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Absolutely. Most of our customers are beginners. We provide full safety briefings and guidance before you set off, so you’ll feel confident and ready.
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Most trips are self-guided. Once launched, you’re free to paddle at your own pace and enjoy the river independently. Guided trips are available by arrangement.
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Yes. Before you set off, we provide a full safety briefing and show you how to paddle properly. You’ll also have time to practise before heading off.
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- Ages 16 and up: One adult can supervise up to two children (for example, one adult and two 16-year-olds).
- Ages 10 to 16: We require a one-to-one adult-to-child ratio.
- Ages 5 to 10: Normally, this requires two adults per child. However, if we raft canoes together, this can be reduced to one adult per child.
If you’re unsure about any configuration, just give us a ring — we’re more than happy to talk it through and help find the best setup for your group.
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Yes, there is an age limit. The minimum age to canoe with us is 5 years old, and we’ve welcomed paddlers all the way up to 85. So whether you’re young or young at heart, we’ll be ready to get you out on the water.
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Yes. We have buoyancy aids to fit everyone, from young children through to adult 4XL sizes.
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We don’t typically offer solo paddling on our self-guided trips, as safety is our priority. If something were to happen on the water, it’s important that paddlers are not alone.
That said, please feel free to contact us, as there are occasions where solo paddlers can join guided trips or groups.
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Our trips run rain or shine, provided conditions are safe. There’s no such thing as bad weather — just bad clothing.
If conditions were ever unsafe, we would contact you in advance and arrange a suitable alternative.
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If river or weather conditions become unsafe, we will contact you as soon as possible and offer alternative options.
These may include paddling the beautiful Brecon & Monmouthshire Canal, rearranging your trip for another date, or offering a voucher. If none of these options are suitable, we will arrange a refund.
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Yes, there is a weight limit. Each canoe has a maximum weight capacity of around 40 stone, which includes both paddlers and their equipment. Please keep this in mind when planning your trip.
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Yes, we absolutely allow dogs and welcome them as part of the family — free of charge. Most dogs don’t need a buoyancy aid, but we do provide them if you’d like that extra peace of mind.
As a guide, more than two dogs per canoe can become a little difficult to manage, but with a bit of planning, everyone — including your four-legged friends — can have a brilliant time.
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A raft is created by securely linking two canoes together with a rafting pole, forming a very stable platform similar to a catamaran.
This makes it ideal for families with younger children or anyone looking for a particularly stable and relaxing paddle.
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You don’t have to pre-book, but we strongly recommend it, as trips do fill up in advance — especially during peak season.
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For half-day and full-day trips, please arrive about 15 minutes before your booked time.
For multi-day trips, we begin with a 9:00am briefing, so we recommend arriving at 8:30am to get ready.
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For half-day and multi-day trips, we meet at our HQ in Hay-on-Wye. The easiest way to find us is to search “Want to Canoe?” in your preferred maps app, or visit the contact section on our website.
Our full-day trip starts at Whitney Bridge, which can also be easily found on maps.
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Yes, there is plenty of secure, free parking available at both our Hay-on-Wye HQ and our site at Whitney Bridge. You can leave your car safely while you enjoy your trip.
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Yes, absolutely — transport back is included. Whether you’re on a half-day, full-day, or multi-day trip, we provide free transport from the end point of your paddle directly back to your starting location, where your car will be waiting.
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Think of what you’d wear for a hike. Comfortable, layered clothing that you’d wear on a long walk is a great rule of thumb — just make sure you don’t mind getting the occasional splash.
Quick-dry or sportswear works well, along with secure shoes such as trainers or water shoes, and a waterproof jacket if needed.
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For our half-day trips, we recommend bringing:
- Mobile phone
- Water or fluids
- Snacks
- Sunscreen and a cap
- Layers
- Towel and spare clothes
For full-day trips, please bring lunch as well as the above.
For multi-day trips, you’ll need clothing for each day and any camping equipment if camping.
We provide waterproof barrels and dry bags to keep your belongings dry while paddling.
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Yes. Our half-day trip finishes at Whitney Bridge, home to Casa Bianca, where many customers enjoy food and drink before being transported back.
Our full-day trip finishes at Bycross Farm Campsite, which also offers food and drink options.
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We treat paddling in a similar way to driving, so we operate a no-alcohol policy while on the water.
However, on multi-day trips, you’re welcome to bring alcohol to enjoy once you’ve finished paddling for the day.
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We don’t book accommodation directly, but we provide recommended campsites and accommodation options on our website.
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No, you’ll need to bring your own camping equipment. We do provide waterproof barrels and dry bags.
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No, wild camping is not permitted along the River Wye. However, the campsites we recommend are excellent overnight stops.
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Yes. At Hay-on-Wye we have compost toilets and changing facilities. At Whitney Bridge we have toilets, showers, and changing facilities.
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Yes, but it’s a large one. We’ve hosted groups of over 200 people in the past, so we can accommodate most group sizes.
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Yes. We offer a 10% discount for Blue Light Card holders. Please give us a ring to apply it.
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Our season typically runs from late March through to the end of October, depending on river and weather conditions.
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Half-day and full-day trips:
- 15 or more days’ notice: Full refund or voucher
- 14 to 8 days’ notice: 50% refund or voucher
- 7 days to 24 hours’ notice: Voucher only
- Less than 24 hours’ notice: No refund or voucher
Multi-day trips:
- 21 or more days’ notice: Full refund or voucher
- 20 to 14 days’ notice: 50% refund or voucher
- 14 days to 24 hours’ notice: Voucher only
- Less than 24 hours’ notice: No refund or voucher
