Canoeing/ Kayaking - do u need a license etc?

[thetrash]

You are meant to have a permit to use the Norfolk broads but I've yet to be stopped whilst SUPing.

[threadlock]

mrtwisty said:

Do people bother with the licences? Ever been caught without one? Massive fine and bummed with a large carrot the second you get near the water, or a mild word from a waterways bod and on your way?

Another thread ressurection!
Just been given two inflatable canoes. Would like to put them onto the Medway early tomorrow morning with a mate and our kids, but there's no time to get British Canoeing membership beforehand (although I'll be joining now!).
What's likely to happen if we just pitch up and launch to paddle around for a couple of hours? What are the chances of getting asked, and if we don't have licences what are the consequences? I'm not one to argue or get stroppy with someone legitimately trying to stop me breaking the rules so if there's a strong chance of getting caught and told to go home I'd rather not bother in the first place.

[mrtwisty]

Ressurection indeed!

Well in the intervening couple of years I've done a lot of paddling on rivers and canals and have never been stopped, or even seen anyone in offical looking garb patrolling.

[otolith]

Meanwhile, I have become quite interested in the idea of buying a fishing kayak to use in rivers, lakes and inshore waters. A mate of mine has one that he uses on the Thames a lot, and it looks like a lot of fun. Going to go for a try in his before I fork out for the yak, sounder, dry suit, PFD, etc. For sea use I will also need to get a VHF radio and licence, but that's down the line. Just looking at the right size - he's got a 12 foot one, which is a good size for rivers and manoeuvrable, but longer ones are faster and track straighter for large lakes and sea use.

[mrtwisty]

When you say 'fishing kayak', I take it you mean a sit-on-top? Definitely the way to go for a novice - I started with a sit-in with spraydeck etc. I found it bloody difficult to learn the eskimo roll, even when in a pool.

I've a 10 foot sit on top now, much easier! I've been on the sea in it a few times now - it's ok for a few miles in a fairly sheltered bay, but becomes extremely hard work in bigger seas. Something longer would definitely be better if you're planning on doing and coastal touring/fishing.

[otolith]

Yes, definitely sit-on-top, I think all of the dedicated fishing kayaks are that sort.

For this kind of thing;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CVuZzH1VKc

[dirty boy]

I've got a BC membership for the family. We paddleboard on the Broads and there's always a river inspector on the prowl....

I suspect you're fine on small rivers that boats can't get on, like upstream at Beccles, never seen him that far up as yet.

[threadlock]

In the end at the weekend we took the inflatables to the River Rother at Robertsbridge (Kent), which is shown on the BC website as not needing a licence. I can see why: it's practically un-navigable (as our local Scout leader had warned me it was known to be!). We gave up after a mile or so because we couldn't get past a fallen tree. But we still had fun and the kids enjoyed it.

Edited by threadlock on Thursday 6th July 19:58

[mrtwisty]

Good to hear threadlock, glad you had a good time.

A couple of good websites I've used for planning routes:

www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk

www.songofthepaddle.co.uk

The question of access to rivers is quite an interesting one.... There is a piece of old legislation that suggests that there is a right of navigation on all rivers in England. A chap has written a thesis on it in fact:

http://www.caffynonrivers.co.uk/master-of-laws/

There is of course a lot of discussion and disagreement over this ( https://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/forum/viewtopi... ), but I think he makes quite a compelling case.

Ultimately of course, if you behave in a reasonable manner and meet antagonism with patience, you'll be ok. The police certainly dont seem keen to get involved. I've helped fishermen out on several occasions by clearing up broken lines at their request. I've saved 3 sheep so far also (they don't make very good swimmers!).

Edited by mrtwisty on Thursday 6th July 23:01

[R Mutt]

I'm buying one mainly because want the lanyard