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The charity making life better by water

Paddlesports at Standedge

Join in the fun and see the canal from a different perspective by getting on the water during one of our paddlesport sessions.

Canoes lined up on towpath, opposite Standedge Tunnel

Join us on the water

During the spring and summer months our team at Standedge run various paddlesport sessions, where you can begin to master the art of canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding.

All sessions are delivered by qualified paddle instructors on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal in Marsden. All the kit is provided including canoes/paddle boards, paddles, helmets (SUP only) and buoyancy aids.

Each taster session lasts for approximately 90 minutes, and includes a safety briefing, tuition and most importantly, fun. Sessions also generally run during school holidays, but private lessons can be booked by contacting [email protected].

two paddleboarders, onboard near Standedge Tunnel on a cloudy day

Canoe tunnel trips

We are currently in the process of developing canoe trips through the Standedge Tunnel. These trips will be restricted to participants with previous experience of canoeing.

The tunnel trips take approximately two hours to complete and will be one direction only. (Marsden – Diggle or Diggle – Marsden). All kit will be provided at no extra cost, along with trained and qualified group leaders.

  • Participants will need to make their own arrangements for travel after the trip
  • Participants must be over 18 years of age to paddle unaccompanied through the tunnel
  • Participants under 18, must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
A few canoes travelling through a dark tunnel

Taster session prices

Adult canoe (solo)£15
Adult canoe (tandem)£30
Adult + Child* £25
Child* canoe (solo) £10
Child* canoe (tandem) £20
Adult SUP £15
Child* SUP£10
*Child tickets are for young people aged 6 - 15
**Children under 6 may be able to take part in paddlesport activities, provided that they can fit one of our buoyancy aids

Tunnel through trips

  • Tandem tunnel trip £100
  • Solo tunnel trip £55

Advice for a great day out

  • We advise you to bring a spare change of clothes, even if you are a master at paddlesports, there is always a chance of falling in
  • We do have procedures in place for this and it wouldn't necessarily exclude you from getting back on the water and trying again
  • Our site is limited in its facilities, we do have an inclusive toilet for you to use to change your clothes
  • Please note, there is no onsite parking at Standedge visitor centre. Our car park is located a 15-minute walk away over near Marsden Railway Station, Postcode; HD7 6DH

Terms and Conditions

  1. 2 persons per craft maximum.

  2. Children are aged 16 and under.

  3. Children must be aged 6 and over to fit the buoyancy aid, however exceptions can be made if children younger than 6 can fit the buoyancy aid correctly. Feel free to visit the site before booking to try out the sizes.

  4. Children can go on their own but must be supervised by an adult from the bankside. This is only recommended for older children.

  5. Dogs are not allowed in our craft for safety reasons.

For more information, or to enquire about a private paddle session, please email Gordon McMinn

Last Edited: 11 June 2024

photo of a location on the canals
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