FAQ

1. Who leads the Kayak trips & SUP lessons?

Our Kayak trips are guided by Paddle UK-qualified Coaches, Leaders, and Instructors, as well as Fowey Harbour Commissioner Boatmen, all operating from safety kayaks. They’re experienced paddlers who know the Estuary well, are trained first aiders, and are equipped with medical kits, safety gear, mobile phones, and VHF radios.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not allow under 16s in single kayaks.

Our SUP Coaches are Paddle UK or BSUPA qualified and hold Fowey Harbour Commissioner licenses. They are first aid certified and have an AALA license, allowing them to run sessions for under 16s without the need for parental supervision on the water.

2. Where are we?

We’re based in the beautiful waterside village of Golant, just 2 miles upstream from Fowey.

From Liskeard (A390), pass through Lostwithiel and take the B3269 to Fowey. We’re on the left at the crossroads, signposted 'Golant.'
From St Austell (A390), follow signs to Fowey, turn left at the Texaco garage towards Bodmin/Liskeard/Lostwithiel, and take the right turn at the crossroads.
See detailed map for parking info.

3. What kit do I need for kayaking?

Weather-appropriate clothes (sun hat, gloves, warm clothes, waterproofs – you might get wet!)
Old trainers or crocs (your feet will likely get wet)
Medication/inhalers/sunscreen
Spare clothes in your vehicle
Small airtight food tub for valuables (phones, cameras, keys)
Glasses/sunglasses – secure with a strap

For SUP:

Wetsuit (if you own one, or hire one from us for £5)
Wet shoes (limited sizes available)
A towel (you’ll likely get wet!)

4. How fit do I need to be?

A reasonable level of fitness is required (comfortable walking 2–3 miles). For SUP, being able to swim 50 meters unaided is a plus. Let us know about any medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, epilepsy) when booking. Your safety is our priority!

5. Accessibility

We are deeply passionate about this beautiful part of Cornwall and are committed to making it accessible to as many people as possible. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience our stunning estuary, its wildlife, and the rich history of the area. Much of the estuary is only accessible by water, which adds to its charm and sense of adventure.

For those who may have access requirements, whether visible or invisible, and are able to paddle, we are dedicated to ensuring you have a fantastic experience on the water. We recognise that everyone’s needs are unique, so we encourage you to reach out to us in advance. This will help us make any necessary arrangements to ensure your experience is as enjoyable as possible.

We offer coloured overlay sheets to assist with reading, and we are working on making our Boatshed information available in larger print. Our "Creeks & Backwaters" kayak trip is particularly suitable for those with mobility challenges, as we launch just a few metres from the Boatshed. The "Wildlife & Waterfronts" trip requires a short walk to the beach, which is accessible by car, but we can discuss specific requirements based on individual mobility.

We also provide waterproof bags for medication and hearing aids, and with prior notice, we are happy to accommodate prosthetics. For those with knee or hip replacements, we can help select the right kayak to ensure comfort. The Boatshed has a gentle slope and flat access, with a fully accessible public toilet just across the road. We are also happy to accommodate people who are pregnant—please consult your GP before booking to ensure a safe experience.

If you have any specific needs or concerns about your condition, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are here to work with you to ensure your visit is comfortable, memorable, and tailored to your individual requirements.

6. Transport

If you’re not driving, Par Station is 2 miles away, and the No. 24 bus from St Austell stops at Golant (Tywardreath Turn). For up-to-date bus info, check First Group Cornwall or Traveline SW.

Local taxi services:

KP Cabs: 01726 815415
White River Cars: 01726 810980/07968 259466
South Coast Private Hire: 01726 814892

7. What if I capsize or fall off my board?

We paddle in sheltered waters, and our kayaks and SUP boards are very stable. Capsizing is rare (about 1 per 500 people), but if it happens, our staff will safely assist you back to shore. Falling off a SUP is part of the fun! We’ll help you back on if needed.

8. What is the minimum and maximum age?

We welcome paddlers of all ages!

For kayaks, children 3 and up can join with a parent or guardian.
For SUP, the minimum age is 8. Children can use a tow rope if tired.
We don’t allow under 16s in single kayaks on tours or rentals.

9. Can under 16s and under 18s join trips?

Under 16s: Must be with an adult on a kayak but can join SUP sessions without a parent, thanks to our AALA license.
16–17-year-olds: Can join kayak trips unaccompanied by an adult, provided they’re well-behaved.

10. What if we’re an odd number?

For kayaks, we’ll assign the most experienced person to a single kayak. For beginners, we may pair you with another single paddler or staff member if available.
For SUP, odd or even numbers don’t matter.

11. Do I need to be able to swim?

Non-swimmers are welcome! Buoyancy aids ensure safety. Please let us know in advance if you can’t swim, as we limit non-swimmers on each trip.

12. What about the weather?

We paddle in most weather conditions, except heavy rain or strong winds. If we need to cancel, we’ll notify you 24 hours in advance. We’ll offer a rescheduled trip or a full refund.

13. What is the maximum weight and height?

Most of our kayaks fit people up to 16 stone and 6 feet tall. If you're heavier or taller, let us know when booking, and we’ll reserve a suitable kayak or SUP board.

14. What type of kayaks and boards do you use?

We use a mix of sit-in and sit-on double kayaks, with single kayaks being sit-ins. Our SUP boards are double-skinned Fanatic all-rounders, offering excellent stability. Experienced paddlers are welcome to bring their own boards.

15. Are refreshments provided on tours & sessions?

On our 2–3-hour tours, we take a 30-minute break for food and drinks. You’re welcome to bring a picnic, or order from our Boatshed café. For 2hr Early Birds or Sundowners, there’s not always time for a break, so bring a snack or book in at The Fisherman’s Arms pub for some ‘post-paddle nosh’.

For SUP, sessions last 90 minutes, so no refreshments are needed. However, we carry energy bars for an extra boost if needed.

16. Can we store our valuables safely?

We provide dry bags for small valuables, or you can leave them at the Boatshed. We also have waterproof phone cases for sale.

17. What time should I arrive for my tour or session?

Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your session. If you want a snack or drink at the Boatshed café, arrive earlier! We can’t guarantee we can wait for latecomers. During peak holiday season, allow extra time for travel or equipment prep.

Well-behaved dogs and owners are welcome in the Boatshed and on our kayak tours!

Please note: From November to March, scheduled hires are offline. Please email [email protected].

Green Policy

Our core business is guided kayak trips and SUP lessons, but we’re committed to minimising our environmental impact locally, nationally, and globally. The unspoiled beauty of the Fowey Estuary is central to our success, and we aim to preserve it.

We prioritise sustainability in all decisions. Our kayaks and SUPs, made from durable plastic, are repurposed or sold when no longer needed. At our Boatshed, we use low-energy lighting, timed cold water taps, and a small water heater. Our appliances are A+ rated, and all takeaway items are recyclable.

We encourage guests to recycle and regularly organise river cleanups with Paddle UK's "Big Paddle Clean Up." We’re always reviewing our practices and welcome any suggestions—please feel free to share them with our staff.

Parking in Golant

Golant is a small river side village with one road in and the same leading out. There is a car park located near The Boatshed with several pay an display parking bays along and several parking spaces in front of the pub. Look out for high tide sign, always check to ensure the tide does not flood your car!

EC have 4 Private Parking bays which can be booked by calling the office at £6 per day with the option of a lift back up the hill if required.

Where possible please consider the residents and park responsibly, car sharing is a great idea or why not grab a cab by calling KP Cabs on 07790-014934 (just mention us!)