FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find the answers for all the questions you may have below. If you have any further questions please contact us direct.
How can I book?
You can book online using the following links Ironbridge Canoe Hire or Mini Raft Hire, Mega SUP Hire or if you prefer you can call us on 07497 086936 and we will process the booking for you over the phone. We require full payment at the time of booking to confirm your trip.
How can I pay?
You can pay with a debit card and most major credit cards.
How young can children be on self-hire boats?
For canoes, kayaks and mini-rafts we allow children aged 4 and over to participate. Children under the age of 10 years must be accompanied by an adult on a one to one basis.
For single kayak hire children must be a minimum of 12 years of age and have prior experience paddling a single kayak, and be accompanied by an adult in a separate boat.
For mega SUP’s we allow children aged 10 and over to participate.
The minimum hire age is 18 years old and an adult must accompany anyone under the age of 18.
What equipment do you supply?
We provide the boat, paddle, buoyancy aid, dry bag and a free minibus shuttle. We also provide helmets for mega SUP hire.
Where do we meet?
For canoe, kayak, mini-raft and mega SUP hire on our 10am and 11am trips our staff will meet you in Severn Park, Bridgnorth (WV15 5AF) where you can park your vehicle for £5.50 all day.
A few days before your booking we will email you with details of where to meet, what time to meet and what to bring.
You can also follow this link to the what3words website or use the app to find Severn Park car park.
We recommend you check in advance for any road closures/road works that may affect your journey.
For our breakfast club bookings we will email you a few days prior to your trip with details of where to park your vehicle in Coalport.
What time shall I arrive?
A few days prior to your trip we will email you with details of the time to arrive.
As we have multiple shuttles during the morning and other customers to look after, our minibus will leave Severn Park, Bridgnorth at the time stated. We cannot wait if you are running late so we recommend you arrive early. If you do arrive late you will miss your trip with no refund or reschedule given.
Please also check ahead for any road closures/road works that may affect your journey.
For our breakfast club bookings we will email you a few days prior to your trip with details of where to park your vehicle in Coalport.
What should I wear?
We run rain or shine so please dress appropriate for the weather on the day.
We recommend you wear quick drying outdoor clothing, leggings or fitness gear as you will want to be comfortable. Bring a rain jacket (just in case!) and do not wear jeans as they can become heavy and uncomfortable in wet weather. As the banks may be slippy please wear sensible footwear, i.e trainers and no wellington boots, flip flops or crocs.
Due to the drainage holes in a sit-on-top kayak you will get your bottom half wet. Therefore, we recommend you bring a change of clothing for the end of your trip and a towel. Please note we do not have changing facilities on site but public toilets are available in Severn Park.
You may get your feet wet so we recommend you wear old trainers you don’t mind getting wet or wet suit shoes.
What is the maximum weight limit per boat?
Maximum weight per boat is shown below.
2 person canoe or double sit on top kayak – 35 stone (222kg)
3 person canoe – 40 stone (254kg)
Single sit on top kayak -16 stone (101kg)
Mini-raft – 70 stone (444kg)
Mega-SUP – 99 stone (630kg)
Is there parking close by?
For our 10am and 11am trips please park your vehicle in Severn Park, Bridgnorth, WV15 5AF where it costs £5.50 for full day parking.
You can also follow this link to find Severn Park car park
For our breakfast club bookings we will email you a few days prior to your trip with details of where to park your vehicle in Coalport.
The parking machines in Severn Park do not accept cash so you will need to pay with a debit card. You can also pay via the MiPermit App – machine number 741001 (Severn Park Car Park) online here.
What facilities are there on site?
Public toilets are available in Severn Park. Please also remember to bring your food/drink with you as we cannot wait for you to buy supplies on the day.
Your trip finishes in Severn Park. There are a number of cafes, pubs and shops in Bridgnorth just a short walk away.
Will I capsize?
Our canoes are fitted with a buoyancy block, however we can never say never! In the event that you flip the boat you will need to be confident to swim yourself, the boat and equipment to the side of the river bank where you’ll be able to empty the boat and get back in. Whilst we are only a phone call away we are not with you on the river so will not be there to assist you! If you are unsure then please check out our mini-raft hire as these are much more stable on the water.
What should I bring?
We advise you to bring a fully charged mobile phone, snacks and soft drinks. Please bring your food/drink with you from home as we cannot wait on the day for you to buy supplies. When the weather is hot the sun reflecting off the water can increase your chance of heat stroke and sunburn so please bring sunscreen. We recommend you do not bring expensive cameras or jewellery as we cannot be held liable for their loss or damage. Please remember to bring your photo ID (driving licence or passport). We recommend you also bring a change of clothing and towel for the end of your trip in the event you get wet.
Can I paddle on the river by myself?
We do not allow anyone to paddle on the river alone for safety reasons. To book single kayaks you need a minimum of 2 people to book.
Can I bring alcohol?
No alcohol is allowed on any of our trips.
If you are found under the influence of alcohol or any other substances you will not be permitted to hire or participate and we will not provide a refund or reschedule in the event of cancellation. Furthermore, you cannot take alcohol on the river and we will confiscate this if found in your possession (to be returned at the end of your trip). If you refuse to relinquish alcohol we will cancel the trip with no refund or reschedule provided, no questions asked!
What's the difference between a canoe and a kayak?
You use a one bladed paddle and paddle on one side in a canoe.
You use a double bladed paddle and paddle on both sides in a kayak.
Will my trip run in wet weather?
We run rain or shine so please dress appropriate for the weather on the day.
If river levels are running higher on the day of your booking we may need to change your choice of boat from canoes and kayaks to a mini-raft. We can run mini-rafts at higher river levels as they are much more stable on the water.
If we determine that weather and river conditions are unsafe on the day of you trip we will contact you in the morning as soon as possible to advise you by text or email. In these circumstances we will reschedule your trip to another date.
Can I buy a gift voucher?
You certainly can! You can buy a gift voucher online when our booking system is available (April to September) on our Gift Voucher page . In our off-peak season (October to March) when our booking system is offline please email us at Ironbridge Canoe Hire for details.
Are dogs allowed?
Want to bring your furry friend along for a paddle? No problem, you can bring your dog on our canoe and mini-raft hire! However, please keep in mind that if your dog doesn’t settle or isn’t used to being on the water, it can make the canoe unstable. For a more stable option, our mini-rafts are a great choice. Please note that dogs are not allowed on our kayak or mega SUP hire, and we do not provide buoyancy aids for dogs. So, if you’re planning a water adventure with your canine companion, let us know in advance and get ready for some unforgettable moments on the river!
Can you accommodate a group trip?
We have a fleet of boats available and can accommodate large groups. Please call or email with your requirements in advance.
What is your cancellation policy?
To cancel or make any amendments to your mini-raft, mega sup, canoe or kayak hire you will need 7 full days before your booked trip date/time for a full refund (groups of under 10 people).
For groups of 10 or more people you will need one full calendar month for a full refund.
How can I contact you if I have further questions?
If you have any further questions please call us at 07497 086936 or email us Ironbridge Canoe Hire