want to canoe?

This page will provide you with all the information you need to know about paddling with us. Click on a link to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide answers to many of the questions we are asked; “What time is check-in?” “Can I bring my dog?” “Where do I park?” “How old does a child have to be to paddle?” “Can I bring my own kit / watercraft?” “What should we wear?” ” What do you suggest we pack for a short, day or multi-day trip?” “How do we get back to the start?” “I have a medical condition can I participate?”

Booking Terms and Conditions and Cancellation Policies 

We provide you with full and comprehensive information about booking with us so that there is no confusion. We are always happy to clarify anything that you may not fully understand.

Hire Terms, Conditions and Rules 

We provide you with full and comprehensive information about your time on the river or local waterway with us so that there is no confusion. We are always happy to clarify anything that you may not fully understand.

Canoe Participant Declaration Form

Before you paddle with us, you, you for your children and anyone else travelling with you will need to sign our Canoe Participant Declaration Form. This form covers indemnity, responsibilities, declarations and acceptance. This is also covers medical conditions waivers etc., so it is important that everyone is aware of this prior to your arrival. We strongly suggest you copy and send them this link https://canoehire.co.uk/information/ so they can review it.

Natural Resource Wales

Please make sure you visit the following links before taking any trip with us

Read the official Countryside Code

Read the official Canoeing Code

We here to help if you need more information give us a call 01497 820 604

Abridged Hire Terms and Conditions (summary)

For our full Hire. Terms, Conditions & Rules, please ​click here but here is a summary of the general rules and guidelines.

• Under 18s: We are legally obliged to ensure that everyone under the age of 18 is accompanied by a parent or guardian when canoeing the Wye.
• The River Wye is not just for canoes, so please keep well away from fishermen and their lines as you canoe downstream – you don’t want to come between a fisherman and his catch!
• Fishing is not permitted anywhere on the River Wye without an appropriate license and permit. If you want to fish, click here​ for details.
• Please be as quiet as possible whilst canoeing the Wye! If you are noisy you will disturb the wildlife and spoil the enjoyment of other river users.
• We love dogs! Dogs are welcome in the countryside as long as they are kept under control and not allowed to run across fields or disturb farm stock or wildlife. ​ We welcome your well behaved dog as long as you can ensure they remain in the canoe at all times, cause no disturbance to other river users, landowners and wildlife and as long as you are sure they will not compromise the safety of you and your fellow paddlers.
• Remember the ​ ‘Countryside Code’​ and either take your rubbish home with you or bring it back to base and we will dispose of it for you. Whatever you do, ​ do not ​ leave it on the river bank or in the river! We know you’d never dream of doing that though…
• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet in together with old trainers, sandals or ‘crocs’. Wellington Boots can be dangerous as they easily fill with water so please don’t wear them when canoeing.
• The River Wye, like most rivers, is absolutely ​ full ​ of water. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothing in case you get wet, especially if you have a long drive. Remember: children in wet clothes does not a pleasant car journey make.
• Despite all the water, you’ll still need to protect yourself and your family from the sun. Remember your hats and sun-cream if it’s going to be sunny.
• Canoeing can be thirsty work, so keep yourselves fed and refreshed. Even if you’re not planning a picnic, take snacks and drinks to have whilst you canoe the Wye. We will provide you with barrels to keep your consumables in, so no need for a hamper.
• Last but not least: always respect other river users, from other canoeists to otters – there’s enough river for everyone!

We here to help if you need more information give us a call 01497 820 604

Abridged Hire Terms and Conditions (summary)

For our full Hire. Terms, Conditions & Rules, please ​click here but here is a summary of the general rules and guidelines.

• Alcohol and paddling ​do not mix ​so please wait until after your canoe trip to have that well-earned drink (take water and soft drinks instead).
• Buoyancy aids must be worn ​at all times​whilst canoeing on the river Wye, even if you’re an Olympic-standard swimmer,
• Children must never be left in a canoe unattended.
• Please take a mobile phone with you on your canoeing trip so that you have a means of contact in the unlikely event of an emergency.
• If you suffer from a medical condition that could potentially be worsened by canoeing, we advise you not to canoe. If in doubt, consult your doctor before making a booking.
• Parents and guardians have the option of taking their children on the river in canoes that are ‘rafted’. This way there is no fear of capsize. Even so, it is still necessary for parents and guardians to have had some experience in canoeing.
• For safety reasons, we do not accept solo paddlers. There is no upper limit – the more the merrier!
• As fun as paddling a canoe along the Wye may be, there is always going to be an element of risk involved. The risks of a river will be magnified if you muck about, so don’t! Remember: horseplay is for horses.

We here to help if you need more information give us a call 01497 820 604

• canoe club hay-on-wye

• mungo – king of hearts

an on-going campaign to buy, install and maintain defibrillators in remote rural locations along the River Wye and beyond in memory of our dear friend Mungo . . . just-giving mungo-king of hearts

. . . to date we’ve installed three defibs on the Wye at Hay, Whitney and Byecross and now we’re onto the next, watch this space!

• charity donations and prizes