Canoe & Kayak Frequently Asked Questions
Top tips for days out & expeditions
There are lots to think about when organising and ultimately undertaking a canoe or kayak expedition, but there a few things you should try your best to remember that will not only benefit you, but other users of the inland or coastal waters that you are exploring.
Care of the hire equipment and yourself
It goes without saying that for a successful and enjoyable expedition or day out you need to look after your equipment. In particular:
– On rivers, obstacles in your way can damage the boats and potentially you. Think carefully before you decide to attempt rapids or go round fallen trees. If you’re not 100% sure, get out and carry the boat or line it down river.
– Be careful when using paddles to push off or away from land or obstacles. They might break.
– When landing for a break or to camp, look for somewhere that isn’t too rocky that might damage the boat as you land or capsize the boat.
– Make sure you pull the boat right out of the water in case water levels rise and it is washed away. Tie it up for extra security. This also prevents potential damage to the hull of the boat caused by movement of the water rubbing the boat against stones/ rocks underneath – remember you may be liable to damage done to our equipment.
Leave No Trace
Everyone has a responsibility to try and minimise their impact on the environment when out enjoying themselves on canoe or kayak expeditions. Keep in mind a few key things and it can make a huge difference.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
– Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
– Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit, e.g. wildlife, rare plants
– Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use (busiest months are May and June).
– Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
– Repackage food to minimize waste.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
– Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses.
– Protect the areas of land near to water by camping at least 50 metres from lochs and streams.
– Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas: Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails and avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Dispose of Waste Properly
– Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for rubbish or spilled foods. Pack out all rubbish, leftover food and litter.
– Deposit solid human waste in cat-holes dug 15-20cm deep, at least 50 metres from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cat-hole when finished.
– Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
– To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 50 metres away from streams or lochs and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
Leave What You Find
– Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artefacts.
– Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
– Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
– Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
– Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
– Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
– Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
– Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
Respect Wildlife
– Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
– Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviours, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
– Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and rubbish securely.
– Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
– Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
– Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
– Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
– Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
– Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
These are not meant to be seen as a list of rules, simply some guidelines that can help make a positive difference without spoiling your enjoyment.
Canoe & Kayak Expedition Equipment List
On the water
- Water bottle
- Hat(s) for sunny or cold conditions
- Sunglasses
- Spectacle retainer (if required)
- Sunscreen
- Thermal top and bottom clothing
- Fleece top and leggings
- Waterproof trousers to paddle in (not always necessary if in a kayak)
- Trainers or other footwear you don’t mind getting wet.
- Watertight barrels, dry bags or dry pouches to keep your ‘must keep dry’ kit dry – IMPORTANT.
- If canoeing, you may want to bring knee pads or a kneeling mat for additional comfort
- Tip: Take an extra pair of waterproof trousers to canoe in, they will get wet but an old pair or cheap ones are great for keeping wind off legs.
On the land
- Sleeping bag (warm, small pack size)
- Good set of waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
- Fleece or warm top
- Light trousers
- Spare thermals: top and bottom
- Warm socks & undies
- Gloves
- Shoes
- Tent, sleeping bag & sleep mat*
- Cooking & dining equipment
- Small day sack in case you spend any time on land
- Tips: Avoid denim or cotton clothing because it doesn’t dry quickly and has no thermal properties when wet.
- * If you own a Thermarest or similar brand (inflatable sleeping mat) bring it; they give great comfort and warmth and pack small and light.
- 10 & 20 litre dry pouches are really handy to help keep your kit dry even if already inside watertight barrels or dry bag
Other essentials
- Insect repellent (most likely to be needed from May to September)
- Midge Head Net
- Small toiletries (biodegradable is best) *
- Head torch
- Spare batteries
- Book
- Zip lock bags or small dry pouches for personal items
- Camera (with some way of keeping it dry)
- Swimming costume (just in case!)
- Personal/ Group First Aid kits
- Matches or a lighter
- Tips: *If you can find some small hotel style bottles they are great for decanting soap and taking on expedition.
- It can get cold at night at any time of the year in Scotland so bring enough to stay warm!
Whitewater grading on UK rivers
If you go paddling on a river you will, at some point, come across some whitewater. If you’re note sure the difference between a Grade 1 rapid and a Grade 5, then follow this link to the Canoe Scotland website for more information.
UK River Grading system on Canoe Scotland website
The differences are really important to understand if you plan to undertake a river trip and don’t have much experience paddling on rivers. Always err on the side of caution and keep safe!
Where do I get tides information?
Whether you’re in the sea, on the sea or near the sea, Tide Charts will quickly provide you with valuable tidal information to help you make the most of your time.
Tide Charts (https://www.tideschart.com)
Where do I get river levels information?”
Where can I go paddling?”
Access in Scotland
Scotland has some of the best paddling environments in the world and we have a right of responsible access to them. With our rights come responsibilities. The following link will take you to the part of the Scottish Canoe Association website, dedicated to providing you with the information needed to enjoy this sport in Scotland responsibly and with sensitivity to our environment.
Click here for a downloadable Paddler’s Access Guide 
Be aware of ticks and Lymes Disease
When you are out and about having fun in the outdoors, there is a risk that you may pick up a tick (little insect), depending on where you are.
You need to be aware about ticks, because some of them carry Lymes Disease, which is a debilitating illness.
You can find out more about ticks and what to do if you come across one on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/