit
Thule Roof racks
Wavesport Kayaks
Werner Paddles
Yak Kit
Retailers
Many retailers will offer a 10% ‘club’ discount if you have a BCU membership or just ask.
Canoe Kayak Trader Near Leamington Spa
Decathlon Good for cheap thermals, boots etc
Desperate Measures based near Nottingham’s Holme Pierrepont course
Go 2 H20 Near Ripon, North Yorkshire
Kayakstore Peak UK’s online store
Knoydart Sea kayaks and equipment
Performance Kayaks Near Weston-Super-Mare and M5 motorway
Reed Chill Cheater Kayak clothing
Robin Hood Watersports West Yorkshire, near Junction 27 of the M62
Rubberman Repairs to websuits, drysuits etc
Whitewater The Canoe Centre Shepperton Marina, near London
Training and course providers
Andy Butler Coaching and guiding in N Wales
Andy Turton Coaching and guiding in UK and Europe
Clearwater Paddling Guided sea kayaking tours based on the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides
Escape to Adventure Training and trips with Andy Holt
Fluid Skills UK and French Alp based coaching, guiding and first aid courses
FlowFree Kayak coaching and river guiding, with bespoke and female specific courses
Gene 17 Kayak training for all levels, in many locations
Getafix.com 1st aid courses, kayak and canoe coaching
Glenmoor Lodge Kayak courses and guided tours in the heart of Scotland’s Cairngorm National Park
Monster Activities White water rafting and lots of other outdoor activities in the Highlands of Scotland
Plas Y Brenin Kayak training based in North Wales
Plas Menai More kayak training, based on the North Wales coast
Tom Parker Coaching Coaching and guiding in UK and Europe
Ty Nant Outdoors Sea Kayaking, canoe and whitewater kayaking, trips and expeditions.
Wild River Kayak coaching or guiding in the Lake District
Places to paddle
Four Seasons, Teeside Currently closed for refurbishment. Artificial course of 350 metres which hosts national and international events.
Holme Pierrepont International standard artificial course near Nottingham. Extensively used for high-level competition and training.
Lee Valley White Water Centre. White water paddling within easy reach of London!
Mile End Mill JJ’s Good introductory spot to whitewater.
Nene Whitewater Centre, Northampton Friendly artificial course for playing and training.Opening times can vary so telephone 01604 634040 before travelling
River Dart Access news, ticket availability etc
Tryweryn Dam controlled river with frequent canoeable releases each year. Release information on 01678 520 826. Provides grade 2-4 whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Local clubs
Other useful websites
A1 Surf Daily surf forecasts for the UK
Canoe London New online guide to paddlesports in London, including club listings and places to paddle
Environment Agency online river levels Great resource for checking river levels.
Magic Seaweed The latest surf forecasts, surf reports, surf webcams and other surfing resources for the UK and beyond
Playak.com Global kayaking website
Port of London Useful information relating to leisure facilities and events on the tidal River Thames for recreational users. Includes tide tables
Rainchasers Community based paddle sports site, providing the latest news on river levels for The North of England
River access for all Kayakers and other members of the public are forbidden to access an astonishing 98% of the rivers in England and Wales. Visit this site to give your online support to the River Access Campaign and help to make our rivers free for everyone to enjoy
Song of the paddle Open canoes
Superspud Regents member Edwin Datschefski’s unique take on producing the world’s shortest play boat, as trialed at Regents.
Thames Valley Freestylers Regularly updated forum – a good place to check on Thames weir levels
UK Rivers Guidebook Lively forums and useful river guides
Unsponsored Independent UK kayak site with reviews and discussion forums
Weather Five day weather forecast from the BBC
Metcheck another good source for weather forecasts
Boat hire / trips for casual paddlers
Kayaking London – paddle on the Thames.
Lee Valley Canoe Cycle – boat hire on the River Lee, N London
Lee Valley Boats – boat hire at Broxbourne on the River Lee, Hertfordshire
Whitewater: The Canoe Centre – boat hire at Shepperton on the River Thames, on the western fringes of London.
Accomodation
Hostels in Wales Bunkhouse and Hostel Accommodation in the Brecon Beacons National Park and other areas of Wales.
