Top Tips: Lake Safety and Equipment

Can I canoe, kayak or paddleboard on a lake in Wales?

If the lake is open to paddlesports and you follow any site-specific requirements (permits, equipment, insurance etc) then yes, you can go canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding!

Some lakes have restricted areas of water (dam spillways, wildlife, angling etc) and sections of bank can be privately owned or be protected habitats, so it’s worth checking any access restrictions beforehand. Only use official launch/landing sites for access/picnics!

If you want to see a list of lakes that are open to paddlers, please keep reading as there’s a link of where to find them below…

Is it safe to canoe, kayak or paddleboard on lakes?

Generally, lakes are safe waterspaces, provided you have the right equipment, knowledge and skills. To make your lake-based adventure as safe and enjoyable as possible:

·      Check the weather forecast – avoid or plan around offshore winds.

·      Check the conditions when you arrive – wind direction and speed, waves.

·      Wear an appropriate buoyancy aid or personal flotation device (PFD).

·      Carry a means of calling for help (mobile phone in a waterproof pouch).

·      If paddleboarding use an appropriate leash (ideally a waist leash with quick release).

·      Tell someone where you’re going (RYA SafeTrx is a handy tracking/safety app).

·      If in doubt – don’t go out! 

Should I go out if it’s windy and what’s the difference between onshore and offshore wind?

The weather can have a big impact on your trip and wind can be your biggest friend or your worst enemy, especially on larger, more exposed lakes. You set off, blast down the lake like a paddle-powered missile, then turn round and get stopped dead by the wind. You realise the wind has pushed you away from the shore and you now have to paddle back against it. It only takes around 12mph of headwind to make paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing difficult. And Wales is a windy place! 

Avoid or plan around offshore winds

Get the weather forecast and check the wind speed and direction; will the wind blow you towards the shore (onshore wind) or carry you away from the shore (offshore wind)? Offshore winds should be avoided or be carefully planned around. 

Calm conditions are best, however, if there is a breeze plan your journey around it. Try to start your trip paddling into the wind; that could mean choosing a different launch spot or planning your trip so you paddle into the wind first and then with the wind on the way back (that way you’ll get some assistance on the return journey – when you’ll probably need it most!). Starting out into the wind also means if it gets too strong to paddle against you can just turn round and let it carry you back to the shore.

Be prepared to change your plans or ditch your trip completely if the conditions aren’t right.

Get a forecast

There are two websites that can help you with this. The MetOffice is the go-to place for weather forecasts and includes wind direction and speed. If you prefer something a little more visual, Windy.tv is a great secondary resource; it shows live (and forecast) wind direction and speed on a map, so it’s easy to see the wind direction and how it will change during the day. Both of these are also available as apps for iOS and Android.

Check the conditions when you arrive

When you arrive, look out for any windsocks and flags; if they’re flying fully extended then it’s probably too windy! Check which way they’re lifting – towards the shore (onshore) or away from the shore (offshore). You can even go old school and put your finger in the air!

Look at the ‘state’ of the water too. Waves are created by wind blowing across the water. If the water is flat and calm it usually means there is little wind. If there are waves or whitehorses that usually means there’s lots of wind. If it’s flat and calm near the shore with waves and whitehorses further out, that’s a sign that there’s more wind further out, which is best avoided – stick to the calm, shoreline waters. 

A lot of lakes in Wales are surrounded by hills and mountains, which can funnel the wind and make it even stronger. The size of the lake will have an impact too; the further the wind travels over the water the bigger the waves. So longer lakes can have surprisingly rough water. Again, have a good look at the water when you arrive to see if any areas have bigger waves and plan your trip around these.

What equipment do I need?

Most importantly a ‘lake-worthy’ paddlecraft! For inflatables check the board/kayak is rigid when pumped, has no leaks and any attachment points are secure. For hard-hulled (plastic/composite) boats check that the hull is intact (no cracks or holes), that the fittings are secure (seats, grab handles etc) and the plastic isn’t brittle/UV-damaged.

A buoyancy aid or personal flotation device (PFD) is essential, whether you’re paddling a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Ideally one that has been designed specifically for paddlesports (easier to paddle and swim in). 

For paddleboards a leash is vital (ideally a waist leash, if not an ankle or calf leash is suitable for flat water). 

