If you’re new to open canadian canoeing then probably the best place to start with this fantastic outdoor activity is on the River Wye which borders Wales and England at the southern end. It has the best established river navigation rights of any river in the UK and as such many operations have set up to provide canoe hire and support facilities. many hire companies will provide you with canoes and all the necessary equipment, life jackets (PFD’s) and waterproof storage barrels but importably for planning any trip they will often arrange to pick you up and drop you off at the start and beginning of your trip, making it really easy to arrange a great trip on the river, either for a few hours or even several days with campsites provided along the way. Full instructions on where to stop, what the different parts of the river are like, and even training can be given.
Here’s a list of Canoe Hire companies you can contact to get started:
The River Wye Canoe Hire Company
Monmouth Canoe & Activity Centre
Paddles & Peddles (Canoe & Bike hire)