Learn the basics of kayaking with Discover Paddling’s family-friendly trip on the calm canal and river at Saul Junction. Perfect for beginners and kids under 16, this 1.5-hour session pairs fun instruction with the chance to unwind nearby.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for participants of average fitness; no prior kayaking experience needed.
Wildlife
History
Saul Junction has been a key canal intersection since the 18th century, integral to transporting goods during the Industrial Revolution.
Conservation
Discover Paddling promotes low-impact paddling practices to preserve waterway habitats and maintain water quality.
Discover Paddling
Learn the basics of kayaking with Discover Paddling’s family-friendly trip on the calm canal and river at Saul Junction. Perfect for beginners and kids under 16, this 1.5-hour session pairs fun instruction with the chance to unwind nearby.
Discover Paddling, based in Gloucester, England, runs paddleboard and kayaking experiences across the Cotswolds, River Avon and River Wye. The company offers a mix of short taster sessions, full-day progression courses, family-friendly sessions, private group hires and longer guided river trips. Popular locations include Saul Junction, the Cotswold canal network, Bath city stretches of the River Avon, and a 12-mile River Wye route.
Sessions range from 1.5-hour paddleboard introductions and family sessions to a 4.5-hour Bath City Sights paddle and the full-day River Wye Wonders. Progressive courses teach efficient paddling, bracing, turning and safety over one or two sessions, while Paddle Safer focuses on rescue techniques, equipment selection and environmental awareness.
Instructors are described as friendly, passionate and qualified, providing small-group tuition and tailored coaching. No prior experience is required for taster and family sessions; intermediate courses are designed for paddlers moving to confident levels. Private group bookings accommodate families, friends and celebrations with optional games and on-water challenges.
Discover Paddling supplies equipment for its sessions and plans routes that finish near cafés and pubs such as Bathampton Mill, making trips convenient for refreshment. River Wye Wonders includes provided snacks and a picnic lunch on the riverbank, while Bath City Sights includes lunch by Pulteney Weir and a finish at a pub. Group sizes are small on progression courses to ensure personalised feedback and supervision. The operator emphasizes safety, environmental respect and progressive skill-building. Customers can expect guided experiences that balance learning, scenic exploration and social time on the water.
Base
Gloucester, England
Gateway to Cotswold canals and rivers
Family-friendly
Yes
Sessions for all ages
Session Lengths
1.5–12 hours
Short tasters to full-day trips
Guides & Coaches
Qualified instructors
Friendly, experienced staff
Secure a spot on a family session, progression course or guided river trip — equipment and expert instruction included.
Wear Quick-Drying Clothing
Opt for synthetic or quick-drying layers to stay comfortable during and after your paddle.
Bring a Change of Clothes
A dry set of clothes and a towel are recommended to stay warm and cozy after kayaking.
Apply Sunscreen Beforehand
Even on overcast days, UV exposure on the water can be intense—protect your skin before launch.
Arrive Early for Safety Briefing
Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time to attend the mandatory safety briefing and gear check.
Quick-Drying Clothes
Staying dry and comfortable on the water ensures a pleasant experience.
summer
Water Shoes or Old Trainers
Protect your feet while launching and moving around slippery surfaces.
Towel
An essential for drying off and staying warm after paddling.
Sunscreen
Crucial for protecting skin during extended outdoor exposure, especially on reflective water.
spring