Yes, you can hire a kayak or paddleboard on the River Avon in Bath. Bath E Bike Hire rents single kayaks from £40 a day and double kayaks from £65 a day, while Channel Kayaks at The Boathouse on Newbridge Road offers kayak, Katakanu and paddleboard sessions with a qualified instructor. One important seasonal note: as of October 2026, Bath E Bike Hire has closed its paddleboard bookings for the year and won't reopen SUP hire until 1 April 2027, so if you specifically want a paddleboard rather than a kayak, Channel Kayaks is currently the more reliable option.
Bath E Bike Hire: kayak and paddleboard hire in central Bath
Better known for bike hire, this central Bath operator also rents paddleboards and kayaks for use on the River Avon and the Kennet & Avon Canal, with a launch point around 300 metres from the shop. Confirmed details direct from the operator:
| Hire | Rate | Rental period | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddleboard (SUP) | £39/day (excl. booking fee) | 9:30am-4pm | £75 refundable |
| Single sit-on kayak | £40/day (excl. booking fee) | 9:30am-4:30pm | £75 refundable |
| Double sit-on kayak | £65/day (excl. booking fee) | 9:30am-4:30pm | £75 refundable |
A few rules apply across all hires: you need photo ID (passport or driving licence) on collection, the minimum age for hire is 18, cash isn't accepted, and SUP bookings must be made at least 12 hours in advance. Dogs aren't permitted on the SUPs. Multiple hires on the same booking need an extra £35 deposit per additional board or kayak, on top of the first £75.
Seasonal note: Bath E Bike Hire's own site confirms SUP bookings are closed for 2026, reopening 1 April 2027. Kayak hire wasn't shown as closed at the time of checking, but confirm current availability directly with the operator before planning a visit, since seasonal hours can shift.
Channel Kayaks: kayak, Katakanu and paddleboard sessions
Channel Kayaks operates from The Boathouse on Newbridge Road, on the western edge of Bath (about 2 miles from the city centre), on a calmer, more rural stretch of the River Avon. It's a BSUPA-recognised paddleboarding school, so alongside hire it offers instructor-led lessons. Options include:
- Kayak and Katakanu hire: a single-seat sit-on-top kayak, a tandem kayak, or a six-seat Katakanu, for a self-guided trip on the river. Previous experience is recommended but not required.
- Paddleboarding: beginner lessons for newcomers or anyone wanting a refresher, in groups of up to six per instructor, no swimming confidence required. Self-guided SUP hire is also available, though at least one person in the group needs previous paddleboard experience.
- River cruises: under the CK Marine name, private cruises on the boat Blue Iris run from 1 hour up to a 4-hour trip past Kelston and Saltford, including options for weddings and anniversaries.
Channel Kayaks didn't publish a specific hire price on the pages checked for this guide; contact the operator directly for current rates before you book.
Comparing your options
| Operator | Location | What's on offer | Experience needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath E Bike Hire | Central Bath | Single/double kayak, SUP (currently closed for 2026 season) | None, self-guided |
| Channel Kayaks | The Boathouse, Newbridge Road (~2 miles from centre) | Kayak, Katakanu, SUP lessons, river cruises | None for lessons; some recommended for self-guided hire |
Where you'll actually paddle
From central Bath, you're on the River Avon through the city, past Pulteney Bridge and the weir, with the option to continue along the Kennet & Avon Canal if you'd rather a flatter, calmer stretch. From Channel Kayaks further west, the river runs through quieter countryside toward Kelston and Saltford, a different feel entirely from the city-centre stretch. If you'd rather stay on dry land but still get out on the water, our guide to boat trips and punting on the River Avon covers the crewed alternative.
Booking tips
- Book SUP hire at Bath E Bike Hire well ahead if it's back in season, since it needs at least 12 hours' notice and the 2026 season is already closed.
- Bring photo ID and a card for the refundable deposit; cash isn't accepted at Bath E Bike Hire.
- If you want a lesson rather than self-guided hire, Channel Kayaks' BSUPA-certified instructors are the better fit, especially for a first-timer or a nervous swimmer.
- Check the weather and river conditions before you go either way, since the Avon can run faster after heavy rain.
If you're planning a longer stay around the water, pair a paddle with a walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath or check our day trips from Bath guide for what else is nearby.