Kayaking Guides, Gear & Places to Paddle
Build your confidence on the water with practical advice, equipment ideas and inspiration for your next adventure.
Make more of your time on the water
First-time paddler or weekend explorer? Kayak Mad helps you build your skills, discover new routes and choose equipment that suits the way you paddle.
New to kayaking?
Get to grips with the basics and build your confidence on the water.
Planning your next trip?
Find inspiration and practical details for your next day on the water.
Choosing your kit?
Explore kayaks, clothing and accessories for your adventures.
Kayaking Advice & Destination Guides
- Kayaking in Dubrovnik: City Walls, Lokrum and Coastal Paddles
I spent three weeks kayaking around Dubrovnik and the surrounding coastline. Here’s my guide to the city walls, Lokrum, Betina Cave and choosing a paddle that suits you. - Kayaking in South Wales: Six Places Worth a Paddle
Explore kayaking in South Wales with Mark’s pick of six places, from lakes and the Neath Canal to Gower and Pembrokeshire, with hire and access advice. - Kayaking in Birmingham: Canals, Hire & Local Tips
Discover kayaking in Birmingham with Mark’s canal paddles, guided tours, launch advice, reservoir access and the licence information you need. - Kayaking in Nottingham: Trent, Canals & Local Tips
Explore kayaking in Nottingham with Mark’s cricket-trip paddles, Trent and canal options, beginner sessions, clubs and practical licensing advice. - Kayaking vs Canoeing: Differences & Which to Try
Compare kayaking vs canoeing in plain language: paddles, seating, boat design, beginner comfort and the kind of paddling experience each can offer. - Kayaking in Glasgow: Canals, Clyde & Nearby Lochs
Discover kayaking in Glasgow with Mark’s canal and coastal experiences, Pinkston sessions, nearby lochs and useful access and route-planning links. - Kayaking in Pembrokeshire: Coast, Rivers & Hire
Explore kayaking in Pembrokeshire with Mark’s coastal favourites, estuaries, Llys y Frân, local operators and practical links for planning your paddle. - Kayaking in Bath: Avon, Canal Routes & Local Tips
Discover kayaking in Bath with Mark’s city paddle, River Avon and canal ideas, guided sessions, useful access advice and places to explore afterwards. - Kayaking in Windsor: Thames, Lakes & Local Tips
Plan kayaking in Windsor with Mark’s family paddle, Thames routes, nearby lakes, hire options and the registration and access details you need.
Meet Mark, the paddler behind Kayak Mad
I’m Mark, a digital marketer, dad and lifelong kayaking enthusiast based in Berkshire. I started paddling around Bundaberg, Australia, aged six. These days, I mostly paddle the Thames between Marlow and Windsor when family life allows.
Kayak Mad began as my paddling diary. Most destination articles cover places I’ve personally visited; others draw on friends’ experiences or research.
Good gear.
Better days
on the water.
Explore inflatable kayaks and handy storage for your next adventure. Check current prices, product details and availability on Amazon UK.
Intex Challenger K1
A one-person inflatable kayak set with aluminium paddle and hand pump.
Intex Challenger K2
A two-person inflatable kayak set with aluminium paddles, seats and hand pump.
kuou Dry Bags · 5 Pack
Five lightweight roll-top storage bags in sizes from 1.5 to 6 litres.
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Where will your next paddle take you?
From familiar rivers to somewhere completely new, find inspiration for your next day on the water. Explore our kayaking destination guides and discover a place that suits your next adventure.