Kayaking FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our tours, courses, and equipment and get all the information you need to plan your perfect adventure.

General Questions

What's the difference between a canoe and a kayak?
A kayak uses a double-bladed paddle and you sit in a low seat with your legs extended. A canoe uses a single-bladed paddle and you sit or kneel on a higher seat. We offer both — kayaks for most tours and hires, and open canoes on the River Arun.
How many people can fit in a canoe or kayak?
Our single kayaks fit one person. Double kayaks fit two adults, or one adult and one child. Open canoes comfortably fit two adults and up to two small children. MegaSUPs fit up to six people.
Do you have an age limit?
There's no strict age limit, but children must be accompanied by an adult. For tours, we recommend age 8+ for most trips. For hires, younger children can join in double kayaks or canoes with a confident adult paddler. Contact us if you're unsure.
What equipment do you provide?
Everything you need to get on the water — kayak or canoe, paddle, buoyancy aid, and a safety briefing. For courses, we also provide spray decks and any specialist equipment needed.

Weather & Cancellations

Will my trip still go ahead in bad weather?
We monitor conditions closely and will contact you if we need to cancel or reschedule. Light rain doesn't usually stop us — it's wind and sea state that matter most. If we cancel, we'll always offer an alternative date.
What is Weather Flex?
Weather Flex is an optional booking upgrade that gives you more flexibility if weather affects your trip. It allows you to reschedule for any weather-related reason, even if we haven't officially cancelled the session. See our Weather Flex page for full details.
What happens if you cancel my booking? Can I get a refund?
If we cancel due to weather or safety, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund — your choice. See our cancellation policy for full details.
Someone has pulled out of my group booking. Can I get a refund?
We can't offer refunds for individual no-shows within a group booking, but you're welcome to find a replacement. Contact us and we'll update the booking.

Practical Information

How do I know if a tour or course is suitable for me?
Each tour and course page describes the experience level needed. Most of our tours are suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness. If you're unsure, get in touch and we'll help you choose the right experience.
Do I need previous experience to hire equipment?
No experience is needed for our river hires at Pulborough — the water is flat and sheltered. For harbour hires at Itchenor, we ask that you have some previous paddling experience due to tidal conditions.
What should I wear? Do you provide wetsuits?
Wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting damp. Layers work best — it can be cooler on the water than on land. We don't provide wetsuits for standard sessions, but you're welcome to wear your own. Avoid jeans and cotton in cooler months.
Will I get wet?
Possibly! You might get splashed, and there's always a chance of a capsize (though it's rare). Dress for the possibility of getting wet and you'll be comfortable either way.
What facilities are available at your sites?
Itchenor has a public car park, toilets nearby, and the Ship Inn for food and drinks. Pulborough has parking on site and toilet facilities. Neither site has changing rooms, so arrive ready to paddle.
Do you provide refreshments?
We don't provide food or drink, but there are pubs and cafes near both our sites. For full-day courses, bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes — Itchenor has a free public car park a short walk from the slipway. Pulborough has parking directly on site. Full directions are provided on booking.
I don't drive. What's the best way to get to you?
Itchenor is tricky without a car — there's a limited bus service from Chichester. Pulborough is easier, with a train station about a mile from the launch site. Taxis from Chichester to Itchenor cost around £15-20. Contact us and we'll help you plan your journey.
Do you need a licence to kayak in the UK?

You do not need a licence to kayak on the sea, tidal rivers, or most coastal waters. Some inland waterways (canals and certain rivers) require a licence from the Canal & River Trust or Environment Agency. We recommend joining Paddle UK as membership includes inland waterway licence cover and is often cheaper than buying a licence separately, plus you get other benefits like insurance and discounts.

Note: Chichester Harbour requires a harbour licence for self-guided paddling. On our guided tours this is covered, but if you are hiring equipment to paddle independently you will need one. Details are on the Chichester Harbour Conservancy website.

How much does a kayak tour cost?

Our guided kayak tours start from around £35 per person for a Social Paddle, up to £100+ for full-day expeditions like Hayling Island Circumnavigation or Seal Safari. Most half-day tours are £50 to £70 per person. Equipment hire starts from £20 per hour. All prices include equipment, safety gear, and qualified guides. Members save 30% on every booking.

Can you kayak if you can't swim?

We strongly recommend that all participants can swim at least 25 metres. While capsizing is rare on our tours and hire sessions, it can happen, and being comfortable in the water is important for your safety. If you are not a confident swimmer, please get in touch before booking and we can recommend suitable sessions and discuss any concerns.

Can dogs go kayaking?

Dogs are welcome on our equipment hire sessions. Open canoes and double kayaks work best as they have more room. We recommend bringing a doggy buoyancy aid and fresh water. Dogs must be comfortable around water and able to sit calmly in the boat.

Unfortunately dogs cannot join our guided tours or courses, as with mixed groups not everyone is comfortable around dogs and it can be distracting for other participants.

Is kayaking suitable for older adults or over 60s?

Absolutely. Many of our customers are in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. Kayaking and canoeing are low-impact activities that are easy on joints. Our sit-on-top kayaks are very stable and easy to board. We offer relaxed-pace tours and gentle hire routes that suit all fitness levels. If you have specific health concerns, please mention them when booking and we will help you choose the right experience.

Can you kayak in winter in the UK?

Yes! We run sessions year-round, including our popular Paddle After Dark winter evening tours. Winter paddling in Chichester Harbour is beautiful with fewer people, stunning light, and excellent seal watching. You will need to dress warmly (we recommend a wetsuit or drysuit in winter months). Our guides monitor conditions closely and will advise on appropriate clothing when you book.

What happens if you fall out of a kayak?

It is actually quite hard to capsize a sit-on-top kayak as they are designed to be very stable. If it does happen, you simply climb back on (it is easier than you would think). On guided tours, your instructor will be right there to help you get back aboard. On hire sessions, we cover recovery techniques in the safety briefing before you head out. You will be wearing a buoyancy aid at all times. Most people stay completely dry!

Ready to get on the water?

Explore our guided tours and courses, or get in touch to plan your perfect day on the water.

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