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A hiker and their dog hiking in the mountains of the Lake District

What better way to get the adrenaline pumping than with some watersports in the Lake District? 

Cumbria and the Lake District are famous for their numerous bodies of water; from lakes, meres and tarns, to canals and the sea.

This means the area has plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding and more!

Here we have compiled a list of some of our favourite activities and watersports providers in the Lake District…


1. Joint Adventures

Joint Adventures - Watersports in the Lake District.

Fancy yourself as the Lakes number one raft builder? Well, Joint Adventures run a wide range of activities such as raft building and this is a wonderful, fun activity for parties, families, work colleagues or any group of friends.

Set up by Adam McCluskey, he wanted to share his 20 years of teaching experience and passion for the outdoors with people interested in activities in the outdoors.

Relying on teamwork to build rafts from logs and barrels, this on-the-water activity is one of many not to be missed.

When you have finished building your raft, you’ll take to the water to try and be the last raft floating – and it can get competitive!


2. LakeSUP

LakeSUP - Watersports in the Lake District.

DO you have the balancing skills of a flamingo? LakeSUP specialises in offering mobile stand-up paddleboard (SUP) hire.

They offer the very best paddleboards via Red Paddle Co who deliver industry-leading products. You’ll get peace of mind when paddleboarding, knowing that you’re standing on quality.

With so many different bodies of water to explore, LakeSUP gives you the freedom to take your board and paddle anywhere in the Lake District.


3. West Lakes Adventure

West Lakes Adventure

The Lake District is a very popular destination for kayakers. From beginners through to the most experienced riders, you can look to enjoy kayaking activities through West Lake Adventures.

Set up by Steve back in April 2010, he brought his 17 years of experience in the outdoors industry to West Lake.

Located in the stunning Eskdale Valley in the Western Lake District region, there are beautiful, scenic views surrounding West Lake Adventure.

Due to their location, West Lake predominately use Wastwater – the deepest lake in England – which is a peaceful, remote lake and was voted Britain’s favourite view in 2007!

The wider team includes a number of freelance outdoor professionals due to the sheer popularity of the business. They will all help to coach you through all aspects of operating safely whilst journeying on open water, making sure your experience is safe as well as fun! You will also learn how to prepare a boat, paddle efficiently and even play some kayaking games if desired!

A fully mobile business, West Lakes Adventure can offer kayaking on a range of lakes, waters & meres in the Lake District.

Where better to experience and enjoy kayaking for the first time than in the Lake District?


4. Cumbria Canoeists

Cumbria Canoeists

Cumbria Canoeists offer both locals and visitors the opportunity to go canoeing in some of the greatest areas of the Lakes. Their website gives useful information on the best spots to paddle, such as the best lakes, rivers, seas and canals.

Listing the latest events in the area, you’ll be able to learn more about coaching and open canoeing, through to polo events, racing opportunities and also sea kayaking. If you’re up for the biggest of challenges, white water canoeing could be for you!

You can book canoeing directly through their website.


5. The Kepplewray Centre

The Kepplewray Centre - Watersports in the Lake District.

If you’re looking for thrilling fun on the water with qualified instructors, then look no further than The Kepplewray Centre in Broughton-in-Furness.

Close to Coniston Water, the team offers half or whole-day activities such as ghyll scrambling, canoeing, kayaking, raft-building and bridge-jumping, as well as lots of other activities in the hills and mountains around. Subject to availability, and minimum charge of six persons.

Bridge jumping offers you the opportunity to soak your feet in a free-flowing mountain river. The Kepplewray Centre’s instructors know places where you can safely leap off a bridge and plunge into a nice refreshing pool.

Lots of people set out with no intention to initially jump but when they arrive they usually join in. Bridge Jumping is an ‘add on’ rather than a fully-fledged activity but be sure to include it into your journey as the experience will be one to remember!


6. Keswick Launch

Keswick Launch

The Keswick Launch Company was formed in 1935 when many of the individual operators on Derwentwater joined to form one company.

Keswick Launch offers a range of boats to hire offering you the opportunity to sail around the islands and discover the Lakes in a truly special way.

Why not explore some truly memorable things to do and see some of the best views the Lakes has to offer?

You can learn more about their prices, jetties and boats to hire on their website, as well as information on places to eat, walks or events taking place in Derwentwater.


Still searching for more inspiration? Why not take a look at some of our favourite adventure activities on offer in the Lake District, as well as some attractions more on the wild side!

Or do you prefer sports to watersports? Then maybe our top cycling routes would be more your sort of thing, or these great places to play golf in the Lake District.