How to get a licence to paddle your kayak, canoe or SUP on UK & British waterways

Paddling your kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board in England and Wales is easy once you have your UK waterways licence (or sometimes called a river or British Waterways licence).

Without one, you run the risk of being removed from the waterway and probably fined. Fines can be up to £1000!

Paddling on rivers - a licence is needed

For waterways in Scotland, you do not need a licence. Rivers and waterways have a right to roam under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

A waterways licence covers you to paddle on lots of different rivers and canals in England and Wales - this covers around 4,500km of waterways. Plenty to choose from!

Pssst... you can find local waterways using PaddlePoints. PaddlePoints is an interactive website that you can search for local waterways. It covers most types of waterway including canals and rivers. To visit the website, click here.

The licence covers you for the waterway but does not guarantee access to the waterway. You should always check local access arrangements and follow instructions. This maximises the chance of access being available to future paddlers. If you are unsure of access arrangements, you should not proceed.

The fee from your Uk (British) waterways licence goes towards:

The upkeep of the waterways
Flood damage repairs
Ongoing maintenance of entry and exit points
Monitoring and improving water quality & levels
Repairing and reducing river bank erosion

And the fee is way cheaper than the fine!

Waterways licences are issued to individuals. Every paddler on the waterway will need their own licence - including children. You can paddle either kayak, canoe or SUP using your licence.

You will need to carry the licence with you - either a physical or digital copy - whenever you paddle on the waterway. Officials may ask to see your UK (British) watereways licence at any point during your trip.

Even with a licence, there are some stretches of waterways that require extra payments to local councils and landowners. These should be clearly stated online and on location.

You do not need a licence to paddle on the sea, estuaries or tidal waters

To paddle on the sea including estuaries and tidal waters, you do no need a licence. You must, however, obey land permissions and do not trespass.

For most lakes and open water expanses such as reservoirs, there will be separate usage arrangements. These may be private waters and requirements and payments will be specific to the location. Best to look online and call up to check. If you are unsure, DO NOT paddle. You may be trespassing which is against the law.

Getting a UK (British) waterways licence for rivers and canals

The best option for purchasing your waterways licence is from Paddle UK.

Becoming a Paddle UK member secures your waterways licence and gives you other benefits as well. These include family membership, equipment discounts and craft insurance.

For more information and to buy your waterways licence, click here.

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