Canoe Advice

[Wander]

Right then.
I've pretty much made up my mind to buy a canoe.
But what I would appreciate advice on is some legal matters.
Namely, is any kind of licence needed?
Also, can you launch from anywhere you like (presuming you are allowed to use that particular stretch of river)?
Is there a website/list/database of stretches of water one is allowed to use without asking permission from someone (a bit like OAL, but for water)?

I know advice threads can often draw a lot of unsolicited advice so I'd be very grateful if you could limit yourself to answering those questions and not questions you think/want me to ask. Equally, clear and concise answers would be really appreciated as well.

Cheers.

 

[Broch]

Theoretically, yes, you need a licence to canoe on navigable waterways in the UK. However, a lot of people don't bother. My advice would be to join the British Canoeing Association

On The Water Membership

Paddle UK’s On the Water membership is your gateway to the waterways. Giving paddlers instant access to the most comprehensive and best-value waterway licence available. Plus insurance, top tips and a…

members.britishcanoeing.org.uk

or Canoe Wales in Wales. Both give you licence for all UK relevant waterways and public liability insurance. They also provide lists of rivers and lakes that are canoeable.

You should be aware that there is contention over who has rights to waterways in the UK. The letter of the law would suggest that all rivers and canals are navigable; the owners of the riparian rights argue not. There is ongoing debate and disagreement. But, even if a river is navigable you do not have the right to enter or exit using private property so there are specific launch sites for many rivers. Having said that, I have never been challenged for getting out along a river.

All canals are navigable of course and are a good place to start.

I know you haven't asked, but I would advise getting a few basic lessons; your paddling efficiency will be much better and you'll get far more enjoyment out of it.

Finally, have a look at Song of the Paddle - a good site and forum for anything to do with canoeing:

Song of the Paddle Forum

The web site and forum for all canoe users who hear the Song of the Paddle.

www.songofthepaddle.co.uk

 

[FerlasDave]

What @Broch said!

 

[Ozmundo]

Broch’s advice is spot on.

 

[Robbi]

On the waterway please be respectful of the swans, I believe they are protected under a royal charter.

Enjoy.

 

[Ozmundo]

If you avoid Sandford you should be okay!

 

[Stew]

Theoretically, yes, you need a licence to canoe on navigable waterways in the UK. However, a lot of people don't bother. My advice would be to join the British Canoeing Association

On The Water Membership

Paddle UK’s On the Water membership is your gateway to the waterways. Giving paddlers instant access to the most comprehensive and best-value waterway licence available. Plus insurance, top tips and a…

members.britishcanoeing.org.uk

or Canoe Wales in Wales. Both give you licence for all UK relevant waterways and public liability insurance. They also provide lists of rivers and lakes that are canoeable.

You should be aware that there is contention over who has rights to waterways in the UK. The letter of the law would suggest that all rivers and canals are navigable; the owners of the riparian rights argue not. There is ongoing debate and disagreement. But, even if a river is navigable you do not have the right to enter or exit using private property so there are specific launch sites for many rivers. Having said that, I have never been challenged for getting out along a river.

All canals are navigable of course and are a good place to start.

I know you haven't asked, but I would advise getting a few basic lessons; your paddling efficiency will be much better and you'll get far more enjoyment out of it.

Finally, have a look at Song of the Paddle - a good site and forum for anything to do with canoeing:

Song of the Paddle Forum

The web site and forum for all canoe users who hear the Song of the Paddle.

www.songofthepaddle.co.uk

Agreed - The BC (or whichever country suits) is the simplest way to get a licence. I’ve by SUPing for ~7 years and only got membership two years ago. I hadn’t previously mostly from ignorance. Since starting whitewater SUP I got it to provide a level of insurance. Worth thinking on for that!
I’ve never been questioned for a licence and don’t know anyone that has. It’s worth thinking on that the money helps with upkeep.

 

[birchwood]

You don't need a licence for tidal sections of rivers. Some canals are under different authorities so you need a local licence as they are not covered by the BCA. For instance the Royal Military canal and one in London leading to the river Lea area ( forget the name at the mo) .
I have been asked for my licence on the Medway and a few places on the Thames.
Also be aware of navigation rules ie. What side of the river you are supposed to be on.

 

[nigelp]

Older site and may show as unsecure in your browser but lots of ideas of where to paddle, launch etc.

http://www.canoedaysout.com/

 

[Stew]

You don't need a licence for tidal sections of rivers. Some canals are under different authorities so you need a local licence as they are not covered by the BCA. For instance the Royal Military canal and one in London leading to the river Lea area ( forget the name at the mo) .
I have been asked for my licence on the Medway and a few places on the Thames.
Also be aware of navigation rules ie. What side of the river you are supposed to be on.

True enough. There’s always exceptions - I paddled the Beaulieu River a few years ago and was surprised to find you need to pay as it’s privately owned!

 

[Paul_B]

On the waterway please be respectful of the swans, I believe they are protected under a royal charter.

Enjoy.

And they can attack!

 

[Paul_B]

You used to get a sticker from the bcu fit your kayak or canoe with your waterways licence. That was before the body covering most canals and navigations was transferred to a charity from state body. IIRC back then BCU licence was with our through that body.

 

[Wander]

Thanks, all.
One or two things to consider, but looks pretty much as I thought it was.

OK, my questions now answered - feel free to pile on with the mansplaining for anyone else who may see this thread in the future!