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Canoeing in the Yorkshire Dales

Canoeing with How Stean Gorge Adventure Team at Scar House Reservoir Yorkshire Canoe Expedition

Master the art of the open canoe as you will learn the skills required to pilot your craft, watch wildlife and enjoy the scenery. No previous experience is necessary and we provide all safety equipment and can teach canoeing for beginners – making this an ideal activity for people of any age or skill level.

What to Expect

Friendly, experienced and qualified instructors lead all our canoeing sessions. How Stean Gorge has the sole rights to use Yorkshire Water’s Scar House Reservoir, making it the perfect place to learn how to canoe in a stress-free environment and have fun with your friends. This is one of the only places to go canoeing in Yorkshire so come and make the most of the gorgeous landscape and have an exhilarating day learning a new hobby!

Before embarking on your paddle down the river you’ll be kitted out with a canoe, paddles and buoyancy aids and taught how to use your paddles to move swiftly along the banks. Although it’s very unlikely you’ll capsize, come prepared to get wet – there’s always one!

Personal Development

There are several personal development benefits to be gained from canoeing – especially rewarding if you’re trying it as part of a school trip or team building activity:

  • Strengthen communication skills – Listening and being receptive to instructions is important when a group of you are controlling the canoe or you’ll paddle in circles!
  • Learn to trust – Relying on the teammates behind or in front of you is important
  • Build self-confidence – Canoeing is a fun way to challenge yourself physically and overcome fears and build resilience.
  • Become reflective – Evaluating your own and others’ experience in order to spot strengths and weaknesses to build on for next time!

Book your canoeing adventure today by calling 01423 755666 or emailing us.

*This activity is also available as a residential or school day trip activity. Please see our educational package details here.

Make a booking

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Ripon to Boroughbridge 2 day expedition Canoeing
  • Itinerary
  • Video
  • Gallery
  • FAQs
  • Medical Consent
  • Kit List

What’s the difference between canoeing and kayaking?

In canoeing, the paddler either sits or kneels and uses single-bladed paddle. Canoes are open-decked.

Kayaking is using a boat where the paddler faces forward with the paddler’s legs in front of them using double bladed paddles. Some kayaks have closed decks.

Full Day Trips, Multi Day Canoeing Expeditions and River Trips

Multi-day canoeing expeditions and river trips can also be provided for groups of 8 or more. A typical trip takes place along the River Ure and River Ouse taking in the scenery from Ripon to York. We will start the day with safety tips and instructions on how to paddle a conoe and basic steering techniques and then we will get you in the water and let you have an explore!

Ideal for friends and family groups, hen and stag parties and school and college groups.

Please read our Terms and Conditions Prior to Booking

Canoeing FAQs

How much does it cost?
This 3 hour experience costs £45 per person with sessions starting at 09.30 am and 2pm daily. Please arrive approximately 30 mins early to complete medical forms.

What’s included?

  • Briefing
  • All safety equipment, including wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet
  • Canoeing skills teaching
  • Canoeing for almost 3 hours
  • A friendly, highly-qualified instructor

How fit do I need to be?
You will need to have a basic fitness level to participate in this session. If you want more of a challenge talk to our team about arranging a visit to more challenging white water locations and try tackling some rapids.

Can I take the whole family?
Of course! Anybody aged 7 or over can take part.

What is the minimum number of people I can book?
Individuals and groups are able to book, as there’s no minimum number to book, just make sure you book in advance. This is an ideal choice for a family gathering, corporate event, or a stag/hen party with a difference.

Where do we meet?
You’ll meet the instructors in the reception area of How Stean Gorge. The canoeing will take place at Scar House Reservoir a short drive away.

Please note: you will need to provide your own transport to and from the Reservoir.

Please complete you consent form before arrival by clicking the ‘View Required Documents’ tab on your booking invoice, this will allow you to complete the forms online.

Completing before hand will mean we can get straight out on activities without delay.

If you are organising a group booking you are able to send a consent form directly to all participants via email or by copying your unique link by clicking the ‘share’ tab. The group organiser can share this link on any social media platform Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, Viber etc

For a young person under the age of 18 this this need to be completed by the parent or guardian.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a set of spare clothes just in case you get a little bit wet. Wind and waterproofs may also be appropriate depending on the day’s conditions. Wellies tend to be the best footwear as you can paddle out a little way to step in and out of your Canoe whilst staying dry. All safety equipment is supplied by us.

The staff were so friendly and attentive, nothing was too much trouble and they tried to accommodate everything we asked. Mrs G, Harrogate - Canoeing

Make a booking

Book Canoeing

Ripon to Boroughbridge 2 day expedition Canoeing

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