Kayaking and Canoeing in York

Discover secret places on the Yorkshire Coast only accessible by kayak, just begging to be explored. Ride the tidal waves, take a sunset paddle or sleep under the stars on an expedition – kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like. Plus if you’re lucky, you could be joined on your adventure by birds, dolphins and seals.

Enjoy a day out on the water in North Yorkshire or the North East on the lovely Rivers Ure, Ouse or Tees. Using a Canoe or Kayak lets you enjoy watching the wildlife and scenery go by at a leisurely pace. Hire the boats yourself.

If you're experienced and own your own canoe, head to the coast for a paddle at gorgeous Runswick Bay. Remember the skills required are not simply those of paddling the boat; you also need to understand tides, tidal streams, and the interaction between tidal streams and the weather. Barefoot Kayak also hire out kayaks and stand up paddleboards.

Canoeing adventures of a different kind are to be found on the River Esk, an easy touring river with a mile of non-tidal flat river upstream to Sleights. Ruswarp Pleasure Boats will, for a small charge, allow you to use their slipway if you have your own canoe. They also have sit-on-top kayaks for hire. Further south in the Howardian Hills, Howsham Weir on the River Derwent is a favourite playspot for kayakers maintained by York University Canoe Club.