Kayaking

Kayaking along the famous Lake Windermere

The humble kayak originated from the tribes that inhabited the North American continent, who used the boats primarily for hunting seals in the cold artic seas. Kayaks offer greater protection than the more open canoe.

Kayaks tend to feature closed cockpits that your legs slide into, making them more suitable for white water. Furthermore, unlike canoes, kayaks are steered with a paddle featuring a blade on both ends, requiring a twisting motion to be used to propel the boat forward.

What Kayaking Involves

If you are new to kayaking we strongly recommend that you use an adventure company to provide you with some basic tuition. A typical session with an activity company may involve a lesson on calm, flat water in one of the lakes, before possibly progressing to faster flowing water, depending on your level of skill, fitness, and the type of session you have booked. You may even get the opportunity to do the classic Eskimo roll, which involves rolling your kayak 360 degrees, taking your body into the water and back out again.

What to Wear and Bring

Kayaks in Derwent Water available for rent

You will most likely need a wetsuit for kayaking, though most activity companies will provide this as part of their package, however, it’s best to check in advance if that is the case. You should also bring spare footwear that can get wet for wearing in the kayak, such as trainers, or paddle shoes. It is not advisable to wear open toed shoes. During wet and cold weather, you will probably want a waterproof jacket for wearing on top.

Where to Go Kayaking in the Lake District

If you are new to kayaking, check out one of these activity companies offering the activity. They will teach you the basics of the sport and then lead you on an adventure.

Just the Equipment: For Experts

If you have some kayaking experience, but don’t want to bring your equipment on holiday with you, then you can hire boats at various points across the Lake District, as listed below.