Looking at getting one, decathlon does one for £300 that will fit 2 full size-voodoos and one-mini voodoo it.

Paddled a bit on holidays when I was younger, so thinking of using this on canals oracle lakes.

Questions?
Is decathlon ok for leisure paddling on calm waters?
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/inflatabl ... R-p-163733

Can I rock up to any lake and use it?

I see that British Canoe do a licence/membership for £40 which lets you paddle on canals

Calling John Climber to the stage, calling John Climber

Thanks Psling

Yep, it will be perfect for what you want.

For solo use PVC pack rafts will cost about the same, pack down smaller and easier carry around but won't be as fast on the water.

River licence
You must have one
Although for 2 years I never did have one
I bought one so that I could paddle in Liverpool's Albert Dock.
In all the times I've been on the water I've never been asked to see my licence.
Ie, save your £40 and if asked be apologetic and buy one after your first time of asking.
I'll be thinking twice when my renewal is up

Ref
"Can I rock up to any lake and use it?"

Some you can some you can't.

Keilder is a no unless it has multiple air chambers, there are several private lakes in the lake distance and a few reservoirs in Wales where its banded too.

Google "can I canoe on _____ Lake" before you set out

Cheers John for the advice

FWIW, you can canoe anywhere* in Scotland, without any form of license.


*avoid Faslane

I've seen an earlier version of this being used by a couple with a toddler in Croatia. They were using it to paddle along the coast away from the town to quieter beaches. I had a good look at it then and it appeared to be well made with a reasonable carrying capacity. also had a look at one in shop too last year, as I was tempted to buy myself, but as I have two sea kayaks already I passed. I think it would be great for what you have in mind.
One word of warning though, (sorry if you know this already) be careful on open water as these inflatables can attract a lot of windage , for example, Loch Lomond can kick up quite quickly producing a steep chop on the water which may mean you end up where you would rather not be!

Cheers everyone, canoe purchased and will be collecting it this weekend

Seems to be a shortage of bouyancy aids at the moment

Seems to be a shortage of bouyancy aids at the moment

Escape Watersports often have some good offers on Simon.

You didn't need a licence when I paddled the length of the (non-tidal) Thames. Or any of the other rivers I have paddled on. That idea has been promoted falsely by the BCU. You do need a permit though. And that can be purchased for each river on the day. It works out a lot cheaper, unless you paddle a lot.
One week down the Thames cost me £8 a few years ago. Bought from the first lock keeper I met. Other rivers, I have never been asked.
Day trippers never get one. Just don't pass through a lock.
Harbour Masters (eg. Littlehampton) want a launch fee, even for going up the river.

If things have changed, I'll back down.

Ps. I'm not keen on the BCU.

Second Escape and theres also Lomo for all things canoe / reasonably priced.

PFD / buoyancy / life jackets exceptionally worthwhile, even on those benign looking inshore places. Hitting cold water can cause a gasp-reflex and the whole situation is easier to deal with if everyone floats without effort They usually provide good grab points as well to haul little ones back on board

I've done plenty of stuff with kids in a cheap Inotex double. Have fun

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Mon Apr 12, 2021 9:16 am

Seems to be a shortage of bouyancy aids at the moment

Escape Watersports often have some good offers on Simon.

Cheers, just purchased one for myself and one for mini-voodoo

Thanks for the advise everyone. Will look into each river to see about permits. Also got a private lake near mine that’s cheap to use

Pack rafting is something that could interest me but I have lower back problems and twisting under load is the worst thing I can do to it so is paddling likely to cause me pain or is the paddling motion mostly in the shoulders and arms?

I can only offer my personal experience.

I have a slipped disc in my lower back which generally is a constant source of mild to medium pain.

I was really worried that kayaking would be the worst thing for it but actually I find it causes fewer issues than sitting in my office chair all day. A couple of years ago I went on a week long kayaking holiday and my back was better at the end of it than after a week at work.

However.. I'm really careful with my set up and make sure my seat is supporting me in all the right places. I'm also very mindful of my posture and technique especially when I am getting tired. Annoyingly getting in and out can be the most painful bit as there can be unexpected movements my core isn't properly braced for.

I know nothing about pack rafting and the specifics of paddling them. So this post may not be that useful.

Sorry.

FWIW, you can canoe anywhere* in Scotland, without any form of license.

Never miss a chance Colin - respect.

Wash the canoe before each new venue (especially in the Lakes) - there are some fairly pesky invasive species that can be spread from place to place.

Little kids love inflatable canoes and they're great for jumping out of. Not so good paddling in wind.......

Enjoyed that

boxelder wrote: ↑Tue Apr 13, 2021 9:04 pm

FWIW, you can canoe anywhere* in Scotland, without any form of license.

Never miss a chance Colin - respect.

Ha! It's one of the aspects of the "Land" Reform Act that many people aren't aware of, especially if they've only just come to paddling.