to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Sailing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiring a boat or just sitting onboard a lake cruise while someone else does the steering: taking to the water is a quintessential Lake District experience. But don’t ignore the rivers, which are just as good for wild swimming or a spot of fishing. And then there’s some tarn dipping, which is the watery equivalent of doing the Wainwrights: all you have to do is dip your hand into one for it to count, but in order to do the full set you’ll have to do it 197 times!
Staying safe on the water
As the weather warms up and the evenings get longer, more and more of us will be heading out to enjoy the water. Whatever the activity, the Lake District, Cumbria, is a great place to enjoy a whole host of watersports. But before you do so, there are a few things you’ll want to be aware of to help you prepare, and stay safe when out on the water.
First things first, as with any outdoor activities in the Lake District, Cumbria, ask yourself the three #AdventureSmart questions:
- Do I have the right gear?
- Do I know what the weather will be like?
- Am I confident I have the knowledge and skills for the day?
The Right Gear
Making sure that you have the right equipment is key to helping you have a fun, safe watersports experience. Alongside having a good boat or paddleboard if that’s your chosen activity, you will also need a fully functioning buoyancy aid; a wetsuit if needed; a bright hat; and a tow float. A waterproof case for your phone is a great idea, as you will need to take this with you in case you need to call for help. If you don’t have your own equipment, there’s no need to worry: there are plenty of places to hire watersports gear across the Lake District, Cumbria, with expert guidance on hand too.
The Weather
We Brits love to talk about the weather, and planning our outdoor adventures is no exception! Before you head for the water, make sure to check the forecast. If things are looking a little wet or cold, don’t be afraid to change your plans! We’ve got some fantastic indoor activities to enjoy, from adventurous pursuits like climbing to cultural exploration at one of our museums and galleries.
You don’t need us to tell you that the great British weather can be unpredictable at the best of times, and this can have a dramatic impact on water conditions. Be prepared for changes in weather, and check the predicted currents and tides before you go.
The skills and knowledge
We know you’re raring to go, but it’s important to be aware of your own ability and limitations. Be honest with yourself and, if you feel like you do need some extra assistance, we’ve got plenty of brilliant guides and instructors who offer classes and support; as well as equipment hire if you don’t have your own. Always plan for the least able member of your group, and make sure you’re aware of any potential risks, like water temperature (even when it feels warm in the air, the water can be chilly!).
If SUP is on your list, the AdventureSmart group has produced a special video full of great advice and tips to help keep you safe whilst stand-up paddleboarding. Check out the video here.
Top Tips
- Let someone know where you’re going, what you will be doing, and what time you expect to be back.
- Swim with a buddy or in a group if you can
- Avoid swimming across ferry routes, in busy sailing areas or near to ferry jetties.
- Don’t swim after a heavy meal or drinking alcohol
- Know the risks. Even if it feels warm in the air, the water can be cold!
- Check the rules: a permit is required to enjoy watersports on some of our waters, while others restrict certain types of activity.
Be prepared, stay safe, and have fun! Check out our Know Before You Go page for more tips and advice, and enjoy your visit to the Lake District, Cumbria.
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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Number of results: 41
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Explore nature’s playground and marvel at the stunning scenery on offer. Take the plunge into crystal clear pools and scramble your way up numerous rocky scrambles and waterfalls.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Keswick
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
Address
Various locations across Cumbria, CumbriaTelephone
07970 063 381Fun, adventure and good times guaranteed! Why not come and ride the White Water with us?
We have several exciting trips in and around The Lake District, whether you’re looking for family fun or something more wild, we can make it happen!Take to the water in an unforgettable kayaking adventure on the breathtaking Wastwater! Surrounded by towering mountains and untouched natural beauty, this is your chance to explore one of the most picturesque lakes in the UK.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
Newby Bridge
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company and welcome people of all abilities.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
2 Cambridge Villas, Church Street, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9DLTelephone
07971 622616Ambleside
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and taking every opportunity to jump into crystal clear plunge pools. This is next level fun and the bonus is this can be enjoyed just as much when it’s…
This aquatic ghyll scramble is situated in a beautiful canyon only a short walk from Coniston. In its tree-covered steep gorge walls, you will plunge into crystal clear pools and scramble your way up rocky waterfalls.
Tourism For All
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Boot
Ghyll Scrambling for adventurers! The ultimate all-day adventure - not for the faint-hearted!
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Brown Howe Car Park, A5084, Coniston, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
07752205976Coniston
SUP Paddleboarding by Genuine Adventures offers a serene glide across Lake District waters, guided by experts for all ages, with gear provided for a tailored, scenic adventure.
Tourism For All
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Windermere Canoe and Kayak, B5285, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JHTelephone
015394 44451Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Address
Storrs Hall Bellman Close, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3LGTelephone
07928373326Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UFTelephone
017687 78463Keswick
Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick's largest provider of outdoor activities and the UK's longest established outdoor activity centre. With some of the best facilities in the Lake District and located in a truly beautiful and unique environment, we…
Address
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Ambleside Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LPTelephone
015394 39479Windermere
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting.
Tourism For All
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Address
Holly Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 2AFTelephone
07928373326Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Tourism For All
Address
Fell Foot National Trust, Newby Bridge, ULVERSTON, Cumbria, LA12 8NNTelephone
01539 31 00 41ULVERSTON
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or low confidence walkers, visually impaired people, people with auditory impairments, people with learning difficulties, people with autism, people with…
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline and the current tugging gently from below towards the sea contrasts with the open lake exposed to the wind and waves, with vast vistas of the Lake…
Eskdale
There is gorge scrambling, there is canyoning, then there is The Esk Gorge. A mega place with massive jumps into crystal clear waters. The pools are deep and big offering lots of swimming and scrambling along the rocky edges too.
Address
Low Wood Bay Watersports, Ambleside Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LPTelephone
015394 39441Windermere
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of equipment, is a great location for waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking/canoeing and boat hire.
Tourism For All
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