COVID-19 Guidance / COVID-19 FAQs

COVID-19 FAQs

Check our frequently asked questions about paddling during the COVID-19 pandemic below.


Please note these FAQs are part of our wider guidance on a return to paddlesport in Wales. For the full guidance please go to our COVID-19 Guidance page


Last Updated: 15 July 2021

  • How far can I travel to go paddling?

    From 12 April, Welsh residents are permitted to travel to England and other parts of the UK to go paddling, subject to any local restrictions.

  • Can I come to Wales to paddle if I live in England?

    From 12 April, people living in England and other parts of the UK are permitted to travel to Wales to go paddling.

  • Who can I go paddling with?

    If you're paddling outdoors, there are no legal limits on the number of people you can paddle with informally.  


    However, organised activity should be limited to under 100 adults (unlimited for children) unless it's an event (with a specific risk assessement and associated measures).


    If you're paddling indoors, you can paddle:

    • With your own household or extended household
    • With up to 6 people from other households.
    • In a group of up to 50 people as part of an organised activity
  • Can I go paddling on coastal waters?

    Yes.  Although please be aware the RNLI have reported increased callouts and there has been a significant increase in people participating who are new to paddling and inexperienced.


    Therefore, please promote safe practice wherever possible and look to assist those who may be at risk.  


    You should carry a means of communication with you, know how to use it and know who you will contact in an emergency. 


    Be Adventure Smart.

  • Can I paddle on canals?

    Yes. You must follow all Welsh Government and Canoe Wales guidance at all times and comply with any additional restrictions from the Canal and River Trust. You also must have a valid waterways licence, which is included in a Canoe Wales On the Water membership. If you do not have a licence, you can purchase membership here. Here is the latest guidance from the Canal and River Trust.

  • How do I find out if the launch point or waterway I want to use is open?

    Unfortunately, we are unable to publish up-to-date information about the hundreds of launch points and waterways across Wales but we can give some advice about how to find this information out.  


    You should first identify who manages the launch point or waterway and check their website for information about closures or openings. If you can’t find information online, try calling the information number on their website. 


    If that is unsuccessful, you can email our Places to Paddle Manager phil.stone@canoewales.com and we will do our best to advise as quickly as we can. 


    Until you have had confirmation that a launch point is open, please do not launch. Please also respect any posted signs or notices. 


  • Can I deliver coaching or commercial sessions?

    Yes.  The ease of restrictions means that all
    coaching, leadership and safety courses can run. For more information, please see our guidance for activity organisers.

  • Can I share or hire equipment?

    Yes, provided you can follow our guidance for cleaning equipment.


    If you are a club or commercial provider, you should ensure you have a COVID-19 risk assessment and safety protocols in place, which should include your cleaning protocols and how you will book out and hand over the equipment safely. 

  • Do we have to clean equipment?

    The answer depends on if the equipment is being shared and how often. If you will be sharing equipment or hiring equipment, you should read our Guidelines for Cleaning Equipment.

  • Can clubs reopen?

    Yes, clubs can now run outdoor group sessions or activities again. 


    From 17 July: 

    • Organised outdoor activities for children or up to 100 adults are permitted.
    • Organised indoor activities for children or up to 50 adults are permitted.

    Clubs will need to ensure:

    • You have read through our current Guidance for Activity Providers before you organise any sessions
    • Numbers do not exceed 100 outdoors (50 indoors) ​- this includes the coach or instructor
    • All participants are registered for Track & Trace purposes
    • You have a group leader and a COVID-19 risk assessment and safety plan
    • All participants from different households stay 2m apart wherever possible

    If your club is considering running activities for under-18's, please review the Government FAQs  beforehand. There is no limit on the numbers of U18s who can be involved but organisers should be mindful of the space available.


    If your club requires more help or support, please contact your Development Officer or email admin@canoewales.com

  • Can clubs restart canoe polo?

    Yes, now that swimming pools are open and organised indoor activities are allowed for kids and up to 50 adults, canoe polo can resume subject to following additional restrictions - make sure you read our guidance for restarting canoe polo on the COVID-19 Guidance for Activity Organisers page.

  • Is there funding for clubs that have been affected by COVID-19?

    Yes, the Sport Wales Be Active Wales Fund is still open, which all clubs can apply to for assistance. You can find more information at www.sport.wales/beactivewalesfund/

    If you are thinking of applying, please contact your Development Officer or email admin@canoewales.com for advice on your application before submitting.

  • Can you recommend a booking system for clubs or centres to use as part of our COVID safety protocols?

    If you are a Canoe Wales affiliated club, you can purchase the Club+ add-on for GoMembership which will allow you to book sessions and collect payment online. We are currently considering options to reduce the cost of this service for clubs, so if you are interested in this service please get in touch with one of our development officers.


    Other low-cost or free options for clubs or commercial providers include:

    • Eventzilla - free for free sessions and charges a fee to collect payments
    • Google Forms - where you can create a free online form which collects responses in a spreadsheet
    • Bookeo.com - which offers a 30 day free trial
  • Where can I find full details of the Welsh Government regulations?

    Our guidance is based on the latest version of the Welsh Government guidance, which you can find here: gov.wales/coronavirus


Go back to the
COVID-19 Guidance for members page

Still have questions? Send us a message through our Contact Us page.
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