Messing about on the river ...
Enjoy a paddle in a rowing boat, kayak, canoe, or SUP board
Have your own kayak or SUP? Scroll down for self launch info BEFORE visiting
Rowing Boat
4 Rowing boats – Maximum 4 people
Suitable for all ages (except babies <10kg).
Dogs allowed, but be warned they can tip the boats!
BEST FOR: Keeping dry
BEWARE: Can be hard work & slow – if you are not an experienced rower, you will probably find kayaking easier
£20 First hour / £15 per subsequent hours
Single Kayak
14 Single Kayaks – Maximum 1 person & small child <1.25m - 1 paddle
Very stable & no cockpit, ruling out chance of entrapment.
Suitable for all ages (except babies <10kg). No experience needed. Max capacity 17st (108kg).
Children who are co-ordinated can usually handle their own kayak at around 7yrs. Smaller kids can sit between the paddler's legs, so it's a great way to get toddlers onto the river.
Space for food & shoes, but not dogs!
BEST FOR: Stability in water & speedy
BEWARE: Likely to get a soggy bottom, so bring spare shorts.
£15 First Hour / £12 per subsequent hours
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Tandem Kayak
8 Tandem Kayaks – Maximum 2 adults either end & small child <1.25m in the middle - 2 paddles
Much larger than the single kayaks, there are 3 seats.
Spare shorts/trousers advised.
Suitable for all ages (except babies <10kg). Maximum capacity 33.5st (213kg)
Small dogs allowed if you're desperate to take one with you!
Additional space for food/shoes
BEST FOR: Very sturdy – you can't tip these over
BEWARE: Teamwork essential here, or you'll end up turning in circles & bouncing off the banks!
£20 First Hour / £15 per subsequent hours .
Canadian Canoe
4 Canadian Canoes – Maximum 2 ad & 1 ch <1.25m - 3 paddles
Suitable for all ages (except babies <10kg).
Dogs allowed, but we warned they can tip the boats!
BEST FOR: Staying dry, long distance & carrying lots of extra provisions
BEWARE: Not good if nervous as can be wobbly!
£20 First hour / £15 per subsequent hours
SUP
12 Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs) – Maximum 1 person & child <5yrs
Suitable from around 7yrs to adult for solo paddling
Sorry, no dogs!
BEST FOR: The view, your abs & your balance!
BEWARE: Might be hard to keep up with friends in kayaks
£15 First hour - £12 per subsequent hours
TERMS OF HIRE
- 24h notice required for changes to booking to avoid charges
- Please arrive 15 mins prior to your booking
- Buoyancy aids compulsory for EVERYONE
- Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- Return your boat(s) at the agreed time to avoid charges & delaying others
LAUNCHING YOUR OWN KAYAK OR SUP
You are welcome to launch from our jetty during quiet times for £5 per vessel.However, we prioritise customers hiring our equipment and at busy times we cannot always allow you to launch your own (unless you are camping with us); we simply do not have enough space in the car park and jetty area. Please call us before leaving home; IF we can accommodate you then we will, but we may also say no or suggest a good time to come when we are likely to have space in the car park, jetty and bank areas.
Please respect this rule & do not turn up without calling first as you will be turned away
At the weekends please use the alternative car park down Lossenham Lane, Newenden, which has access to the river.
We strongly recommend wearing a buoyancy aid; available to hire for £2.50 The jetty is strictly out of bounds when we are closed.
Additional Services
Ladies Kayaking Club guided by Vanessa at 10-11am every Friday morning in term-time.
Please note that whilst Vanessa has picked up lots of tips from our instructor, she is not one herself; this is more about enjoying a paddle whether you want to get fit or chill at the back of the pack!
Term time only £10 per session
Max 10 people.
info@bodiamboatingstation.co.uk to book.
PADDLING TO BODIAM CASTLE:
The river is locked at Scott's Sluice in Iden (just outside Rye) and therefore has no current as such. However, windy conditions can make rowing tough. Depending on the weather and your ability, it will take 1h 30 mins - 2h 30mins to row to the castle & about half an hour less in a kayak. You will need to rent the boats for at least 4 hours plus any time you intend to spend at the castle. We request that you keep your paddles with you if visiting the castle & remember that once you leave the jetty you are responsible for our equipment.DISTANCES FROM OUR JETTY IN NORTHIAM TO:
BODIAM CASTLE: Upstream 3.61mHALF WAY TREE: Upstream 1.75m
IRON BRIDGE: Downstream 1.03m (1st bridge)
WITTERSHAM BRIDGE: Downstream 6.1m ((2nd bridge)
MILITARY ROAD: Downstream 7.7m (4th bridge & furthest point for kayaks)
Important Information
* Please note that the maximum number of people stated is irrelevant of weight.
* Do not underestimate the danger of water. If you are unfit, unused to physical activity or are unwell, do not go out on the river.
* Buoyancy aids, for those hiring our equipment, are available FOC & compulsory for EVERYONE.
* Children <18yrs can paddle their own vessel ONLY IF there is an adult paddling alongside them. We do not allow under 18s to go out alone, even if an adult is walking along the river bank. Please respect this rule; we are simply looking out for the safety of your children.
* Please arrive 15 mins prior to your booking & make sure you return your boat(s) at the agreed time to avoid charges & delaying others.
* Please be respectful of fisherman on the banks & pass on the opposite side of the river as quickly & quietly as possible.
* You won't need specialist clothing, but these tips might help: Gym clothes & layers; cycling or neoprene gloves; non-slip shoes. Most boats have space for extra clothing/food.
* We recommend putting valuables in a waterproof case – for sale at reception