Frequently asked questions

I cant swim, is this a problem?

No, buoyancy aids are provided and we insist they are worn. However, if you are afraid of water then our activities may not be ideal for you.

Can I bring my dog?

If your dog is happy to be on board, then they are welcome on our boats. We even have a couple of dog life jackets available that you are welcomed to borrow – they are issued on a first come first served basis.

Are wet-suits available?

Yes, we have plenty of wet suits available in a wide range of sizes. Wetsuits are washed and sanitised between users, and whilst we do our best to dry them, they may be damp.

Do you have rescue cover?

Rescue cover is on standby whenever customers are on the water. It will be scrambled if you are substantially late back, if we are alerted by phone or if the weather conditions massively deteriorate.

What about covid 19?

We have relaxed most of the additional precautions from the last two years, but we are very happy to help you if you feel vulnerable and would like extra precautions to be taken. Simply let us know and we can help.

If you feel unwell or have been asked to self isolate, please do not attend your session. Contact our hire staff to let them know and we will rearrange the booking for you.

What happens if I need to cancel?

We get it, life does not always pan out as expected and plans change. See our cancellation and refund policy.

Do I need any qualifications or experience?

For sailing boat hire, we have some prerequisites, but for all other hires you do not need any experience or qualifications. Our instructors can give you basic instruction and safety advice and we have lots of information on ‘how to’ that you can read in advance if you’d like.

How much will it cost?

Prices vary based on activity and duration. Please see the individual hire pages for details.

Do you have Changing facilities?

Yes, we have four indoor changing rooms with hot showers, and a few changing tents on the beach.

Is there Car Parking?

We have around 40 parking spaces on site for customer use only; and we prioritise them for people hiring from us.

The round Derwentwater lake walk passes through Nichol end, so you can walk from various places around the lake.

Can I extend my hire?

If you are enjoying your session so much that you don’t want it to end, please call us before your session ends to request an extension. This must be done in time to get back to Nichol End within your original hire time. If your boat is already booked following your session we will not be able to extend, but if we possibly can then we will do our very best to facilitate an extension.