Frequently Asked Questions
Our Frequently Asked Questions
General
What types of paddle sports and water activities do you offer?
We offer a variety of paddle sports hire including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, pedalos and rowing boats. Additionally, we provide group activities in paddle sports, sailing and ghyll scrambling and tuition for sailing and paddle sports.
What are your operating hours?
Our operating hours are from 9:00 – 17:30 with a close for lunch between 13:30 – 14:00.
The shop is open from 9:00 – 17:00 and Hire sessions start at 10:00 with the last session starting at 15:00.
How can I make a booking?
Hire can be booked via our online hire booking page.
Activities and tuition can be booked through our online activity finder.
Do you need to be able to swim?
Is there car parking on site?
Free car parking is available on site for the duration of your hire.
Can I hire a motor boat?
I’m afraid we don’t hire out motor boats but if you contact the Keswick Launch Company they should be able to help you.
Can I fish on the lake?
You need a Rod Licence and a Local Permit (available at Youdales in Keswick) to fish on the lake.
Do you have safety cover?
Do you have a cafe?
We don’t have a café on site but their are a couple of cafes only a few minutes’ walk away. Including The Chalet and Lingholm Kitchen.
Do you have a shop onsite?
We have a shop selling a wide range of watersports clothing, equipment & chandlery.
What is your cancelation policy?
Hire – Bookings may be cancelled or amended up to 7 days prior to your booking date after that no money will be refunded. Pre-booked hire cannot be moved to another date. If we cancel the session all monies will be refunded.
Group Activities and Tuition – Bookings are non-refundable once made. If the minimum number of participates is not met, we reserve the right to cancel, offer an alternative date or run as a private session (addition cost of this). If we cancel the session all monies will be refunded.
Can I launch my own paddle craft at the marina?
We do not offer a day launching service. But there may be a way we can accomodate you.
What we Provide
Do you provide wetsuit shoes?
We don’t provide footwear but we would recommend wearing it as the shores of Derwent Water are quite stony. We do sell some very good value wetsuit shoes in our shop.
Do you provide wetsuits?
If you would like to wear a wetsuit, they are provided for all tuition sessions, group activities and paddle board hire.
Do you provide buoyancy aids?
Yes Buoyancy Aids are provided or Life Jackets for young children.
Do you have barrels / dry bags for hire?
We don’t have dry bags or barrels for hire but we do sell them in our shop at a very reasonable price.
Boat Hire
Can under 18's hire a boat?
Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult on the water at all times, but you can be in separate craft.
How much experience do I need?
Can I take a dog on the water with me?
What do we need to wear?
Tuition
What equipment do you provide?
Do you have an age limit?
There are no tuition sessions with an age limit. The only activity we have an age limit on is Ghyll scrambling which is 8 years or older but if you have a child under 8 it is worth giving us a call to discuss if the session is suitable for them. We have no upper age limit.
What is your maximum group size?
We have a maximum of 6 – 10 per Instructor depending on the activity.
What do we need to bring?
Swimming costume / shorts to wear under wetsuit
A pair of old trainers, old trousers/shorts, T shirt & fleece
Towel and a set of warm clothes to put on after activities
A wooly hat in spring and autumn
Peaked hat and sun cream in spring and summer
Food and drink for all day activities
£1 coin for a hot shower
What times are the sessions?
Normally our Morning sessions are between 9.30 – 12.30 and afternoon sessions are 13.30 – 16.30. However times may vary.
Do you have an AALA licence?
Are all your staff trained in the activities they are leading?
What happens if the weather isn't suitable?
How do I know which course to choose?
How much time do you spend on the water?
Will I end up with a qualification at the end of the course?
What do we need to wear?
Group Activities
What do we need to bring?
- Swimming costume / shorts to wear under wetsuit
- A pair of old trainers, old trousers/shorts, T shirt & fleece
- Towel and a set of warm clothes to put on after activities
- A wooly hat in spring and autumn
- Peaked hat and sun cream in spring and summer
- Food and drink for all day activities
- £1 coin for a hot shower
What times are the sessions?
Normally our Morning sessions are between 9.30 – 12.30 and afternoon sessions are 13.30 – 16.30. However times may vary.
Do you have an AALA licence?
Are all your staff trained in the activities they are leading?
What happens if the weather isn't suitable?
Do you have an age limit?
The only activity we have an age limit on is Ghyll scrambling which is 8 years or older but if you have a child under 8 it is worth giving us a call to discuss if the session is suitable for them. We have no upper age limit.
