Get out on Derwent Water
Lake District Paddle Taster on Derwent Water, in partnership with the National Trust
** DATES FOR 2025 NOW AVAIALBLE!! **
In partnership with the National Trust, we are incredibly excited to once again offer 2 hour taster sessions in either Canoes or Paddle Boards. Running from Crow Park in Keswick, we offer 9+ sessions a week for the bulk of the Summer Holidays.
Within easy walking distance of Keswick town centre, or with the massive Lakeside car park 2 minutes’ walk away, this has to be the most accessible and best value way of getting out onto the stunning Derwent Water this summer on Canoes and Paddle Boards. Suitable for all abilities, you will be shown the basics by one of our friendly, highly qualified instructors, and then given the freedom to either go and explore the lake at your own pace or pick up more paddling tips. All equipment is provided, along with wetsuits for those who want them (essential for Paddle Boarding!).
Younger children / bigger family?
Our Family offer - if you want a cost effective way out onto the water - or have children too young to paddle board - try out our super stable canoe rafts. We join 2 canoes together to ensure they can't tip over and get up to 6 of you out on the water for £65!
Activity Summary
Minimum ages;
7 Years+ Canoeing
12 years+ Paddle Boarding
2 Hours
1 person per Paddleboard (£35)
2 per Canoe (£40)
up to 6 per Canoe Raft (£65)
What is it?
Our introduction to paddling experience can be as dry or wet a Lake District activity as you want! After meeting and getting ready, your friendly and experienced instructor will introduce you to the equipment and boats, and then we head straight out onto Derwentwater. Once out on the water, we will adapt the activities to the group, playing games, jumping in, exploring through the nature reserve or focus on coaching skills as you wish. For those wanting to stay dry, it is possible, but not guaranteed! We will have a dry bag for you to put any valuables in, so don't panic about the car keys. On calm days we can head right out to explore the famous St Herbert's Island, featured in the recent Swallows and Amazons film.
This is your taster session in Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) or Canoeing. You will experience your first session on the water; learning the fundamental skills for an enjoyable time paddling. We will provide you with the basic knowledge and skills to enable you to get on the water safely and make your board or boat move in all directions, with fun and games along the way.
The skills learnt in the session will make you feel safe and confident when out paddling in the future.
Who is this course for? Anyone from age 7 years old (for canoeing) or 12 years old who would like to experience paddle boarding for the first time!
What we may cover: Kit and equipment, launching and landing, standing, forward paddling, stopping, turning, fun and games!
What to bring: Swimwear or Quick Drying layers to go underneath a wetsuit, an old pair of shoes you don’t mind getting wet and a towel.
Typical Itinerary
Step 1
Meet at Crow Park, our trailer will be down by the Lake.
Step 2
Kit up with cagoules, buoyancy aids and wetsuits if required. Initial boat briefing and some simple coaching near the shore.
Step 3
Head out and explore across and around the stunning Derwentwater.
Step 4
Leave the water behind, get changed and head off with some great memories!
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Looking for Something Similar?
Here in the Lake District, we obviously have a lot of water which is great for both kayak, paddle boarding and canoeing activities. If you have already explored the lake, the river connecting the lakes together is another great Lake District adventure challenge! Near Keswick we run a full day river trip in either canoe (suitable for total beginners) or kayaks for those who have a little previous experience, either way it will be a full activity day to remember!
For those who want to explore the lake in a VERY different way, we offer raft building activities - no promise of getting very far...!
