Water Sports at Bewl Water
Kent’s Top Water Sports
- Sailing
- Windsurfing and wingfoiling
- Paddleboarding
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Rowing
Facilities and Important Information
- All watersports users must refer to our Rules and Regulations Handbook here
- Proof of public liability insurance must be emailed to info@bewlwater.co.uk before your visit
- You must bring your own buoyancy aid (minimum 50N)
- Day passes must be purchased prior to your arrival to avoid disappointment
- Before you access the water, you must check in at the Fishing Lodge with a member of our team
- If you purchase a membership online, please visit the Fishing Lodge to collect your free annual parking pass, boat stickers or wrist bands
- Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult on the water
- The ability to sail upwind in prevailing wind conditions is essential for sailors, windsurfers and wingfoilers
- Please note that activities may be suspended in severe weather conditions for your safety
- In case of an emergency, please stay with your craft, signal for help, and call 07767 375 115
- Water and Launch Areas: Dive into fun with easy access to our beautiful water and designated launch spots.
- Boat Storage: Enjoy hassle-free boat storage available all year round. Just a quick reminder to check our Boat Storage Terms and Conditions. If you have any questions, our friendly team is here to help.
- The Boat House: Freshen up in our showers and changing areas, perfect for all our water sports enthusiasts.
- Refreshments: Treat yourself at our shop for quick snacks, or head to the Waterfront Cafe for delicious hot food and drinks.
- Race Box: Calling all members! Our Race Box is yours to use for free—just remember to book in advance by emailing us at info@bewlwater.co.uk
- Meeting and Briefing Rooms: We’ve got a small meeting room ready for briefings. For availability and bookings, just drop us an email at info@bewlwater.co.uk
Sailing
Enjoy sailing at Bewl Water, the largest reservoir in the South, seven days a week, all year round! Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner, Bewl Water offers the perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts in Kent.
Memberships & Day Passes
Join on an annual membership and enjoy free parking all year round, 10% off at the Waterfront Cafe and 20% off all activities! Alternatively, you can purchase a day pass to access Bewl Water’s stunning reservoir. Sailing dinghies of all types, from Toppers to Flying Fifteens and multihulls, are welcome. Year-round boat storage is available for an additional fee on your annual membership.
Important Information
- Qualifications: The helm should have RYA Level 2 Basic Skills or RYA Stage 3.
- Wind Conditions: Restrictions may apply when the wind exceeds Force 3.
- Buoyancy Aid: A buoyancy aid (minimum 50 newtons) must be worn at all times.
- Trailers: Please keep the slipways clear of trailers.
- Day Pass – Adult £20.00
- Day Pass – Child £10.00 (11-18 years old)
- Day Pass – Junior Free (5-10 years old)
- Sailing – Adult (No Boat Storage) £200.00
- Sailing – Adult and Boat Storage £350.00
- Sailing – Adult and Two Boat Storage £450.00
- Sailing – Junior (No Boat Storage) £130.00
- Sailing – Junior and Boat Storage £230.00
- Sailing – Family (No Boat Storage) £260.00
- Sailing – Family and Boat Storage £420.00
Sailing Groups
Bewl Water is home to both leisure and competitive sailors. Groups such as the Mariners of Bewl and the Midweekers sail regularly, with Sunday racing organised alongside the Bewl Sailing Association.
For more details about sailing groups at Bewl Water, follow the links below.
- Bewl Sailing Association (BSA) – a group who arrange weekly racing
- Midweekers – a group who sail every Wednesday during the summer months and alternative Wednesday’s during the winter
- Mariners of Bewl (MoB) – an inclusive sailing club for members with physical impairements and the non-disabled, who sail all together on an equal basis in their own fleet of adaptive dinghies. They sail every Saturday morning from April through to the end of October
- Optimists at Bewl Water – A growing group of young sailors from beginners to advanced racers fostering a love of sailing in a supportive team environment with coaching, equipment, and opportunities to compete nationally.
Windsurfing & Wingfoiling
Enjoy windsurfing or wingfoiling at Bewl Water, the largest reservoir in the South, available seven days a week, all year round! Whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or a beginner, Bewl Water is the ideal location for water sports in Kent.
Memberships & Day Passes
Join on an annual membership and enjoy free parking all year round, 10% off at the Waterfront Cafe and 20% off all activities! Alternatively, you can purchase a day to enjoy access to Bewl Water’s beautiful reservoir. Year-round locker storage is also available for an extra fee with annual memberships.
Important Information
Windsurfers
- Windsurfers must hold a RYA Start Windsurfing qualification.
- Buoyancy belts are not permitted.
- A buoyancy aid or impact vest (minimum 50 newtons) must be worn at all times.
Wing Boards and Foiling:
- You should be able to sail upwind.
- A leash must be worn at all times.
- A buoyancy aid or impact vest (minimum 50 newtons) is required at all times.
- We highly recommend wearing a helmet for your safety.
- Day Pass – Adult £20.00
- Day Pass – Child £10.00 (11-18 years old)
- Day Pass – Junior Free (5-10 years old)
- Wingfoiling/Windsurfing – Adult £130.00
- Wingfoiling/Windsurfing – Junior £70.00
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding at Bewl Water, the South East’s largest reservoir, open all year round, seven days a week! Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or just starting out, Bewl Water offers the perfect setting for water sports in Kent, with options for annual memberships, day passes and equipment hire.
Memberships & Day Passes
Join on an annual membership and enjoy free parking all year round, 10% off at the Waterfront Cafe and 20% off all activities! Alternatively, you can purchase a day to enjoy all-day access to the Bewl reservoir.
