Kayaking and Canoeing

Cobnor Activities Centre Trust is a specialist British Canoeing centre based on the South Coast.

Located on Chichester harbour, we offer Kayak and canoe hire, explorations of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and qualifications/courses for all abilities.

Our paddlesport fleet includes something for everyone: Open canoes, kayaks & sit on top kayaks.

Weekend Paddle Club   

• 3 hours paddling with tuition 
• Price: £35.00pp
• Timings: 09:30-12:30 
• Ages: 7+

Does spending three hours kayaking or canoeing around one of the UK’s most beautiful natural harbours sound appealing? Have you ever wanted to learn to control a paddling craft effectively, whilst also having fun on the water? Maybe you want to have a qualified instructor help you work on your style and skill?

Then why not join us on our weekend paddle club, a taster session designed for all abilities. Whether you are a beginner, experienced, child or adult, there is something here for everyone! While on the water, you will get to explore the outstanding sights at Chichester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We even provide wetsuits and buoyancy aids!

For afterwards, we recommend bringing a snack or lunch as well as a drink to keep yourself refreshed.

Hear what our customers say: 

As I write the sun is shining, nearly as well as it did for us on Saturday morning. We would just like to say that we thoroughly enjoyed our kayak taster with Gary last Saturday. It left us wanting more! My preconceived view was one of maybe a little try out in a restricted area, but this could not have been further from the reality. We thought it was marvellous to travel the distance we did. It felt like a bit of an adventure. So thank you, from us. 

Graham, Partridge Green

Adults on the Water - Paddling

• Price: £45.00pp 
• Timings: 09:30-14:30
• Ages: 18+  

Drop the children off at school, come and enjoy and the day paddling around Chichester Harbour and be back in time to pick them up again! Adults on the Water is aimed at people who want to try their hand at something new, or consolidate previous skills. 

Priced at just £45.00 from 0930-1430 each day, We also run our Adults on the water sailing course at the same time so why not do both? Sail on some days and paddle on others? Bookable by the day.

Sea Kayaking Taster 

• Price: £75.00pp
• Timings: 09:30-16:30
• Ages: 16+

Does the idea of kayaking around one of the UK's most beautiful natural harbours sound appealing? Are you considering purchasing a sea kayak of your own and want some useful advice? Or maybe you've paddled a bit when you were younger and fancy giving it another go? If so, then our Sea Kayaking Taster course is what you are looking for. 

Join one of our qualified Sea Kayaking coaches and embark on an adventure across Chihcester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natual Beauty (AONB)! During your exploration, we will help you choose the correct kit, as well as assist with boat selection. You will be taught top paddling tips, have an opportunity to ask questions and, as a bonus, there will be coffee and ice cream along the way, wind and tide permitting of course (make sure to bring some change!). 

All equipment, including personal paddling kit, is provided but you are welcome to use your own, subject to a quick suitability check. You will need to bring some water shoes or old trainers that you don't mind getting wet for launching/landing. 

Introduction to Sea Kayaking

• Price : £150.00pp
• Timings : 09:30-16:30
• Ages : 16+

With the rise in popularity in paddle sports our introduction to Sea kayaking course is ideal for beginners (people who have never been in a kayak, but want a fun, safe experience and to learn the skills necessary to enjoy being on the water). We will cover the essential boat handling skills and planning procedures necessary to journey within Chichester Harbour.

The Introduction to Sea Kayaking course runs with up to a maximum group size of 6 participants - with 1 instructor. The small group size enables us to tailor the course to individual needs while enabling participants to progressively develop their skills in sea kayaking using our fleet of P&H Virgos.

Course Content 

We tailor each course to suit the aspirations of the group, but the typical introductory course will cover things like:

• Different kayaks
• Personal safety equipment
• Basic paddling equipment
• How to launch and land your kayak 
• Basic kayak control & paddling techniques
• How to help others back into their kayak if it capsizes
• Learn the basics of how to predict the tide and plan a journey 

Our unique location within the Chichester Harbour enables us to find suitable paddling journeys to suit all. Easy access from our slipway to the sheltered water of the harbour with gentle tides that always allows us to find appropriate locations for the course. Being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) it opens up the opportunity to see a wide and varied collection of wildlife to include wading birds and seals.

Prerequisites: This introductory course is appropriate for all participants with reasonable core strength and fitness.

Core Strength: Can you sit upright on the floor without needing back support for a while and can you then stand up using just 1 hand for support?

Fitness: Can you sustain 2 whole days of physical activity, similar in intensity to a gentle walk over 5 hours?

Please note all our Sea kayaking courses are for Over 16's only.

Participants are welcome to bring their personal paddling equipment however it is not essential as we will provide all the equipment necessary including a wet suit and personal buoyancy Aid. All participants will require trainers or water shoes to get wet, swimsuit, T shirt for under the wet suit. Tea and coffee will be provided, please bring a packed lunch.