Canoeing with Brighton Canoes UK Ltd - Suppliers of Canoes & Kayaks throughout the UK.

Canoeing is Fun !

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Want to go Canoeing?
The staff at 'Brighton Canoes' can help you make informed choices.

We will help you with choose the boat and equipment you will need.
We will give you impartial advice.
We can help you make contact with BCU affiliated clubs and find approved training courses.

What do you want to paddle?

What are the main differences between Canoes & Kayaks?
Canoe	Canoe Paddle		Open Canoe or 'Canadian' (no deck). Use a single-bladed paddle. Kneeling or Sitting.
The canoes available today are closely related to those used by American Indians (hence the term 'Canadian'). Most are made from plastic and can be paddled by 1 to 4 people.
Kayak	Kayak Paddle		Closed Cockpit (decked). Use a double-bladed paddle. Sitting only.
Kayaks are related to those used by Eskimos for hunting but made with modern materials. The range of kayaks available is large, covering the many varied specialisation's (sea kayaking, touring, surfing, whitewater, freestyle etc).
We use the term 'canoeing' to cover paddling in both canoes and kayaks.
Which Canoe/Kayak is right for you?
Recreational Kayaks Picture of Perception Sundance on the water On the water 2		These boats are stable with a large open cockpit. Fun to paddle on calm/sheltered water. Excellent for beginners or those who want a gentle paddle. They are good family boats and are available in singles or doubles. Boats worth looking at are the Kiwi1 and the Kiwi 2. These kayaks are made of plastic, polyethylene.
Sit - On - Top's Picture & Details of Ocean Kayaks Scrambler on the Ocean Picture & Details of YAK Board with backrest in Surf		These are a range of kayaks without a cockpit that you sit-on-top. They are wide, stable and self-draining fun boats for all the family. These kayaks are made of plastic, polyethylene.
General Purpose Picture & Details of Perception ARC		Good all-round boats that are used to teach paddling skills by clubs and centres. Ideal for those who don't want to paddle in extreme conditions. Kayaks for all sizes of paddler. Suggested boats are the Pyranha Acrobat 275 and the Dagger Legend Series such as the Redline. These kayaks are made of plastic, polyethylene.
Touring Kayaks Picture & Details of Perception Carolina		Longer boat's that track well with storage compartments for camping and other kit. Ideal for calmer coastal paddling, lakes and canals. Faster than general purpose boats and sometimes fitted with a rudder. Singles and doubles available. Suggested boats are the Necky Manitou, Dagger Blackwater 10.5, Perception Carolina. These kayaks are made of plastic, polyethylene.
Sea Kayaks Picture & Details of North Shore Polar Buccaneer		Sea kayaks are faster with a smaller cockpit. They track well and are suitable for touring and on the open sea. Hatches allow for storage of expedition equipment. Often fitted with a retractable skeg or rudder. Some boats are made from plastics and others are built from composites. Suggested boats are the P& H Capella, P&H Quest, and the North Shore sea kayak range. Most sea kayaks are made of fibreglass.
Whitewater and Surf Kayaks Picture & Details of Perception Method Air		Short high performance kayaks with a closed cockpit. Paddled in surf and whitewater in more extreme conditions. These boats are for experienced paddlers only and training essential. There is a huge range of boats to choose from. These kayaks are made of plastic, polyethylene.
Open Canoes Picture of Old Town Discovery 174 Canoe		Open Canoe / Canadian Canoe paddlers use a single bladed paddle. Ideal for family canoeing, canal & river touring, carrying one or more paddler and their equipment. Old Town canoes are the toughest. Made in Crosslink 3 plastic or Royalex.

Most of these boats are made from very tough plastics. The result is hard-wearing, robust canoes and kayaks. Some sea kayaks are made of fibre-glass GRP, which results in a lighter, faster boat but requiring more care near rocks.
No Purchase Required ! Ring 01273 513200 for advice !
You need more than just an open canoe or kayak to go canoeing. You need to stay safe and warm.

You will need a boat suitable for the conditions and type of paddling intended. Refer to the information above.

You will need clothing that keeps you warm and dry. You may also need boots and helmet to protect your feet and head. Cotton clothing is not suitable as you can get very cold when wet. Thermal and fleece materials are good even when wet. Many paddlers wear a wet suit (usually long john's) whilst others will choose dry tops and dry trousers.

Good training will make you safe and allow you to enjoy your paddling much more. It is worth joining a local canoe club or centre that provides training to the British Canoe Union (BCU) awards scheme. Here you will meet like-minded paddlers and make new friends.

The British Canoe Union (BCU) recommend that you wear a buoyancy aid at ALL times (and so do we).

Having got your canoe or kayak, you cannot paddle on any bit of water you find. Some inland water and canals require a license to paddle on them. Most inland water is controlled by 'access agreements', negotiated by the BCU, that MUST be complied with. Some areas in ports and harbours are also controlled. The sea coastline is largely accessible for paddling, but restrictions may apply in certain areas (naval areas and shipping lanes). If in doubt ask.

Thanks for taking the time to read this page.
We are sure that you will enjoy the sport of canoeing.
If you need anything, just surf across to our Catalogue Pages

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Canoeing Information and advice for those new to Canoeing.