FAQs
+ What should I wear?
In warm weather, loose clothing i.e. t-shirts, trainers or flip flops (no Wellington boots). Please be aware when the sun is out it could reflect off the water making it hot, so dress accordingly to minimise risk of sunburn (bring a hat and sun tan lotion). Weather conditions can change very quickly during the hire period and customers should also be prepared for cooler conditions by bringing fleeces etc. In our experience children can get quite cold after 2 hours, particularly when getting wet using sit-on-top kayaks, so bring a towel and change of clothing. Windproof and waterproof tops are ideal for children.
+ When should I arrive?
Please arrive promptly at the agreed time discussed with us.
+ Will I get wet?
Be prepared and dress according for the forecasted weather conditions, including a waterproof coat if rain is due. You will get wet in a sit-on-top kayak if that is what you are hiring. However you are unlikely to get wet in a Canadian canoe or double canoe.
+ Is there space on a canoe to store extra clothes?
You will be provided with a dry bag for valuables such as a phone, wallet or handbag etc., but our advice is to leave spare clothes and towels in your car, rather than take them with you in the boat.
+ Will I get muddy?
No, you shouldn’t get muddy.
+ If I change my mind at the start of the hire and don’t want to go on the river, will I get my money back?
Yes, we won’t let anyone go on the river unless they feel confident.
+ Are there any washing or toilet facilities at Iken Canoe?
There are no toilets, changing or washing facilities at Iken Canoe’s base so please remember this before arriving with us. There are toilets at Snape Maltings where you have the opportunity to stop halfway through your paddle.
+ Can I buy anything to eat or drink?
We don’t currently offer snacks or bottled water. Please remember this when planning your visit.
+ Can I go paddling on my own?
British Canoeing recommends that people should not paddle alone and so we do not allow it for safety’s sake.
+ What’s the youngest age you allow children on the water at Iken Canoe?
We only accept children aged 7 and upwards. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied on the water by an adult if they wish to go in our craft.
+ Should I go on the water if I can’t swim?
Buoyancy aids must be worn at all times when hiring our craft, but we do not allow people on the water if they cannot swim. We do offer additional floatation in the form of lifejackets for those who are particularly nervous of the water.
+ Do you hire wetsuits out?
No
+ Shall I bring a mobile phone?
We think that having a mobile phone with at least one of you in your party when on the water is a good idea as you can stay in touch with us if required. We provide dry bags as part of the hire, however responsibility for your phone is yours, and we cannot be held responsible if it is damaged in any way.
+ Can we take dogs in the canoes?
While we ourselves love dogs, they are not permitted to go out in our boats. Please leave them at home before you travel, or with someone who is shore-based while you are paddling. Dogs cannot be tied up at our base and left unattended while you are away.
+ What should we NOT bring?
Items that could be damaged if they get wet. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to any of your possessions, so please leave valuables at home rather than in your car which will be parked in a publically accessible place.
+ Can we meet up with other members of our group or family who are walking while we are paddling?
Yes! Our base is about a 20-minute walk on a lovely footpath through the reed beds to Snape Maltings, so they should beat you there and can even stand on the bridge at Snape to welcome you! If they don’t wish to walk, then it’s a 5-minute drive to Snape Maltings.
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