Kayaking through a city is an unusual and rewarding way to take in the views, writes Jasper Winn
Cork
CORK HAS been called the Venice of Ireland, which admittedly sounds better than An Corcaigh, the “marsh”. Either, though, heralds a city of quays, channels and bridges built on the islands and banks that’s perfect for kayaking.
Jim Kennedy, who also runs sea-kayak trips in west Cork, takes groups of all abilities out to slip under some of Cork’s 29 bridges (the oldest, Southgate, built in 1713) or to circumnavigate the city centre island.
HIGHLIGHTSGo for a night paddle, slipping under the city's bridges lit by green and blue neon lights and ending with a meal at the Boardwalk Grill.
TIMESYear round, weather permitting.
COST€45 for two hours.
CONTACTAtlantic Sea Kayaking, atlanticseakayaking.com or tel 028-21058 or email info@atlanticseakayaking.com.
Venice
A kayak gives you even more freedom than a gondola to explore back-street canals, stop at small cafes for an espresso, and peer into palazzos from just above water level. The city’s waterways are busy so beginner paddlers need a day’s practice on the lagoon before heading into the traffic of the canals.
HIGHLIGHTSA day trip paddling around the city's sights makes you a participant in canal traffic. Go in autumn when the mists and low sun only add to the atmosphere and take time for a relaxed lunch at an island restaurant.
TIMESAll year bar mid December to mid January.
COST€100 per person for two to five people for a guided day trip.
CONTACTVenice Kayak, phone 00-39-346-4771327, or visit venicekayak.com or email info@venicekayak.com. Atlantic Sea Kayaking will also run four-day paddle tours of the city in 2011.
San Francisco
Sea Trek offers trips around the San Francisco Bay area with the Golden Gate and back tour leaving from Sausalito and taking you as close to the bridge as the day’s winds and currents allow, while also giving you spectacular city skyline views.
HI GHLIGHTSExperienced paddlers can take challenging coastal tours that end up under the Golden Gate Bridge, while everyone can join the monthly full moon trips with dinner at a Mexican restaurant included.
TIMESYear round.
COSTThe Golden Gate and back tour is $75 (€54) for four hours.
CONTACTSea Trek, tel 00-1-415-4881000 or visit seatrek.com, or email paddle@seatrek.com.
New York
New York is another metropolis of islands and bridges, and kayaking the waters of the Hudson River in Lower Manhattan gives you an unforgettable view of the Big Apple. A fast tidal river with big shipping means that paddlers must be over 14 years, and for the most exciting and iconic trips you need experience.
HIGHLIGHTSTo view the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty from just above water level, under your own paddle power, is an incomparable experience. Lessons can be booked to get you to a level to take the more challenging trips.
TIMESEvery day bar Mondays.
COST$50 (€36) per hour.
CONTACTNew York Kayak Co, tel 00-1-212-924-1327 or visit nykayak.com or email info@nykayak.com.
Melbourne
Melbourne's Yarra River was the first landfal l for many immigrants to Australia and kayaking into the city gives you the same view they had. Start fromVictoria Harbour in the dolled-up docklands and paddle through the vibrant heart of the downtown area before ending up by Federation Square.
HIGHLIGHTSEnjoy fish and chips in your kayak while on a moonlight paddle.
TIMESYear round, but weekends only between April and November.
COSTAUS$69 (€49) to AUS$99 (€70) depending on the tour.
CONTACTKayak Melbourne, kayakmelbourne.com.au or tel 00-61-3-9939-6537 or email info@kayakmelbourne.com.au.
London
Depending on your interests and your experience you can either take a guided trip on the still waters of Regent’s Canal, pass historic landmarks on the Hampton Court tour as you paddle the River Thames, or head towards Tower Bridge where the river becomes a fast flowing tidal artery through the heart of the city.
HIGHLIGHTSFor able paddlers the Tower Bridge tour passes the London Eye and Houses of Parliament on a big, fast tidal river, while the beginner-friendly Regent's Canal tour passes next to London Zoo.
