Kayak towing

[Simpo Two]

Just bought a friend of mine an inflatable kayak. I have a cabin cruiser on the Great Ouse/Cam and suggested I could give her a tow one day for fun (top cruising speed 6mph). She says she'd like to but can't because it's illegal - can anyone confirm please? (she'll have a licence and lifejacket)

[pequod]

Interesting question. I can't see why it would be illegal on those rivers unless there are some local exclusions however, I cannot fathom why you or she would want to.

The permitted maximum speed is 6mph so a 'thrill ride', such as provided on a banana boat or donut (sic), would be pretty mundane at that speed and sitting behind your cabin cruiser in a kayak whilst breathing exhaust fumes seems a little odd!

Maybe I'm missing the point and you are intending to tow the fair maid to some secluded idyll to have your wicked way, in which case she is probably correct with the illegality of the whole enterprise!!

[akirk]

Plenty of boats towing canoes / other boats when in distress - there is official advice on how to do it - so can’t see any issue - esp. if you avoid putting anyone else to inconvenience

[Simpo Two]

pequod said:

The permitted maximum speed is 6mph so a 'thrill ride', such as provided on a banana boat or donut (sic), would be pretty mundane at that speed!

So far, as she hasn't got a licence yet and refuses to break any rules, she is astoundingly happy just sitting in it on the lounge floor!

pequod said:

Maybe I'm missing the point and you are intending to tow the fair maid to some secluded idyll to have your wicked way, in which case she is probably correct with the illegality of the whole enterprise!!

Good grief sir, it seems you would have me for a scoundrel! It is an excellent idea however, and upon reflection, most worthy of consideration...

[john2443]

The narrowboat I own a share in isn't allowed to tow because of the insurance, but it's not illegal.

[Sonie]

Because towing her inflatable kayak will break it.

They are not designed to be towed

[anonymous-user]

So simpo has tied up an inflatable woman and is towing her to an island?

I try not to judge but this is very niche indeed.

[Simpo Two]

Sonie said:

Because towing her inflatable kayak will break it.

They are not designed to be towed

Interesting point I'll bear in mind. But that wouldn't make it 'illegal'.

[anonymous-user]

There can’t actually be a rule or law saying you can’t tow someone at 6kts in a Kayak can there? Maybe it’s some general or local rule about stopping waterskiing or something.

[mcdjl]

Sonie said:

Because towing her inflatable kayak will break it.

They are not designed to be towed

Inflatable kayaks break (puncture) anyway. Might as well have some fun with it before it does so.

[shouldbworking]

I think she was just trying to find a polite way of saying not interested

[Simpo Two]

shouldbworking said:

I think she was just trying to find a polite way of saying not interested

She says 'Sadly a tow on the river is illegal as it said so in my guide'. Not sure what guide it was.

[RobbyJ]

I tow my kids behind the boat on a paddle board all the time on the Thames and so do many others. Don’t know about legality but the Environment Agency don’t seem to have a problem with it.

[Simpo Two]

Well I've just done the maths, and to paddle what is little more than a children's toy on the Cam for an hour would cost almost £70, which is nuts.

[mcdjl]

Simpo Two said:

Well I've just done the maths, and to paddle what is little more than a children's toy on the Cam for an hour would cost almost £70, which is nuts.

Where does that come from? Join British canoeing and you'll be covered on their licence (https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2020/british-canoeing-keeps-paddlers-paddling-on-the-cam#:~:text=The%20licence%20extends%20to%20individual,directly%20to%20cover%20their%20vessels) for that and all water ways for almost half the price.....https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/membership/on-the-water-membership

[Simpo Two]

mcdjl said:

Where does that come from? Join British canoeing and you'll be covered on their licence (https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2020/british-canoeing-keeps-paddlers-paddling-on-the-cam#:~:text=The%20licence%20extends%20to%20individual,directly%20to%20cover%20their%20vessels) for that and all water ways for almost half the price.....https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/membership/on-the-water-membership

Based on info received from the Cam Conservators:
Cam vistor's licence: £13.00.
EA day licence (needed first): £10.50
Two sets of self-adhesive numbers: say £5.00
Insurance: £39.42 (Craftinsure)

Strange they never mentioned British Canoeing, certainly the way forward I think.

[Hoofy]

Simpo Two said:

She says 'Sadly a tow on the river is illegal as it said so in my guide'. Not sure what guide it was.

Spooky. In the 90s when I used to go clubbing, that was the exact line a young filly said to me when I asked her if she was having a good time.

[Ledaig]

Simpo Two said:

Based on info received from the Cam Conservators:
Cam vistor's licence: £13.00.
EA day licence (needed first): £10.50
Two sets of self-adhesive numbers: say £5.00
Insurance: £39.42 (Craftinsure)

Strange they never mentioned British Canoeing, certainly the way forward I think.

Sounds to me like they are trying to dissuade her from using that stretch of water, probably due to the commercial enterprises operating there - punts, canoe/kayak hire etc.

British Canoeing is the way to go, I've had this for a few years now due to its coverage, from the following link:

British Canoeing

"You can view the list of included waterways in the list below:

Environment Agency
River Cam (below Bottisham Lock/nr Clayhithe)

Cam Conservators
Cambridge to Bottisham Lock"


The same page also gives a list of waterways not covered, it's fairly limited and does not include any component of the navigable Cam or Great Ouse.

[Simpo Two]

Thanks - yes, the CC has subsequently confirmed that.

I did ask them about the towing aspect but they must have missed it. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

[w1bbles]

Simpo Two said:

Thanks - yes, the CC has subsequently confirmed that.

I did ask them about the towing aspect but they must have missed it. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

Or presumably go underneath it?