Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers for all the questions you may have below.  If you have any further questions please contact us direct.

How can I book?

You can book online or if you prefer you can Call us and we will process the booking for you over the phone. Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your trip.

How can I pay?

We accept debit cards and most major credit cards.

What is the minimum age for children on self-hire boats?

To hire canoes, kayaks and mini-rafts children aged 4 and over can participate.  Any children under the age of 10 years must be accompanied by an adult on a one to one basis.  

For single kayak hire children must be a minimum of 12 years of age and have prior experience paddling a single kayak, and be accompanied by an adult in a separate boat.

For self-hire on our mega SUP’s children aged 10 and over can participate.

The minimum hire age is 18 years old and an adult must accompany anyone under the age of 18.

 

What's the difference between a canoe and a kayak?

In a canoe you have a one bladed paddle and paddle on one side. 

On a sit-on-top kayak you have a double bladed paddle and paddle on both sides.

 

Can I paddle on the river by myself?

For safety reasons you cannot paddle on the river by yourself. Therefore, to book single kayaks you will need a minimum of two people per booking.

Will I flip the boat?

Our canoes are fitted with a buoyancy block, however we can never say never! In the event that you flip the canoe or kayak you will need to be confident to swim yourself, the boat and equipment to the side of the river bank where you’ll be able to empty the boat and get back in. Whilst we are only a phone call away we are not with you on the river so will not be there to assist you! If you are concerned about flipping then please check out our mini-rafts which are much more stable on the water.

What equipment do you supply?

We provide the boat, paddle, buoyancy aid, dry bag and a free minibus shuttle.  For mega SUP hire we also provide helmets.

Where do we meet?

For hire of canoes, kayaks, mini-rafts and mega SUP’s on our 10am and 11am trips please meet our staff in the car park in Severn Park, Bridgnorth, WV15 5AF where you can park your vehicle for £5.50 all day.  We will email you a few days before your booking with full details of where to meet, what time to meet and what to bring.

You can also follow this link to the what3words website or use the app to find Severn Park car park.

Please check ahead for any road closures/road works that may affect your journey.

What time should I arrive?

For half day hire, our minibus shuttles leave Severn Park in Bridgnorth at 10am and 11am.

We will email you a few days prior to your trip with full details. Please arrive early to allow time to park, pay and sort your bags.  Please note that the parking machines in Severn Park do not accept cash, so you will need to pay on a debit card or via the app. You can pay via the MiPermit App – machine number 741001 (Severn Park Car Park) here. Parking costs £5.50 for the full day.

We run multiple minibus shuttles in the morning so we ask that you are prompt. Our minibus will leave at the time stated so if you arrive late we will have to leave without you and you will miss your trip with no refund or reschedule given.

Please also check ahead for any road closures/road works that may affect your journey time.

What is the maximum weight limit per boat?

Maximum weight per boat is shown below.

2 person canoe or double sit on top kayak – 35 stone (222kg)

3 person canoe – 40 stone (254kg)

Single sit on top kayak -16 stone (101kg)

Mini-raft – 70 stone (444kg)

Mega-SUP – 99 stone (630kg)

What should I wear?

Please dress appropriate for the weather on the day. Please wear quick drying outdoor clothing, leggings or fitness gear as you will want to be comfortable during your trip. Bring an appropriate rain jacket (just in case!) and do not wear jeans as they can become heavy and uncomfortable if they get wet.  Please also wear sensible shoes you don’t mind getting wet, i.e trainers and no wellington boots or flip flops. 

In a sit-on-top kayak you will get your bottom half wet due to the drainage holes in them.. We recommend you bring a change of clothing for the end of your trip and a towel in case you get wet. There are no changing facilities at the end of the trip but public toilets are available in Severn Park where you finish.

What should I bring?

Don’t forget to come prepared! Bring along your mobile phone, snacks, and soft drinks to keep you fuelled throughout the day. Plan ahead and bring everything you need, as we cannot wait for you to buy supplies on the day. Also, remember to pack sunscreen as the sun’s reflection on the water can be quite strong. However, it’s best to leave anything expensive at home to ensure a worry-free experience.

Can I bring alcohol?

No alcohol is allowed on any of our trips.

You will not be permitted to hire or participate in the event if you are found under the influence of alcohol or any other substances and we will not provide a refund or reschedule in the event of cancellation.  Furthermore, you cannot take alcohol on the river and we have the right to confiscate it until you return. If you refuse to relinquish alcohol we will cancel the trip with no refund or reschedule given, no questions asked!

 

Is there parking close by?

You can park in Severn Park, Bridgnorth, WV15 5AF which costs £5.50 for full day parking which we recommend if you are on a half day hire.

You can also follow this link to the what3words website or use the app to find Severn Park car park.

Please note that the parking machines in Severn Park do not accept cash, so you will need to pay on a debit card or via the app. You can pay via the MiPermit App – machine number 741001 (Severn Park Car Park) here.

What facilities are there on site?

Public toilets are available in Severn Park, Bridgnorth.  Please also remember to bring your food and drink with you as we cannot wait for you to buy supplies on the day.

There are a number of cafes, pubs and independent shops within walking distance at the end of your trip in Bridgnorth.

Can I bring my dog?

Want to bring your furry friend along for a paddle? No problem, you can bring your dog on our canoe and mini-raft hire! However, please keep in mind that if your dog doesn’t settle or isn’t used to being on the water, it can make the canoe unstable. For a more stable option, our mini-rafts are a great choice. Please note that dogs are not allowed on our kayak or mega SUP hire, and we do not provide buoyancy aids for dogs. If you’re planning on bringing your dog along please let us know in advance.

Will my trip run in wet weather?

We run rain or shine so please dress appropriate for the weather on the day. 

If river levels are running higher on the day of your booking we may need to change your choice of boat from canoes and kayaks to a mini-raft.  We can run mini-rafts at higher river levels as they are much more stable on the water.

If we deem the weather and river conditions unsafe on the day we will contact you as soon as possible. In this instance we will reschedule your trip to another date.

Can you accommodate a group trip?

We have a number of boats available and can accommodate large groups. Please call or email with your requirements in advance.

Can I buy a gift certificate?

Looking for the perfect gift for your friends or family members then look no further! You can buy a gift certificate online on our Gift Certificate page.

What is your cancellation/amendment policy?

To cancel hire or make any amendments to your booking you will need 7 full days before your booked trip date/time for a full refund (groups of under 10 people). For groups of 10 or more people you will need one full calendar month before your booked trip date/time for a full refund.

How can I contact you?

Call us  or Email us if you have any further questions.

Please check out our other websites at the links below:

www.ironbridgecanoehire.co.uk

www.shropshirerafttours.co.uk