Paddleboard Hire
We have teamed up with PTP Coaching, who offer paddleboard hire at Bewl Water for the summer season. Please follow the link below for more information and to book.
Important Information
- A leash must be worn at all times.
- A buoyancy aid (minimum 50 newtons) is required at all times.
- Buoyancy belts are not permitted.
- For your safety, only one person is allowed per paddleboard.
- Please use the designated launch area.
- Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Day Pass – Adult £20.00
Day Pass – Child £10.00 (11-18 years old)
Day Pass – Junior Free (5-10 years old)
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding – Adult £130.00
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding – Junior £70.00
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding – Family £300
Rowing
Discover rowing at Bewl Water with the friendly Bewl Bridge Rowing Club, which provides coaching and tuition. It’s an inclusive club with members aged 12 and above, offering vibrant squads for juniors, ladies, men, and masters, all supported by a dedicated team of qualified coaches, launch drivers, and helpers. New members are always welcome, whether recreational or competitive!
For more information, visit bewlrowingclub.co.uk
Canoeing and Kayaking
If you would like to take part in regular group canoeing and kayaking events at the reservoir, then joining Bewl Canoe Club is for you. The club warmly welcomes individuals of all ages and experience levels, and is suited to all abilities! For more information visit bewlcanoeclub.co.uk
Important Information
Please carry a mobile phone with you at all times and save our emergency number: 07767 375115.
Canoeing:
- Canoeists must hold a British Canoe Paddle Explore Award.
- We ask for a minimum group size of two crafts, whether or not you’re using a spray deck.
- All crafts should be fitted with enough buoyancy to stay floating above the gunwale line when full of water.
- A buoyancy aid (minimum 50 newtons) must be worn at all times.
- Unfortunately, inflatable canoes aren’t permitted.
Sit-On Kayaks:
- Visitors must hold a British Canoe Paddle Explore Award.
- We ask for a minimum group size of two crafts.
- All crafts must have inherent buoyancy.
- A buoyancy aid (minimum 50 newtons) must be worn at all times.
- Unfortunately, inflatable kayaks aren’t permitted.
- Closed Cockpit Kayaks:
- Visitors must hold a British Canoe Paddle Explore Award.
- We ask for a minimum group size of two crafts, whether or not you’re using a spray deck.
- All crafts must be fitted with sufficient buoyancy to remain floating when full of water.
- A buoyancy aid (minimum 50 newtons) must be worn at all times.
- Unfortunately, inflatable kayaks aren’t permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding water sports activities, memberships and day passes designed to enhance your visit.
- Do you run watersports lessons and courses at Bewl Water?
Yes, all RYA watersports lessons and courses are conducted by the Bewl Outdoor Centre. You can reach them at 03000 41 52 00 for more information. - Do you hire out kayaks, paddleboards, or sailing boats?
Yes, paddleboards and canoes are available for hire through PTP Coaching. - I have my own sailing boat, windsurf, or paddleboard. Do I need a membership to access the water?
You can access Bewl Water by purchasing a day pass or an annual membership. - Do I need a qualification to sail at Bewl Water?
Yes, you must possess an RYA Level 2 certificate to sail or an RYA Start Windsurfing certificate to windsurf at Bewl. A copy of your certificate will be required when you purchase your membership. - When does your annual membership run from/to?
Our annual membership runs for 12 months from the day you join. You will automatically receive a renewal reminder at your membership email address. - I have my own kayak. Do I need a membership to access the water?
Yes, to kayak at Bewl Water, you’ll need to purchase an annual membership to the Bewl Canoe Club. - Do you allow inflatable kayaks?
Unfortunately, inflatable kayaks are not permitted on the reservoir. - Do you offer discounted membership?
Yes, we offer subsidies for junior members. - Do I need insurance for my craft on/off the water?
Yes, all crafts on/off Bewl Water with an annual membership must have valid public liability insurance. You will need to present a copy of your insurance certificate prior to taking out the membership. Please note that Bewl Water cannot supply insurance. - Do I need to let you know when I am entering/leaving the water?
Yes, you must use the sign-in/sign-out sheet located outside of the Fishing Lodge. - Can I swim from my craft?
No, swimming in the reservoir is strictly prohibited for your safety. - Do I need to wear a lifejacket on the water?
Yes, you must provide your own lifejacket for all activities. - Can I store my boat or windsurf at Bewl Water?
Yes, you can purchase sailing boat and windsurfing locker storage through the membership form. Spaces will be allocated via the membership office. Please note that we have a limited number of windsurf lockers available. To enquire, please contact info@bewlwater.co.uk - Do you run sailing events?
Yes, we host many sailing events throughout the year, which are organised by the Bewl Sailing Association. - How do we display that we are paid members?
When you purchase your membership, you will receive a boat sticker to display on your boat’s transom and a parking pass to be shown on the dashboard of your car. - Do watersports members have to pay for parking?
No, parking is included with your membership. Please ensure that your membership parking pass is clearly displayed on your car’s windscreen. Individual memberships come with one parking pass, while family memberships include two passes. - Can we do kitesurfing, jet skiing, or wakeboarding at Bewl Water?
Kitesurfing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding are not permitted. - Where do we launch our crafts onto the water?
Sailing boats must be launched from the sailing slipway next to the Boat House. Paddleboards, kayaks, and windsurfs should be launched from the beach area next to the fishing jetty. - Are powered boats permitted on the reservoir?
Unfortunately, we do not allow any customer-owned powered boats on the reservoir.