TIMESAll year from sunrise to sunset. Tower Bridge tours restart in spring 2011.
COSTHampton Court Tours: £59 (€68) per person. Regents Canal: £74.99 (€86). Tower Bridge Tours: £89.99 (€103) per person (16 years plus).
CONTACTThames River Adventures. Tel 00-44-208-3613009 or visit thamesriveradventures.co.uk or info@thamesriveradventures.co.uk.
Stockholm
Where the Baltic meets Lake Mälaren, Sweden’s capital is part sea port, part lakeside resort, and all class. The numerous islands that make up the centre are crowded with palaces, cathedrals and parliament buildings while along the coast the archipelago provides thousands of pristine desert islands for camping.
HIGHLIGHTSJoin in the scheduled beginners' paddles on Tuesday nights from May to September and enjoy tuition, tour and a meal. In the summer daylight lasts into the small hours.
TIMESThroughout summer.
COST€50 per person for evening courses.
CONTACTSvima Sport AB, tel 00-46-8-7302210 or svima.se or kanotcenter@svima.se.
Vancouver
Canada’s west coast seaboard mixes real wilderness with 21st century skylines, and sea kayaking in Vancouver can take you downtown to Granville Island market or away from the city to kayak among the wildlife of the Pacific Ocean.
HIGHLIGHTSFor capable paddlers it's possible to hire a sea kayak and head off on a self-guided trip into the parks. Otherwise join one of the guided full moon tours, or mix paddling and walking in Stanley Park.
TIMESDaily mid April to mid September.
COSTCAN$85 (€61) for four-hour guided tour.
CONTACTEcomarine Coastal Kayak School, ecomarine.com, tel 00-1-604-689-7575 or school@ecomarine.com.
Buenos Aires
You can hire a kayak in the suburb of Tigre on the delta of the River Plate that feels like the Howth of Buenos Aires but is only a few paddle strokes from hundreds of miles of creeks, canals and huge waterways that act as “roads” for shop boats and speeding water buses serving houses and cabins hidden on a myriad of islands overgrown with jungle vegetation.
HIGHLIGHTSYou can hire a kayak and head off alone, but taking a guide will guarantee you find your way back and you'll learn more about the wildlife and history of the delta.
TIMESYear round. Tuesday to Sunday.
COSTKayak hire around €7 for half a day. Extra for guide.
CONTACTNahuel Rowing Club, Tigre, puroremo.com.ar, or tel 00-54-15-58082237.
Wroclaw
Poland’s fourth city boasts two rivers, 12 islands and 112 bridges while nearby there are another five rivers wending their way through hilly countryside, making it possible to kayak from the heart of the city into rural tranquillity.
HIGHLIGHTSThe historic city centre, Wroclaw Cathedral on Cathedral Island, the medieval streets and great pubs are all close to and best appreciated from the river.
TIMESFrom April to October.
COSTFrom €15 for a short city kayak trip.
CONTACTActive Poland, visit activepoland.com, or email office@activepoland.com or tel 00-48-71-3445151.
Tips for paddle trips
- CITY KAYAK trips often run year round but high winds can cancel trips at short notice; check on day.
- MOST TOUR companies provide kayaks (invariably high-spec sea kayaks), paddles, spray-decks where necessary and buoyancy aid. Some provide waterproof jackets/cagoules and dry-bags for kit and cameras.
- BRING A towel, light shoes, water bottle and a change of sports clothes, including rain jacket, that might get wet. Sun hat and sunglasses are a must.
- MOST OUTFITTERS provide lock-ups at the centre or in support vehicles for valuables.
- All providers take beginner paddlers on their trips, though some also have tours that require previous experience.
- MOST OPERATORS require basic swimming ability. Children above certain ages – often eight years old – are welcome with accompanying adult.
- EVEN SPLASHES of saltwater and a sousing in freshwater can ruin a camera, so bring a sealed plastic camera bag which allows you to use a point-and-shoot digital camera in wet conditions.