Do You Need A Licence To Paddle? (UK) Canoe, Kayak, SUP

Paddling a canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board in England and Wales does require some kind of licence or permit for the majority of inland waterways. There are some exemptions though. It's complicated!

(By the way I have no affiliation, sponsorship or any dealings with BC to promote this licence. It's just what I use, and what I personally recommend to paddlers.)

Boating Equipment Used In This Video:

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Filmed and edited by Stevie Wyatt
Original music written and produced by Stevie Wyatt
All rights reserved

Filming Equipment Used:

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#canoe #kayak #SUP

[dronejedi]

Excellent, clear and precise, just what I wanted to know. Thank you

[CyclingMikey]

Excellent video, Stevie! Went paddling on the Thames with my autistic mate last week, and it was fantastic. You were the one to inspire me to get an Itiwit X500 twin, so thank you so much!

[MatelotJack]

Cheers and a very good video. I'm looking at getting a 2 seater kayak for both me and my young daughter to use so found this very helpful. I knew I needed a licence but did not realise one licence would cover us both - thank you.

[FingswithFrankie]

I signed up with British Canoeing and Ive also got my son is own membership now.
Interestingly, you were on the River Mole last recently, part of the reason this is so overgrown and has quite a few fallen trees is that it doesn't require a licence, which means that it isn't funded in the same way that the River Wey is for example.

[MrLeftybob]

Wild camping for all would be great. But as lockdown showed, not everyone respects our countryside, and some people’s idea of leave no trace is more in keeping with Locard than Ray Mears.

[LetsGoPaddling]

Great to have these rules collated. You're right - there are so many people asking and/or giving wrong advice.
I'd only add that as no license is needed on tidal waters, that also includes tidal rivers eg. most of Arun or Thames from Teddington Lock towards the estuary. 😉

[mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

Thankyou Steve that clears everything up for me. Hopefully next year I will get myself a decent Kyak. For the rivers and the sea! Most certainly will get a yearly license as it is cost effective and helps to keep the rivers open and safe for us. Thankyou Liked and Subscribed

[hawkmillion]

Thanks for the clear and concise explanation.

[austerace]

Hi Stevie, another benefit of having a "on the water" licence is that you are insured too. Currently (Sept 2024), as a member, you are covered for worldwide legal liability £10, 000, 000 (£250 excess). Public liability insurance provides protection against legal liability for bodily injury to third parties and damage to third party property. There are other benefits too, but as you quite rightly say, £47 per year is very worthwhile, providing you get out on the water and use it. The other thing I have found very useful: The EA have slips, often with car parking, accessed via a padlocked gate. The key for which can be purchased for a one off £16 from the local lock keeper, the key is numbered and registered to your BCU (Now PaddleUK) membership number. During the summer I have been using mine between 2 to 4 times a week, obviously that will reduce with the nights drawing in now.

Excellent video, well thought out and accurate information in a logical sequence.

[Mysticalmuppet]

Guess I am lucky I live in Hereford. No license needed on the Wye for the most part. Come next spring though I'll be getting my British Canoeing permit as I have so many plans. Good informative video, shame many will still seek advice from facebook.

[TheAnglan]

I agree with the majority of this but I think people having a principled stance on refusing to pay for access to natural waterways is fine, I agree Scotland has it right with right to roam. Personally I pay because like you said the money goes to a good cause and it's easier than not paying and getting into hassle. But morally I feel that management of outdoor spaces should be part of the state's responsibility paid for through taxes and everybody should have a right to access them, like a park.

[pilot.azimali]

very informative contents on your channel really helped me take on kayaking for the first time :) Thanks

[larrylivinginthenow]

Good video. I am an Aussie and we pay no fees here to paddle. Just wish we had that fee to roam ruling you mentioned about Scotland

[THE-RIVER-RAT]

Good stuff matey. Just want to point out one thing for newbies not all Rivers require a licence for instance where I mostly paddle the river Hull is a free water, however as you said you do need a licence on most, so it's best to look online first.

Or if you want to save any hassle just get a bloody licence, at least that way you don't have to look online each time you go to a new spot.

[johnpawson]

Many thanks, after watching this I have bought my license and subscribed.

[mauricelaidler]

Hi, Stevie. Good info generally. However, not all British waterways (other than Scottish) are covered by the British Canoeing ( now Paddle UK). There are public and private waterways that require a day/week/etc. licence.

[mattwilmshurst]

Just the video i needed. Thank you Steve 🎉🎉🎉

[ianrunningforpudding]

Interesting thanks. Especially the family part. I was thinking whether to get a family license but our two boys are not that interested so wouldn't be in their own craft, if they're covered by my license when they come in my boat that's just saved me a fare bit of cash. Cheers.

[ianhopcraft]

The UK PADDLE SPORTS (formerly BRITISH CANOEING) card not only contributes to your insurance and upkeep of waterways but also gets you a hefty discount on all kinds of outdoor kit/clothing/paddling accessories at participating stores. Having one saves you money - remember to use it.

[PaddleScotland]

Glad you knew part of Scotland right, only thing is a lot of Scottish people paddle, kayak and the Scot’s enjoy there outdoors very well so it isn’t mainly tourists.