Best Place to Buy a Kayak From?

[Naughty Magpie]

I've done quite a bit of kayaking in my teens when I visited my family in Canada (river, lake and some sea kayaking), but that was about 8 years ago. I want to buy a kayak now to go out on the waterways near where I live (Cambridge/Fens) & possibly at the Norfolk coast.

Two questions:

1. Where's the best place to buy one from & what should I be looking for?
2. Can I legally go out on the rivers/lakes/seas? I'm guessing I need permission/licence.

As I've said, I've done all my kayaking in Canada so just jumped into whatever I was given & didn't take any notice of the types/brands/sizes or anything really!

Any info would be much appreciated!

Hannah.

[Naughty Magpie]

I'd MUCH prefer a secondhand one! Just something to get me started, depending upon prce of course...

[Sam_68]

Try the British Canoe Union for licencing info.

And not exactly local to you, but you might find Cheltenham Canoes' Website interesting.

But as Bedford says, once you've decided what you actually want, a second hand one from E-bay is a better place to start.

Edited by Sam_68 on Monday 18th August 12:21

[sniff petrol]

I've got a couple of SH ones that have been in my shed for a couple of years. PM me if you're interested.

[elster]

I'd just drop down the local canoe club and see what it's like. Usally word of mouth is best for second hand Kayaks. as te owners tend to keep them in their garages, for ever.

[cmsapms]

?

[DJFish]

http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/forum/

[Tom_C76]

BCU membership covers you for the license and insurance for access to the fen rivers, think it is around £25 but I haven't joined for a few years.

In fact, could probably sell you a very little used kayak, never really took to it. Between Cambridge and Ely if it helps.

Tom

[MonkeyHanger]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

1 careful owner, not used for the last 7 years. I can call round and check it out if anyone's interested

[LilPeteMordino]

UKRGB as posted above is an AWESOME resource.

Your probably going to be looking at a touring type one rather than the more common (And more fun )white water style boats. The sea & touring forum on there has a wealth of knowledge.

Not sure what sort of licensing you need though, But having BCU coverage is always a good start. Prices are fairly reasonable aswell.

Enjoy

[Naughty Magpie]

I'm looking for something that'll stand up to rougher water & sea as I go to Europe quite often & would take it with me, but yes probably would suit a tourer type I guess. Not fussy so long as I can get in & out and it hasn't got any holes!

[DJFish]

Your best starting point is your local canoe club, they'll be able to offer impartial advice, coaching and you'll be able to try all sorts of boats to best decide which one's best for you.

The BCU license covers some uk rivers but some are still private (Thames/navigations etc) and subject to charges so you're best checking with the BCU/Canoe England access officer for your area via their website.

[Semi hemi]

Naughty Magpie said:

I'm looking for something that'll stand up to rougher water & sea as I go to Europe quite often & would take it with me, but yes probably would suit a tourer type I guess. Not fussy so long as I can get in & out and it hasn't got any holes!

getting in and out when it hasn't got any holes, Mmmm might want one of these then,