Frequently Asked Questions

If you are planning to drive over Kirkstone Pass from Bowness or Windermere in June or September 2023, please be aware of when it is closed and come another route.

Morning trips :

Free parking at the Sailing Centre is usually available all year.

Afternoon & Evening trips :

May, June & September:  Weekends & Bank Holidays, please park in the village.

July & August : All days, please park in the village.

By far the best way is email.

[email protected]

I’d also recommend taking a look at this page for many queries to be answered.

Most guests have either never done it before or have done it once or twice, either as a kid, or on holiday somewhere.

You do, however, have to have a moderate fitness level.

Guest experiences on previous trips have demonstrated that if any of the following applies, these trips are not suitable.

1. A BMI of 26 or over.

2. Weigh 102 KG (16 Stone) or over.

3. Regards young kids, the boats are a lot larger than children’s outdoor centre boats. Many parents have struggled on a windy day when sharing with a young child. This is unfair on everyone ( other guests, the child, the parent ).

Maybe check out ‘ Sit-on-Top ‘ boats for a ‘ Splash & Dash ‘ experience instead.

A moderate fitness level is required, especially upper body.

If you are regularly active in any sport and / or a regular gym goer , then you’ll be fine.

Please don’t think that one partner can cover completely for the other. They can’t, they’ll tire very quickly.

If you are unfit this activity is not for you.

There is no set route as it will very much depend on the weather conditions and the groups ability.

Wherever we go, it will be scenic.

It depends on how you, yourself, experience temperature. On the same day, one person will be fine in a T-shirt while another might like a few layers.

An idea of what to wear on any given day is:

Old trainers, socks ( your feet will most likely stay dry ) jogging bottoms, leggings  or shorts. T-shirt, light fleece or mid-layer.

Waterproof trousers are good as a barrier against drips from the paddle.

Bring a waterproof jacket then decide on the day whether to 1. Leave it in the car. 2. Put it in a dry bag in the boat. 3. Wear it.

Beanie hat & gloves ( w/proof are better than wool ) in cold weather conditions.

Sun hat ( with cord ) or cap in sunny weather.

A bottle of water each, any medication required. Floating strap for glasses. Sun cream on a sunny day.

Spare clothes in the unlikely, but possible, event of a capsize ( these can be left in the car as each person has a clean, dry towel, fleece, tracksuit bottoms & a waterproof jacket in each boat ).

Regards bringing a phone, I take a waterproof camera out with us and I’ll email the photos to you. If you still wish to take your phone, we have waterproof, floating cases you can borrow, but there are no guarantees. It’s a lake !

Yes.

When I’m not in Italy mangling the language or in Oz visiting family, I run one trip a day instead of two or three.

The Lake District is beautiful at all times of year and a lot quieter in the winter months.

Both are great.

Generally a kayak has a deck and is propelled by a double bladed paddle.

A canoe ( also called an Open boat or Canadian canoe ) usually has no deck and is propelled by a single bladed paddle.

The boats we use are Sea Kayaks. They are long and stable, especially the doubles.

No.

As the person in the back can more easily see the person in the front, they decide what happens and when.

Usually, if

1. The more experienced, or

2. The more confident, or

3. The more decisive person goes in the back, you’ve chosen the right way to do things.

If the dynamics isn’t working, or you just fancy swapping around, there’s always a beach handy to do so.

Not very likely but it’s always a possibility. I’ll cover prevention & what to do if it happens, in the brief.

There have been 13 capsizes in the 12 years I’ve been running these trips in The Lakes.

7 were big men in singles.

3 were big men in doubles.

3 were female / male partnerships.

6 foot 7 inches. 201 cm.

Ha ha ha. I’m frequently asked this and my standard answer is the one above. In reality, I think I’m that height but it seems to be different each time I’m measured.

Waterproof trousers are useful for the drips from the paddle. I’ll show you how to minimise the drips in the brief.

A waterproof jacket & a beanie hat are great if it’s raining.

Your feet are very unlikely to get wet as you are already in the boat when it’s eased into the water and also at the end when it’s eased back onto the beach.

Yes.

However, on Tuesdays & Wednesdays in May & June the toilets are not in use. There are some across the road from the gate at the Tourist Info Centre. 50p ( cash or contactless ). Free ones are a 5 minute walk away.

Some people like Inflatables as they can be stored in less space than a rigid boat. Their disadvantage is they tend to be a struggle in a decent wind.

Sit-on-Tops are maybe a good bet if you are nervous about sitting in a kayak or if you are on the large side. Some are excellent, some not so much.

No.

Glenridding Sailing Centre, the place I launch from, hires out Sit-on-Tops, Canoes ( Open boats / Canadian Canoes ) and all sorts of sailing boats.

We’ve worked together very well now for  many years as we offer very different experiences.

Yes.

Aira Force is a 6 minute drive ( or a 50 minute walk ) along the shore road / path.