If you're unsure of the difference between a canoe and a Kayak, it's simple - a
canoe is what burly fur trappers used to paddle along Canadian lakes, whilst a
kayak is the craft used traditionally by the North American Inuit for travel
and seal hunting.
West Wales' quiet rivers and estuaries are as perfect as the Canadian
backcountry for canoeing, providing a place and an activity that's a million
miles away from the stresses of everyday life.
Canoeing is a form of outdoor action that will appeal to everyone. You can
pootle along for the most relaxing of days, stopping off to picnic on
riverbanks and maybe spot a seal, otter or kingfisher going about their
business or, if you have the skills, you can take on rougher which bounce and
plunge through bucolic green landscapes further upstream.
The basics of canoeing in Wales can be picked up in minutes, and the craft are
more stable than you think - you have to try quite hard to tip one over,
seriously! And in calm conditions you can use them on the sea to explore while
everyone else is stuck on busy beaches, and maybe find your own hidden cove for
swimming and sunbathing.
How & where
While canoeing in Wales you'll see some truly gorgeous rivers and estuaries
such as the wildlife-rich Teifi near Cardigan or the placid, tree-lined Eastern
and Western Cleddau in Pembrokeshire.
Canoeing in Wales is perfect for beginners or less experienced canoeists
because of the flat tidal waters, though rough weather provides an alternative
for more experienced paddlers.
Book onto a canoeing course in West Wales and you'll get expert tuition at some
of the best-established paddle sport centres in Britain. All your gear is
provided, with instruction in small groups - although one-to-one tuition can
often be arranged at a premium. A two-day canoeing course will cost you from
around £100 including all equipment.
Top Tips
If you want to see river and estuarine wildlife, canoeing in Wales is the best
way there is. You move quietly enough not to disturb the wildlife and can often
get closer than you ever would on foot.
Don't worry about taking loads of gear (or even a huge picnic) on your canoe
trip. There's plenty of room in a canoe and they're easy to paddle even when
heavily loaded.
More info
Log on to the
Welsh Canoeing
Association’s
site for pretty much all you need to know about where and when to paddle in
Wales.