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Being surrounded by water, you would think that there would be plenty of options for kayak hire in Portsmouth. However, they are few and far between. It is the ideal coastline to explore with protected harbours, channels and inlets.
Be mindful of tides and weather conditions around the island as there are lots of stories out there of paddlers getting stuck in all sorts of locations!
Don’t forget that nearby Southampton is a very popular destination for kayakers and kayak hire. There are a lot more options, especially considering the number of rivers and bodies of water around this part of the south coast.
Here is a round up of where to find the best kayak hire in and around Portsmouth:
Stoked Watersports, Gosport
Close to Portsmouth in the nearby town of Gosport, Stoke Watersports offer single kayak hire by the hour. Soaking in the views of the Isle of Wight and The Solent, this experience is not to be missed. Buoyancy aids, dry bags and on-water coaching are all available. Wet suits are also available to hire.
Note – this kayak hire is on the open water so please bear in mind weather conditions, especially for beginners.
Stoked Watersports Gosport also have a range of other watersports available at this popular location.
Hayling Island Watersports
Jump across to a nearby island and you’ll find Hayling Island Watersports. Located in the south west, there are single kayaks to hire for one hour, two hours or half day by arrangement. Everything you need is available and they are more than happy to help if you are new to the water.
Note – this kayak hire is on the open water so please bear in mind weather conditions, especially for beginners.
Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre, Portsmouth
Located on the stunning protected shores of Langstone Harbour, the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre doesn’t actually offer kayak hire in Portsmouth, but they do offer kayak lessons and courses.
Choose from a Kayaking Taster course, a Start Paddling course or a Discover Paddling course to improve your skills and confidence on the water.
Andrew Simpson Watersports Centres are located both around the UK and across stunning parts of the world. Both a wide range of land and water based activities are available.
They offer charitable activities and are not-for-profit organisation. Therefore, if you book one of these kayak lessons or any other activity with them, you can do so knowing that the money goes back into the foundation to support transforming the lives of young people through sailing.
Do you have a favourite place to hire a kayak from in or around Portsmouth? What is your favourite spot to go paddling? We’d love to know in the comments below.
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