Kayaking & Canoeing in Oxford

Kayaking is usually a one person boat with a double ended paddle. Canoeing is with a single ended paddle in an open boat. Just to confuse matters, canoeing is also used as a generic term covering both types of boat. The historic and picturesque town of Oxford is a fantastic location to start a canoe or kayak trip down the River Thames. Oxford was historically an important port on the River Thames, with this section of the river being called the Isis. In the 18th century the Oxford Canal was built to connect Oxford with the Midlands.

Commercial traffic has given way to recreational use of the river and canal. Oxford was the original base of Salters Steamers (founded in 1858), which was a leading racing-boat-builder that played an important role in popularizing pleasure boating on the Upper Thames. The River Thames is one of the great rivers of Britain, and is perfect for canoeing and kayaking.  Canoeing on the River Thames can be a lovely peaceful day trip, past green meadows, ancient willows and historic buildings. The Thames is generally big enough for canoeing from Cricklade, and becomes a Navigation just above Lechlade. From there to Teddington, the Thames is an easy river for canoeists, but is surprisingly changeable in character throughout its length.