Getting started

To get started you don’t need any expensive equipment, you don’t need to know any special language and you don’t even need to be that fit!

In the UK there are lots of ways to fall in love with the freedom of being out on the water – you just have to choose.

Top tips to get on the water

Go with someone you know!

This is one of the most common ways of getting on the water. Over 3 million people get out on the water in UK. We bet you know someone who does – why not ask if you can join them on the water!

Join a Club

There are lots of clubs, all around the UK, and not just on the sea! Many hold open or taster days for you to try them out. Why not give them a call or go on-line and find your next opportunity.

Find your local sailing club

Find your local canoe club

Find your local rowing club

Find a slipway

Getting on the water can be as simple as finding your nearest access to water and buying a second hand canoe. You’ll be exploring the water and having fun in no time. A Word of advice though – it pays to check out the local conditions and make sure you take care of your own safety on the water.

Join a big adventure or enjoy local competition

If you are feeling like adventure then why not sign up to race around the world, or even one leg of it! Try Clipper Round the World.

If competition is your thing then why not sign up as crew for one of the many regattas and race series that take place around the country. It’s usually free too.

Try it first on holiday

There’s a huge range of holidays to choose from – in the UK and abroad. Your holiday afloat can be as energetic or as relaxed as you like.

Go to an event

To get a real flavour of boating before you buy why not go to a taster event or a boat show. There are plenty of opportunities around the UK and for most types of water sports, go to the try it page to find where.

Many water sports clubs and centres hold open days. Watch out for details in local newspapers and on local authority web sites.

Outdoor training centres

All around the UK there are outdoor and training centres that offer taster and short courses for a wide variety of water sports – canoeing, dinghy sailing, power boating, yacht cruising and racing...the list goes on. You can find details of the centres and their courses via the RYA and your local authorities.