Kayaking in the Heart of the Lake District!

Looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience during your visit to Keswick? Our 3-hour Kayak Taster Session on Derwentwater is the perfect introduction to this fun and accessible watersport. Ideal for beginners, families, and anyone wanting to explore the Lakes from a fresh perspective, this guided session blends adventure, scenery, and simple-to-learn paddling skills.

Why Choose Our Kayak Taster Session?

• Perfect for first-timers – no previous experience needed
• Fully qualified instructors for safe, supportive learning
• Stunning location on Derwentwater, just minutes from Keswick
• High-quality equipment included (kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid)
• Small group sizes for a relaxed, personal experience

Whether you’re on holiday in the Lake District or looking for a new activity close to Keswick, this session offers the perfect mix of fun and exploration.

What to Expect

Your taster session begins with a friendly introduction to the equipment and basic paddling techniques. Once confident, you’ll head onto the calm waters of Derwentwater to practice and improve your skills and take in the breathtaking Lakeland scenery.

Over the course of three hours, you will:

• Learn how to paddle forwards, backwards, and turn with ease
• Build confidence in a stable touring kayak
• Explore picturesque bays and islands
• Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities
• Experience Keswick’s dramatic mountain backdrop from the water

Our instructors tailor each session to suit the group, ensuring everyone feels comfortable, supported, and ready to enjoy the adventure.

Who Is It For?

This kayak taster session is designed for:

• Beginners and first-time paddlers
• Families with children (typically age 12+, younger children do well in a canoe with an adult.)
• Solo travellers looking for a guided activity
• Couples and groups seeking a memorable Lake District experience

You don’t need to be super fit – just comfortable being on the water and ready to give something new a try.

Location – Easy Access from Keswick

The session takes place on Derwentwater, one of the most scenic lakes in the Lake District National Park. Just a short walk or drive from Keswick town centre, it’s the ideal location for both locals and visitors wanting to get out on the water quickly and safely.

What’s Included

• 3-hour guided kayaking session
• Professional, qualified instructors
• All kayaking equipment and wetsutis if requested.
• Safety briefing and on-water support
• Use of dry bags (on request)
• Paid parking nearby (details provided on booking)

What to Bring

• Comfortable, quick-drying clothing - we can provide wetsuits on request.
• Spare layers or a light jacket
• A towel and change of clothes.
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen or hat, depending on the weather

Our taster Kayak experience can be as dry or wet a trip as you want, and is a fantastic way of getting out onto the water for all the family. Once out on the water, we will adapt the activities to the group, playing games, jumping off jetty’s, explore through the nature reserve or coaching skills as you wish / require. For those wanting to stay really dry, it is possible, but a safer option would be to take a canoe instead!

As we use a touring style boat, we can cover some decent ground, without it being too taxing on the arms - these are totally different to the 'sit on top' style and are much more efficient and comfortable!

For those who are interested in learning some personal kayaking skills, we can take you through a progression of activities, from the absolute basics, right through to rescues, and give you a really good grounding for further kayaking adventures in the lake district or further afield.

Please note, if you are more than 14 stone or taller than 6foot, we strongly recommend canoeing as being more suitable for you.