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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!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 41
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Ambleside
Swim the Lakes are the Lakes District's Open Water Swimming Specialists. Our friendly team provides inspirational adventure swimming for all abilities, from Short Wild Swims to 3-day Swim Breaks. Plus excellent swim gear in our Ambleside store.
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Ambleside
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland holiday! These days aim to blend rock climbing, rock scrambling and abseiling to give a varied and always fun experience in beautiful locations.
Get ready for an unforgettable Paddleboarding adventure on the stunning Wastwater, nestled in the breathtaking Wasdale Valley—home to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike! Surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Western Lake District, this is…
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.
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.
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the sails begin their work of converting breeze to smiles.
Windermere
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.
Learn the skills to undertake canoe expeditions including paddling skills and wild camping skills. Due to demand I am extending this course for an additional optional day. This course takes place in the beautiful English Lake District on Coniston…
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.
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…
Newby Bridge
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with mobility difficulties - but everyone loves them. Fast light and you are a solo sailor from the very start. If you want a friend or carer in the boat to…
Newby Bridge
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those without. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventure possible for our clients.
Focussed coaching to develop advanced skills for river expeditions. This weekend will enable participants to develop, improve and refine more advanced paddling skills in order to undertake expeditions on grade 2 and 3 rivers.
Keswick
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…
Windermere
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.
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…
Coniston
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain streams, with jumps, slides, and stunning views, guided by experts for all skill levels.
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.…
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
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