Waterside canoe and kayak hire base

Tourists, local families, groups, schools, youth organisations and corporate team days.

Hire fees by the hour or half-day, guided trips, group and party bookings, and add-ons such as drinks or snacks.

• Paddlesport coaching or leadership
• Water safety and first aid
• Managing bookings and seasonal staff
• Boat maintenance and repair

• Lease terms, planning permission for any hut or storage, and any permission from the navigation or water authority (check with your council and the waterway owner)
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you take on staff
• If you work with under-18s or run activity sessions, check what safeguarding and activity provider requirements apply
• Risk assessments, emergency plans and rescue cover, particularly on tidal or open water
• Strong seasonality, with quiet winters and weather-dependent weekends

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the size of your fleet, the hut or storage you need and lease terms. These are estimates, and your total will depend on the site you choose.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your fleet, prices and how many guided trips you run. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and winters and weather-dependent weekends may be quieter.

Check your lease terms, planning permission for any hut or storage, and permission from the navigation or water authority. Also check insurance, including employer's liability if you hire staff, safeguarding and activity provider requirements, and risk assessments and rescue cover.