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This week’s discussion point from me is about the Waterways Licence, sometimes known as a river licence or navigation licence. Many of you are starting to think about hitting the water and many have done so already – and the waterways licence seems to be a hot topic of discussion online right now. To give you a helping hand, here’s an article that I wrote last year but that’s still as relevant now as it was then, if not more so with the huge uptake of paddlesports attributed to the global Coronavirus pandemic. Whether you paddle a canoe, kayak, SUP or use any other craft, this applies to you.Most paddlers have one, some have never heard of needing one and others refuse to get one. So, what is a licence? why is it so important? And what happens if you don’t have one? Having a licence is not like passing your driving test, it is essentially a permit to paddle on privately owned, managed waterways such as rivers and canals overseen by the Environment Agency, Canal & River Trust and other private bodies. Your fee, which covers 4,500km of waterways in Wales and England gets reinvested back into maintaining these waterways so that you and others can continue to paddle safely, reduce your environmental impact and to make necessary improvements.

So where exactly does your licence money go?

Removal of debris from the river such as logs post-flooding

Flood damage repairs

Removal of invasive non-native species, including floating pennywort, which is carried on boats or kit from waterway to waterway and can clog up entire rivers and canals in a matter of days

Installing ‘check, clean, dry’ stations to try and prevent the spread of these invasive non-native species

Maintaining put ins, take outs and towpaths Managing water quality and levels

Protecting against and repairing bank erosion

Give back what you take! If you don’t have or refuse to get a licence then you could potentially be affecting the amount and standard of maintenance work that can be carried out and potentially increasing licence fees to those who do invest. With the rise in people hitting the water with more affordable craft, increased maintenance to keep our waters clear, clean and healthy is likely. If you are caught paddling unlicensed by an Enforcement Officer, you could become liable for prosecution and can be issued with a fine of up to £1000!

So how can you get one? Easily! You can join your respective national governing body i.e. Canoe Wales (if you live in Wales) or British Canoeing (if you live in England) for £45 a year – with reduced rates for couples, families and youths. On joining, you are instantly covered with the most comprehensive and best value waterways licence there is (covering you for multiple managed water organisations in both England and Wales regardless of where you live including Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency, Broads Authority, National Trust and lots more) as part of your membership from either Canoe Wales (Wales residents) or British Canoeing (England residents). Plus as a member you get a whole heap of other benefits too such as public liability insurance, legal expenses cover, trespass protection, discounts and much more! Your membership also enables British Canoeing to fight for fair, shared and sustainable access to our 96% currently contested England and Wales waterways (Clear Access Clear Waters Campaign).

If you don’t fancy having a membership, you can also buy your licence on a weekly or monthly basis directly from the body managing a particular stretch of water and some other select places. Even as an occasional paddler, buying your licence this way actually works out more expensive than a full Canoe Wales or British Canoeing membership! Strange but true!

Licences from different organisations vary in the level of coverage i.e some only cover Canal & River Trust managed water but not Environment Agency & other owned waters etc. Do your own research based on where you think you will want to paddle and whether paying extra fees along the way is something that would suit you or be more financially viable buying a more comprehensive licence with better coverage in the first place. Read the small print to avoid paddling unlicenced and getting caught out! So, what are your thoughts on licensing? Comment below!

For further information:

Why do I need a licence? https://www.canoewales.com/why-do-i-need-a-licence-to-paddle