Frequently Asked Questions

For Morning trips :

Free parking at Glenridding Sailing Centre is usually available all year for the Morning trips.

For Afternoon trips :

During Easter, May, June & September :

On Weekends & Bank Holidays, please park in the village.

During July & August :

On all days, please park in the village.

Generally, either 2 or 4 guests are on each trip in double kayaks. Regular trips are always a maximum of 4 people.

If a group of 5 people would like a private booking, please email me. I’ll alter the booking system to accept it.

I keep one single kayak available. It’s for either a group of an odd number, or if someone would like a 1 to 1 session. 1 to 1’s take place outside of the Summer months. Again, feel free to ask for details.

By far the best way is email.

info@tallblokeadventures.com

I’d also recommend taking a look at this page to find the answer to many queries.

All trips are booked online. If you’ve just tried to call me on a morning, for a trip the same afternoon, apologies, I’m probably out on the water, and there is no further availability today. Please check for tomorrow. The booking system is, automatically, always up to date.

Most guests have either never done it before or have done it once or twice. Either as a kid, or on holiday somewhere.

You do, however, have to have a moderate fitness level.

Guest experiences on previous trips have demonstrated that if any of the following applies, these trips are not suitable.

1. A BMI of 26 or over.

2. Weigh 102 KG (16 Stone) or over.

3. Regards young kids, the boats are a lot larger than children’s outdoor centre boats. Many parents have struggled on a windy day when sharing with a young child. This is unfair on everyone ( other guests, the child, the parent ).

Maybe check out ‘ Sit-on-Top ‘ boats for a ‘ Splash & Dash ‘ experience instead.

The trips require a moderate fitness level, especially the upper body.

If you are regularly active in any sport and / or a regular gym goer , then you’ll be fine.

Please don’t think that one partner can cover completely for the other. They can’t, they’ll tire very quickly.

If you are unfit this activity is not for you.

There is no set route as it will very much depend on the weather conditions and the group’s ability.

Wherever we go, it will be scenic.

Double Kayaks are used as they are a lot more stable and easier to control if there is a breeze.

I keep one single kayak available for use in groups of 3 or 5.

If you would like a guaranteed 1 to 1 booking, please book two places, then email me. I’ll then block the other spaces off.

It depends on how you, yourself, experience temperature. On the same day, one person will be fine in a T-shirt while another might like a few layers.

An idea of what to wear on any given day is:

Old trainers, socks ( your feet will most likely stay dry ) jogging bottoms, leggings  or shorts. T-shirt, light fleece or mid-layer.

Waterproof trousers are good as a barrier against drips from the paddle.

Bring a waterproof jacket then decide on the day whether to 1. Leave it in the car. 2. Put it in a dry bag in the boat. 3. Wear it.

Beanie hat & gloves ( w/proof are better than wool ) in cold weather conditions.

Sun hat ( with cord ) or cap in sunny weather.

A bottle of water each, any medication required. Floating strap for glasses. Sun cream on a sunny day.

Spare clothes in the unlikely, but possible, event of a capsize. Leave these clothes in the car. Each person has a clean, dry towel, fleece, tracksuit bottoms & a waterproof jacket in each boat.

Regards bringing a phone, I take a waterproof camera out with us. I’ll send the photos to you via WhatsApp ( or email ). If you still wish to take your phone, I have waterproof cases you can borrow. There are no guarantees your device will be fine though. It’s a lake ! Things tend to get wet.

Yes & yes.

Although 10 am is the usual starting time, I’m happy to start earlier or later if you prefer.

Please email me, and I’ll change the booking time on the system.

This offer applies to Winter trips only.

Both are great.

Generally a kayak has a deck and you use a double bladed paddle.

A canoe ( also called an Open boat or Canadian canoe ) usually has no deck. People often use single bladed paddle.

The boats we use are Sea Kayaks. They are long and stable, especially the doubles.

No.

The person in the back can more easily see the person in the front. They decide what happens and when.

Usually, if

1. The more experienced, or

2. The more confident, or

3. The more decisive person goes in the back, you’ve chosen the right way to do things.

If the dynamics isn’t working, or you just fancy swapping around, there’s always a beach handy to do so.

Not very likely at all, these boats are very stable. However, as it’s always a possibility, I’ll cover prevention & what to do if it happens, in the brief.

6 foot 7 inches. 201 cm.

Ha ha ha. People frequently ask me this. My standard answer is the one above. In reality, I think I’m that height, but it seems to be different each time.

Waterproof trousers are useful for the drips from the paddle. I’ll show you how to minimise the drips in the brief.

A waterproof jacket & a beanie hat are great if it’s raining.

Your feet are very unlikely to get wet. You are already in the boat when I ease it into the water. It’s the same when I bring the boat back onto the beach.

Yes.

However from March – mid July, and Sept – Dec, the facilities are not available on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

From December to March they are not available on any day.

On these occasions please feel free to use the toilets in the village, a 1 minute walk away from the entrance gate. They are at the Tourist Info Centre, are 50p & contactless. Free ones are a few minutes further walk.

Some people like Inflatables as they can store them in less space than a rigid boat. Their disadvantage is they tend to be a struggle in a decent wind.

Sit-on-Tops are maybe a good bet if you are nervous about sitting in a kayak. They might also be a good choice if you are on the large side. Some are excellent, some not so much.

No.

Glenridding Sailing Centre, the place I launch from, hires out various craft. Sit-on-Tops, Canoes ( Open boats / Canadian Canoes ) and all sorts of sailing boats.

We’ve worked together very well now for  many years as we offer very different experiences.

Yes.

Aira Force is a 6 minute drive along the shore road.

Up until late April, solo bookings are possible. They start again early September.

One per trip due to only one single boat being available.

If you would like to guarantee a 1 to 1 private guided tour or coaching session, please book two places. Then email me with the preference. I’ll block the other spaces off.

Helvellyn is, by far, the most popular mountain chosen for a walk in the local area.

It is a lovely day out if you prepare well.

Starting from Glenridding or Patterdale is one of the most common routes taken.

Part of the reason it’s so popular is that there are nice views of the surrounding fells pretty much all along the trails. Red Tarn is an excellent stop along the way to decide whether to go on, or turn back.

If it’s a better perspective of Ullswater that you’re looking for, there are many other nearby fells with outstanding views of the lake.