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Aft'noon.
I'm a big advocate of expanding my young lads experiences and doing things as a family.
I've 5 year old twins and would like to take them kayaking / SUP'ing. Now, nothing serious at all. Get them out on the water (small lake for eg.). They can both swim and will have flotation vests etc. Safety first n all.
I can get good deals on equipment as in the "industry" and wont be looking to spend a fortune as tbh dont know how regularly we will get the chance.
I'm know of plenty places in the Lakes to go.
But, are there any good options in and around the North East, around Newcastle.
Cheers
Ladyburn lake in druridge Bay is meant be good for a paddle. Hexham and Prudhoe have canoe/ kayak clubs on the river.
I do (very) little bit of paddleboard in tynemouth, though Cullercoats harbour is well protected to learn in, though think has had dubious water quality recently.
Will keep an eye here, as i have 4 & 5yr old boys want try get out, though probably mainly the 5yr old.
Kielder to far?
Been away 20 years but I used to canoe on a little lake in Killingworth but a google says that might not be the done thing anymore, Queen Elizabeth lake was another venue just above Ashington, and on the Coquet river in Warworth which is flat going upriver from behind the castle.
Bolam Lake?
Based in Beadnell, an hour up the road.
Not a lake but a very sheltered bay. They do lessons with wetsuits etc and they have a safety boat on the water.
Cullercoats (10mile outside Newcastle) https://www.cbkadventures.co.uk/hire
Probably Bolam lake
I'd probably say Cullecoats harbour too - in fact I went for a paddle there last week. Check the water quality, as above, particularly if it's rained, and the tides, since at low tide there's a lot less space inside the harbour.
Otherwise, options for relatively safe, accessible, flat water are limited round here.
Hetton Lyons lake in Hetton le Hole often has quite a few people on it in kayaks and SUPs.
There is a ramp/slipway (sorry I'm not very aquatic so don't know the correct term) close to the car park.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oy415ycLUJX21Vsu6
Not exactly Newcastle but Derwent reservoir nr consett (30 mins) is a good spot for SUP.
They offer day tickets (£10 I think) or you can join sailing club for a year and have unlimited visits.
Some info here https://www.drsc.co.uk/
Asked parents to check as they were at Bolam, according to the sign you need a permit (from the Cafe) for watersports, canoeing was listed but inflatables were not allowed
pressed submit too soon
... but there were adverts for SUP yoga and beginner sessions so might be possible
Ladyburn lake in druridge Bay is meant be good for a paddle - agreed often loads of people there.
Hexham and Prudhoe have canoe/ kayak clubs on the river - I've seen people out in Hexham off the green above the weir. Safe enough in Summer just stay upstream away from the bridge. Also seen people in Wark. There is a slalom setup under the bridge I think and the water is pretty calm.
Never noticed anyone at Bolam?
Derwent, yes.
Never seen anyone at Hetton but it would make sense. They do Tri and open water swimming there.
I've seen people on the Wansbeck. https://maps.app.goo.gl/nF2zvG7QRhNPNuBU6
Kielder off limits for SUP/kayaks (apparently).
I was at Kielder last week. Lots of signs up saying no swimming, no unauthorised watersports etc.
Not sure how you get it authorised but at one of the visitor centres saw people getting into wetsuits for a SUP lesson
If I was being generous I'd say they don't want people getting into trouble etc.
Being realistic/cynical I assume they want you to pay for their lessons or organised sessions.
Compared to this week up at Loch Tay, both ends people launching various SUPs and other floating devices and having fun, and no one gives a stuff and not a sign is sight saying you can't do it. Much more sensible.