You should also carry: a mobile phone (in a waterproof pouch, carried on you, not on your boat/board), appropriate clothing for the weather (plus spares in a dry bag), water, food, hand sanitiser and sunscreen (fingers crossed you need it!).

What if there are powerboats, yachts or other boats on the lake?

Quite a few lakes in Wales have sailing clubs on them, and some permit motorised craft. If there is a large group of sailboats try to keep clear of them, if you do paddle through them give them plenty of room and remember that they can change direction very quickly. There are ‘rules of the road’ for water users, however, not everyone is aware of them so keep an eye out for other craft and give them space. The ‘rules of the road’ for water users are; motorised craft should give way to sailboats, and they should both give way to paddle (or oar) powered craft.

Is it OK to paddle near rivers, spillways and dams?

Most lakes have water flowing into and out of them, whether that’s rivers or dam spillways. Where rivers flow in or out of the lake there will usually be some degree of flow, which can carry you in/out of the lake or give you a bit of a wobble! If you’re paddling across a river inlet or outlet take a moment to check for any flow, you might need to paddle further into the lake where there will be less current. Dam spillways can be very dangerous and are usually buoyed off. Even if they aren’t, keep your distance to avoid any currents.

What about wildlife – will there be fish or birds?

Lakes are havens for wildlife, whether that’s otters, osprey, carp or coots. Most fish will dart into the depths before you have chance to see them. Birds and mammals are naturally cautious but if you keep your distance and stay quiet you might be lucky enough to see an otter rolling in the water or a heron fishing from the bank. If they start moving away from you it’s probably because you’ve spooked them, so drop back and give them some space. 

Some lakes have restricted areas of water/bank because of wildlife e.g. nesting birds. These can be seasonal, so it’s worth checking any restrictions beforehand.

I’ve heard about blue green algae and invasive non-native species (INNS) – are these dangerous?

Blue-green algae naturally occurs in lakes and are an important part of the aquatic ecosystem. Occasionally they will have a bit of a ‘growth spurt’ and create a bloom, which can look like paint, jelly or clumps floating on the surface. These can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Check beforehand to see if there have been any reports of blue green algae. If you see anything that looks like an algal bloom don’t go into the water and report it to Natural Resources Wales (NRW): 0300 065 3000.

Invasive non-native species (INNS) are a big threat to our waterways and can have disastrous effects on the aquatic ecosystem. Plants can choke waterways, animals can damage riverbanks and compete for habitat and food. To help stop the spread you should check, clean and dry your equipment after every trip. Find out more about INNS and how to clean your kit here. 

Which lakes and reservoirs can I canoe, kayak and paddleboard on in Wales?

There are around 19 lakes that are open to paddlesports in Wales. We have a handy list of these that includes access info, directions and contact details here. Some of these require public liability insurance (which is included in Canoe Wales membership – very handy!).

We’ve also produced Paddling Trails for Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), Llynnau Mymbyr, Lake Vyrnwy and Llandegfed Lake. These are free downloads packed with all the info you need to get on the water; launch points, distances, accessibility, parking, facilities and local info. Plus a map and downloadable GPX file. You can download them here. 

I’d like to build my skills and confidence, are there any groups I can join or courses I can go on?

Yes! If you’d like to join a group, canoe clubs are fantastic portal into the world of paddlesport. They usually have kit you can hire/borrow, run regular coaching sessions and trips, and are generally a fun and friendly bunch of people! Find your nearest club here.

If it’s a course you’re after the British Canoeing award scheme has them for all abilities, paddlecraft and waterways. They are certified, which is great if you want to prove your skills if you’re hiring kit or joining an organised trip. Alternatively, you could arrange a private coaching session – we’d recommend using a certified Training Provider – you can find one near you here.

Some great courses are:

Paddle Safer (2 hours – all paddlecraft)

Paddle Discover and Paddle Explorer awards (1–2 days – all paddlecraft)

SUP Safer (4 hours – paddleboards)

SUP Sheltered Water award (1–2 days – paddleboards)

Touring award (2– 3 days – all paddlecraft)

To find out about courses in Wales visit the Canoe Wales website or contact the Coaching and Development manager coaching@canoewales.com

If you do head out remember:

Floatation – use a buoyancy aid or PFD (and appropriate leash on a SUP).

Location – understand the local conditions and wind effects.

Navigation – do you know where you are going? Take a GPS or map.

Communication – take a method of calling for help, tell someone where you’re going.

Education – do a course or some online learning.