First Time Boater

No prior experience is required to operate a canal boat. Our boats are simple to handle.

We want you to fully relax and enjoy your holiday. We ensure you’re confident in handling the boat.

Before you set off, we provide comprehensive boat handling instruction at our base. Your instructor will accompany you as you take the helm to make sure you’re comfortable, and later that same day, we’ll meet you at the first lock to give you a thorough lock-handling lesson right at the lock side.

You’ll find detailed cruising information in your boat manual, and additional guidance on locks and waterway rules will be included in your holiday documents to help familiarize you with the basics.