If you're unsure of the difference between a canoe and a Kayak, it's simple - a canoe is what burly fur trappers used to paddle along Canadian lakes, whilst a kayak is the craft used traditionally by the North American Inuit for travel and seal hunting. In modern day terms they both offer fun, great exercise and a great way to see the power and grace of nature.
South West Wales' offers varied experiences for beginners and enthusiasts to take to the water. Canoe centres have designated access to rivers, waterways that will provide safe but exciting paddling for everyone. In safe conditions taking your kayak to the sea will provide access to coastal inlets, beaches and some great waves to tackle.
Canoeing is a form of outdoor action that will appeal to everyone. You can pootle along for the most relaxing of days, stopping off for a picnic, maybe spot a seal, otter or kingfisher going about their business or, if you have the skills, you can take on rougher waters which bounce and plunge through bucolic green landscapes further upstream.
The basics of canoeing and kayaking in Wales can be picked up in minutes, and the craft are more stable than you think - you have to try quite hard to tip one over, seriously! And in calm conditions you can use them on the sea to explore while everyone else is stuck on busy beaches, and maybe find your own hidden cove for swimming and sunbathing.
How & where
While canoeing in Wales you'll see some truly gorgeous rivers and estuaries such as the wildlife-rich Teifi near Cardigan or the placid, tree-lined Eastern and Western Cleddau in Pembrokeshire. As not all inland non tidal rivers are open for canoe access its best to check with a local paddling club that the waterways are suitable and open for taking your craft on.
Canoeing in Wales is perfect for beginners or less experienced canoeists because of the flat tidal waters, though rough weather provides an alternative for more experienced paddlers.
Book onto a canoeing course in South West Wales and you'll get expert tuition at some of the best-established paddle sport centres in Britain. All your gear is provided, with instruction in small groups - although one-to-one tuition can often be arranged at a premium.
For information about canoeing centres and who offers canoeing sessions please take a look our operators listings on the right hand side of this page.
Top Tips
If you want to see river and estuarine wildlife, canoeing in Wales is the best way there is. You move quietly enough not to disturb the wildlife and can often get closer than you ever would on foot.
Don't worry about taking loads of gear (or even a huge picnic) on your canoe trip. There's plenty of room in a canoe and they're easy to paddle even when heavily loaded.
More info
Log on to the Welsh Canoeing Association’s site for pretty much all you need to know about where and when to paddle in Wales.