Kayak, Canoe & Paddleboard Hire - from 1st JUNE

Every day in school holidays and every weekend from 1st June

Experiencing the River Dart has never been easier

Hire kayaks, SUPs and canoes in this tranquil stretch of river - the perfect spot for exploring, swimming

and mucking about. 

Feel the thrill of getting off the banks and onto the river. Our fantastic sit-on-top kayaks, large paddleboards and Canadian style canoes give you the freedom to enjoy exploring at your own pace. Find swimming holes, rope-swings and secret spots to raft up and picnic along the way - shallow enough for small children to paddle in parts, deep enough to dive in others. Park at Dartington Hall, walk straight down to the river on the concrete track next to our centre where you'll find the instructors and equipment ready to go.

Details

Age restrictions – 4 + (canoe / double kayaks) 8 + (SUPs/ single kayaks)

Price – £10pp per hour (cash or card) - 50% NHS Discount on first hour (ID needed)

Timings – Hour long slots every hour: 10am - 4pm

When – every weekend (from JUNE 1st ) + 7 days a week through school holidays*

Contact number – 01803 862725

Location Pre-booked – Adventure Centre

Location On-the-day – Dartington Estate Meadows, bottom of concrete track

*River conditions

Do check Facebook/ Instagram for on-the-day updates. Heavy rain can cause too much flow which means that occasionally, we may have to cancel. If you have pre-booked, you will be offered an alternative date.

Downloads – Boat Hire Agreement

Is it for me?

·         Turn up for spontaneous adventure or pre-book a half day on the river with an instructor

·         Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike

·         All hire includes paddles, buoyancy aids and a full river briefing

·         Covid secure: instructors maintain 2m distance for safety checks whilst you handle your own kit

·         1:1 instruction available at £20 per hour

·         Kayak back-rests available for extra support

·         Payment card will be held as security deposit during the hire duration

You’ll need

·         Water bottle

·         For canoeing: shoes you don’t mind getting wet like old trainers (bare feet fine for kayaks / SUPs)

·         Change of clothes for afterwards (optional)

·         Towel + Swimmers (optional)

Example Itinerary

Arrive at the Adventure Centre for pre-bookings where we’ll fit your buoyancy aid and take you to the river. Leave any valuables locked up here if needed; showers and toilets are available. Or turn up on the day for paddle hire by the hour - meet us down at our beach on the riverside to get kitted up, sort payment and hit the water.

FAQs

Q. What happens if we turn up and all the kayaks, paddleboards + canoes are being used?

Just leave your details with our staff and go have a wander, picnic or coffee at the Green Table Cafe. We’ll call you when your crafts become available; an hour is the longest we expect anyone to have to wait.

Q. Can my child or I do it if we aren’t swimmers?

Yes, buoyancy aids are worn at all times.

Q. What if I’ve never paddleboarded, kayaked or canoed before?

Don’t worry, the instructors can show you all the basics before you get on the water and are close at hand on the riverside if needed.

Q. Will I fall in?                                                                                                                              

Our Kayaks and SUPs are easy to get on and off – you might fall in but it’s very easy to get back on again and is all part of the fun.

Q. Can I leave my stuff somewhere securely whilst we’re on the river?

Yes, you’re welcome to leave your stuff with our staff which can be left securely in our van.

Q. Can my dog come along?

Yes, well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Q. How many can fit in a canoe?

Maximum of 2 adults and 1 child in a canoe.

Q. What are your Covid safety measures?

Strict safety measures include: regular hand washing, equipment cleaning and social distancing between instructors and public. You must not attend if any members of your group show any Coronavirus symptoms.

If you’re looking to book an instructed session on the water for yourself or a group, fill in the form below: