By Eva Best

Your Kayaking Questions, Answered

Hey folks! We get asked lots of questions about our kayaking activity, so to make things super easy for you, we’ve put this super handy video together. Alternatively, you can read the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

What are the minimum and maximum age requirements?

Our minimum age requirement for kayaking is 8 and there is no maximum as long as the person is healthy enough to participate.

What are your height and weight limits for kayaking?

There is no height limit, but our single sit-on kayaks do have a 150kg weight limit.

Do I have to pre-book or can I just turn up?

We do require all participants to book prior to your activity, and you can do so online or over the phone on 01590 612377.

Can I bring my dog along?

Unfortunately we don't allow dogs on our kayaking sessions as there is simply not enough room in the boats! If you want to bring your pup along for a New Forest adventure, we'd recommend our canoeing activities in which they're more than welcome to hop in a boat.

Are your kayak sessions guided?

This is dependent on the session you have booked! Our family canoeing and kayak adventure sessions are guided by our expert instructors throughout the 90 minutes. Our kayak hire sessions include a short introduction and then you are free to explore the river.

Do you provide all the equipment/what do I need to wear?

We provide all equipment needed for your canoe activity, including buoyancy aids. We just ask that you’re dressed for the weather! So when it’s hot we recommend wearing shorts, a t-shirt and a hat to protect you from the sun. A bottle of water and some sunscreen is also advised. For when it’s cold, you’re going to want to layer up, with a waterproof jacket, trousers, hat and gloves to keep yourself warm on the water.

Will I capsize in the boat?

It is unlikely that the boat will capsize, but in the event that it does we will provide you with the correct procedure to get back in your boat safely and efficiently.

Will I need experience to join you on a kayaking session?

You don’t need any experience to join us on the water, as most of our sessions are catered towards beginners.

Is there parking, toilets and changing facilities at your site?

At our site, there is a changing room to use when you arrive and toilets are provided by Bucklers Hard, where our kayaking takes place. You can access these when entering the Bucklers Hard attraction. We can take any belongings you don’t wish to bring on the water and keep them safe for you for the duration of your session. Your kayak session will be situated at our Bucklers Hard site, with parking available costing £5 for up to three hours or £7.50 for the entire day.

What happens if the weather is bad and I want to cancel?

Our activities go ahead in almost all weathers and we’re experts at maximising the fun, even in the rain! If we are made aware that you wish to cancel your booking within 48 hours of your activity you will lose your payment and we will be unable to rebook you. If we are given 7-days notice, we can offer a full refund or credit. Between those times, 50% credit will be offered. Upon booking, you can opt to pay our optional Poor Weather Insurance. This enables you to cancel your activity up until 5pm the day before and you’ll be eligible to move dates or receive a full refund. Our ‘Poor Weather Insurance’ fee is £2.50 per person. This is only available at the time of the booking and not applicable to same day bookings. We always cancel sessions and rebook or refund customers for no charge if we deem weather conditions to be unsafe.