Watersports Hire Routes in Exeter
The Exeter Canal and the River Exe are the perfect location to give kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding a go. Hire a Kayak from us in Exeter, with no current or flow, the sheltered canal is great for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Start from Exeter Quay, you can be out of the city and into nature after 10 minutes of paddling.

How far can you go?
There are a few different route options while hiring a kayak or canoe from us, we only allow the use of our craft on the Exeter Shipping Canal. How far you can get depends on a lot of factors, so please use these timings as a guide. More experienced groups will be able to travel quicker, kayaks & canoe’s will be able to get further than paddleboards in the same amount of time. Please Contact Us if you have any queries and we can help you advise you.
2 Hour Hire
Our most popular kayak hire duration, the best plan is to head straight down the canal until you get to The Double Locks Pub. It usually takes about 45 minutes each way, so you will have time to stop for a refreshing drink and head back. There is no current or flow, and you will not need to remove the boats from the water. Easy pontoons at either end make this a great option for less able paddlers and younger families.
3 Hour Hire
Want to spend a bit more time at the pub? Take the 3 hour hire. This will give you time to stop for lunch and not worry about rushing back. The Double Locks can get busy in the height of summer so serving times can be longer. Alternatively, use the pontoons to pull your boats out of the water, and a quick carry around to the other side of the lock will let you get back on the water and carry on paddling, take note of the time and turn around when you hit the halfway mark!
Full Day Hire
Take advantage of our Full Day saver rate and have your boats reserved for you from 10am – 4pm. For the intrepid adventurers, get going early and you will be able to head all the way down to The Turf Hotel. After carrying your boats around The Double Locks, it is a beautiful and clear stretch all the way to the end of the canal. You will see plenty of wildlife as you pass the Devon Wildlife Trust and Exminster Marshes RSPB Nature reserves, keep an eye out for the distinctive blue flash of the Kingfisher!
Please note: We recommend previous paddleboarding experience if you would like to go to turf locks on a SUP, as they are a bit slower than the other craft.




Or Call Us on 01392 219600
PLEASE NOTE:
- Full payment is required to confirm your booking
- No children under 8
- 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
- 1 adult to a maximum of 2 children
- For security reasons we require some form of ID: we accept Credit and debit cards, valid passports, Armed forces ID cards, a valid Full UK driving license and other international ID cards
- Cancellation: We require 24hrs notice if you need to cancel for any reason. Less than 24hrs notice and we will not be able to give you a refund. If for any reason AS Watersports have to cancel, we will refund hire charges but are not liable for any other expense incurred.
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Do you have your own kayaks?

Exeter Kayak Hire
Choose from our 1 or 2 person sit-on-top kayaks. Great for beginners, using a double-ended paddle is easy to get to grips with and will keep you going in a straight line. All of our kayaks feature comfortable backrests and generous storage areas, perfect for longer trips.

Canoe Hire in Exeter
The traditional “Canadian” style open canoe is the classic canal cruiser. With enough space for 2 Adults and a Child (over 8) everyone gets a single-ended paddle to get you moving. The Canoe requires a bit more coordination than a kayak, so teamwork is key! You are rewarded with a drier ride, being a bit further away from the water.

