ENJOY A PADDLE?
Enjoy a paddle in a rowing boat, kayak, canoe, or SUP board
Rowing Boat
5 Rowing boats – Maximum 4 people
2 Rowing boats – Maximum 3 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 hour
Single Kayak
10 Single Kayaks – Maximum 1 person & small child <7yrs - 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 hour
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Tandem Kayak
4 Tandem Kayaks – Maximum 2 adults either end & small child <7yrs 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: Seriously 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 hour .
Canadian Canoe
3 Canadian Canoes – Maximum 3 people - 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 hour
SUP
2 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 hour
TERMS OF HIRE
- 24h notice required for changes to booking to avoid charges
- Please arrive 15 mins prior to your booking
- Buoyancy aids available to all & compulsory if under 17 yrs
- Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- Return your boat(s) at the agreed time to avoid charges & delaying others
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 or £8 if paying for whole term upfront.
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.
* Buoyancy aids are available free of charge & are compulsory for everyone & under 18yrs.
* Children under 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 and layers best, gloves useful if paddling (cycling/neoprene), wear non-slip shoes – there is space in most boats for extra clothing/food.
* We recommend putting valuables in a waterproof case – sold in our shop
SELF LAUNCH: If you have your own kayak or SUP, you can launch from our jetty for £5 per vessel. However, from 24 Jul-6 Sep we cannot offer any parking space between 10am & 5pm, as the small car park we have is reserved for restaurant customers & those hiring our equipment so please come outside of these times or find somewhere else to park.