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Kayak Hire In Exeter

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. Kayak through Exeter and explore this beautiful slice of Devon!

Top Quality UK Made Kayaks

All of our kayaks are stable and have supportive backrests 

Price includes Buoyancy Aids, Paddles & Drybag

Customer Changing Rooms & Toilet 

170+

5 Star Reviews on Tripadvisor!

How To Find Us
Book Online
Terms and Conditions

Where you can paddle

Exeter Shipping Canal

We are based right on the historic Exeter shipping canal, offering calm waters and beautiful scenery just a short paddle from the shop. How far you can get depends on a lot of factors, so please use these timings as a guide. 

2 Hour Hire - To The Pub!

Our most popular kayak hire duration, head straight down the canal to The Double Locks Pub. Usually taking 45 minutes each way, you will have enough time to stop for a drink. 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.

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Full Route Info

3 Hour Hire - Grab a bite to eat

Our 3 hour hire allows time to stop for lunch at The Double Locks. Alternatively, use the pontoons to lift your boats out, and a quick portage to the other side of the lock will get you back on the water, take note of the time and turn around when you hit the halfway mark!

Full Day Hire - Explore the whole Canal!

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!

Standard vs Premium Kayak Hire

We have added a premium option to our single kayak hire, great for those wanting to get the most out of their time on the water.  Upgrade to a lightweight kayak to make portaging at Double Locks easier, and cut through the water with ease. Increase your comfort with a sized buoyancy aid and carbon paddle .

New for 2025!

Standard Kayak Hire

Premium Kayak Hire

UK Made Kayak

Islander Calypso with Backrest

Lightweight Tootega Kinetic 100 with Backrest and skeg

 Buoyancy Aid

Universal "One Size Fits All"

Sized PFD with pocket

Paddle

Standard Alloy

Lightweight Carbon

Small Drybag per Boat

Large Drybag per booking

Locked area to store a backpack in the shop

Access to Changing Room & Toilet in the shop.

Duration

2 - 5 Hours or

Full Day  10am - 4pm

Book online any time

3 - 5 Hours or

Full Day 10am - 4pm

Book online at least 1 Day in advance

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Why Hire Kayaks at AS Watersports?

We provide buoyancy aids, paddles and drybags.

Changing rooms and toilets for your convenience.

Easy-to-use pontoon for safe and smooth launching.

High-quality kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

Expert instruction and safety briefing provided.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

We're located right on the Exeter Ship Canal opposite the Quay Climbing Centre.  Full address and information can be found here.

What types of kayaks do you offer?

We offer a range of sit-on-top kayaks, including single and double kayaks. Our 1 person Standard Kayak Hire uses the Islander Calypso, while the Premium uses the lightweight Tootega Kinetic 100. We use the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130 for our 2 person kayak hire.

What is included in the kayak hire?

Your kayak hire includes the kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid (life vest), and a small dry bag for personal items.

Do I need any prior experience to hire a kayak?

No prior experience is necessary for hiring our sit-on-top kayaks. They are very stable and easy to use.  We will help you get in, give a quick safety briefing and some instruction to get you on your way.

How do I book a kayak?

The easiest way is to book online through our website. You can also call us at 01392 219600 or visit us in person.

How far in advance should I book?

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during weekends and peak season, to guarantee availability. Premium hire must be booked at least 1 day in advance.

What is your cancellation policy?

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.

Kayak Hire in Exeter Devon
Canoe hire on exeter canal in devon

Canoe Hire

Paddleboard Hire on exeter canal

Paddleboard Hire

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Or Call Us on 01392 219600

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.

Click here for the full Terms and Conditions