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Backwaters
Canoe and Kayak Hire
Guidance on the skill and experience needed to hire canoes and kayaks on placid inland waterways, including the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and Montgomery Canal.

If you are a complete beginner, or have limited experience, most canals offer simple, placid water, where you can build up your confidence and paddling ability, with the added reassurance of a towpath along the length of the canal.

For unaccompanied hire on placid inland waterways such as the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal or Montgomery Canal, or similar waterways, paddlers should be able to:

  • Lift, carry, launch and land the canoe/kayak;
  • Get in and out safely (we will help you with this when you start your first trip);
  • Stay out of the way of larger craft (while you are learning to steer, you can paddle close to the towpath bank, and hold on to the bank while they pass);
  • Stop the canoe or kayak (you can practice this when you get on);
  • Recognise locks, sluices or weirs from a safe distance;
  • Move canoes by safely using lines.

Ready to plan your trip?

For launching/landing points, B&B's, campsites, facilities and distances, see the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Route Planner.

 

Not sure?

There are no formal skill or experience requirements, but you may wish to book a half-day introductory course with our associate company 'Mountain and Water', or a full-day course with BCU 1 Star Assessment to build your confidence.

 

 

If you are not sure about your ability for unaccompanied canoe hire see our Guidance for Canoe Hire page. We offer Guided Tours and a 'River Awareness' Day. We can also arrange skills training courses at various levels from beginner to open and white-water.

 

Backwaters

is associated with

Mountain & Water: Wales-wide Adventure Ltd.

For guided tours, activity holidays and courses.
Contact and Booking
Home Page
About Us
Types of Craft for Hire
Trip Planning Advice
Availability
Prices
Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated 13 October 2012