What types of kayaking are there?

Recreational on calm flat water, sea kayaking along coastlines, white water on rapids, and touring for multi-day trips. Beginners almost always start on flat water.

Do I need to be able to swim?

You should be comfortable in water. You always wear a buoyancy aid, and beginner sessions stay on calm, shallow water.

On calm water with instruction, very. White water and open sea carry more risk, which is why they come with proper coaching and kit.

On flat water you simply slide out, and instructors show you how first. Rolling back up is a later skill you can learn when you are ready.

Quick-drying clothes and footwear that stays on. Wetsuits, cags and buoyancy aids are usually provided.

What is the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

In a kayak you sit low with a double-bladed paddle. In a canoe you kneel or perch higher with a single blade. Different feel, both good fun.

How fit do I need to be?

For a gentle paddle, not very. Good technique uses your core and torso, not just your arms, so it is less tiring than it looks.

Kayaking in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire bring Thames-side adventure — paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing and freediving across South East England's rivers and lakes. Paddleboard and kayak the Thames and its backwaters, canoe gentle reaches, and try freediving at inland centres. Easy to reach and beginner-friendly, the Home Counties make a great spot to learn a paddlesport.

A kayak is about the simplest way to explore water under your own steam. On a calm lake or gentle river you will be paddling happily within minutes. The strokes are easy to pick up, and most of the early skill is just learning to relax and let the boat do its thing.

From there it branches out. Sea kayaking takes you along coastlines, into caves and out to islands. White water is the lively end, reading rapids and picking lines. Touring kayaks carry kit for multi-day trips. There is a flavour for every mood.

The instructors on adventuro cover calm-water tasters, sea kayaking and white water coaching. They will sort your technique early, which saves your shoulders and makes everything else easier.