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£40.00 (inc. VAT)
Only early risers need book, it’ll be an early alarm call. This tour is your only chance this year to get involved with our truly unique sunrise paddle. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee an epic sunrise, but we can guarantee an epic once-in-a-year experience. This special tour will sell out, so be part of the lucky few to experience Birmingham completely differently.
You’ll be seeing the city differently as we silently glide along the canal as some of the city’s early risers start to stir.
The specially adapted route will take in both the city’s built up and lesser developed areas to make the most out of the opportunity to hear nature and the city stirring into action for another great day.
Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee an epic sunrise, but we can guarantee an epic once-in-a-year experience.
“Did sunrise tour in kayak was awesome, very chilled way to start the day 10/10.”
“Got on the water at dawn it was a beautiful morning. so peaceful and calm. We saw the sun come up it was a special experience!”
“It was absolutely brilliant! Thank you Keith for giving us such a memorable experience.”
“Joined the sunrise paddle. It is Super Amazing!!!! The pre-session communication with Keith was fantastic. The session was very well organised, Keith had even included a post event refreshment. The choice of the route was fantastic it was a privilege to take part, Thanks Keith and the Roundhouse.”
“It was great! Did the sunrise paddle and it was so calm and lovely to watch the sun come up!!”
No previous experience is required; our guides will get you paddling your own kayak in no time and cruising along the city’s blue highway. We will be kayaking approximately 3 miles in total.
Every participant with be provided with a buoyancy aid, regardless of their swimming ability, so that should you fall in you’ll be safe. Tours are led by a professionally qualified British Canoeing Instructor who will give full tuition. Sit back, paddle and have fun!
Once we arrive safely back, we’ll all be starting to feel the effects of the early morning start, so we will provide hot drinks to get you ready for the day ahead.
What’s included:
What happens on the day:
What about the weather?: Guided tours will go ahead in all but the worst of weather. If we need to cancel the tour due to high winds or thunderstorms, we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity.
What should I wear?: Gym-style clothing is best because these won’t hold any water when wet. Everyone must wear footwear; old trainers, crocs, flip flops are all great.
Great for: Early risers, or those wanting to experience the canals and Birmingham in a completely unique way. Finding out something new (and old) in Birmingham; seekers of hidden gems.
Dates: This is a one off special!
Time-slots: 5.30am-7:30am
Meeting Point: Because it’s way too early for our Visitor Centre team, our pedestrian gate will be open at 5:15am for you.
Finishing Point: Back in the Roundhouse!
Directions: View our "Getting here" page for detailed directions.
Duration: From introductions through to a chat at the end, you should budget around 90 minutes for this guided experience, with one hour on the water.
Suitable For: 18 years+. Due to the early start we are making this tour 18 years plus.
Number of Steps? Not many steps but quite a few strokes, a basic level of fitness (walking up the stairs without being out of breath) will suffice. We’ll be paddling approximately 3 miles.
Visitor Info
Guided tours will go ahead in all but the worst of weather. If we do need to cancel a tour due to high winds or thunderstorms we will reschedule at the earliest opportunity.
Please provide proof of your eligibility for concessions or discounts on arrival.
Spectators are welcomed but unfortunately we can’t guarantee full sighting of the participant for the whole duration of the tour.
What to wear:
It is best to wear gym-style clothing because these won’t hold any water when wet; jeans, leather and wool are not ideal for kayaking.
Everyone must wear footwear; old trainers, crocs, flip flops are all great.
You’ll get a wet lower half, as you are exposed to the drips from your paddles and splashes. You may get a small puddle in your seat, so we'd recommend wearing some waterproof trousers if you have them. If you don’t own any, we do have some waterproof trousers and jackets available to borrow.
There's a small chance you may fall in, so we recommend bringing a towel and a change of clothes, just in case. Should you be unlucky enough to fall in, we have an onsite shower.
What to bring:
We have lockers available for your bags, and we recommend that no valuables are brought to the Roundhouse. We strongly recommend that no phones, wallets, or sunglasses are taken on the water and we will not be held responsible for any loss incurred.
Food/drink:
Looking for something to eat and drink a little later in the day? Ticket holders receive 20% off food at The Distillery pub and 10% off food and drink at Ristorante Caffe Arena. Discount is valid on the day of your tour on production of your ticket. Booking is recommended.
Alternatively, you’re welcome to bring a your breakfast or a packed lunch to eat in our courtyard.
We are an accredited British Canoeing Delivery Partner.
You want to know that the centre you choose is high quality, and that’s what the Delivery Partner badge means. A paddling centre displaying the British Canoeing Delivery Partner badge has agreed to the Delivery Partner Charter. This means the paddling centre has agreed to high standards of safety, value for money and customer service.
The badge is an indication to schools, parents and other customers that the partner takes its responsibilities seriously. They will use highly trained, qualified and competent staff, to deliver a high quality customer focused product.
Venue: The Roundhouse
Directions: 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE
Kayaking is easy to pick up, we cater for all abilities on our tours and our guides are trained in being able to assist you should you require further advice.
Many people may think that kayaks are easy to flip over but they are a lot more stable than they might look, we have chosen the kayaks specifically for their stability.
Sports clothing is light, dries easily and doesn’t make you freeze, simply stay away from denim, leather and wool and you will be fine. We can provide waterproof jackets and trousers to keep you drier too!
You need to wear something on your feet during the tour; old trainers, crocs, sandals all work well.
There will always be the odd splash and dribble that will get you damp and, because of the nature of the kayaks that we use, you will get a wet bottom!! We can provide waterproof jackets and trousers to keep you drier though.
And, of course, we recommend bringing a change of clothes should you capsize.
Yes, we always assume that no-one can swim. If someone should capsize our guides will be there to assist you; normally, because the canals are only 4-6 feet deep, you could stand up.
All participants regardless of ability will be required to wear a buoyancy aid provided by us.
Due to equipment limitations the maximum weight we can currently cater for is 18 stones.
Our buoyancy aids have a maximum chest size of 50 inches.
Both of our kayaking tours involve approximately 90 minutes on the water
It’s better to book all our tours in advance. You may be lucky if you show up on the day and one of our guides will be available but we recommend always pre-booking.
8 years old and upwards (because of the size of our equipment)
We don’t recommend taking any valuables on the water, we are not responsible for any damage and loss.
We have lockers available free of charge for tour participants.
We have lockers suitable for bags and personal items available for all tour participants free of charge.
Please visit Visitor Reception to book in, your guide will meet you there.
A canoe is paddled with a single-bladed paddle, and you will have seen these paddled generally by two people. A kayak is paddled from a sitting position with a two-bladed paddle.
We use sit-on-top kayaks, which mean should you fall off you’ll simply slide into the water.
We paddle on the canals so if you are not participating you can walk alongside but there is a lot of places that can’t be accessed by pedestrians.
We do have 2 x Two person kayaks available; these are ideal for an adult and young person. These will need to be arranged on the day so please mention this at the earliest opportunity.
We do have facilities for changing available in our visitor centre and a shower should you take a dip in the canal, however the shower is not for general use.
Please get in touch with us to organise a group booking.
Alternatively please visit our Group Booking Page for more information on how to make a booking enquiry.
The Roundhouse, 1 Sheepcote St, Birmingham, B16 8AE
0121 716 4077
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Registered Charity No. 1169232
