A chance to try your hand at canoeing in the most beautiful parts of the Broads comes up this Saturday morning—for free!

From 10 am to 1pm on Saturday May 16th the 10 canoe hire centres in the northern and southern broads will be offering their canoes for a free hourly trial on a first come, first served basis.

The centres have varying numbers of stable Canadian canoes which each hold three people and are suitable for adults and children. The silent propulsion and fact that they are low in the water allow you to take time to explore the narrower, reedy waterways and get close to the wildlife.

“Canoeing is a wonderful way to explore the natural world of the Broads and become absorbed in it,” said Tobi Baker, Countryside Ranger for Salhouse Broad. “We wanted to give everyone the chance to experience it.”

Canoe camping is also becoming increasingly popular. It is available at all the centres for £35 for a 24 hour period. Campers must bring their own equipment and the centre will provide a map of designated rough camping sites.

The usual hire charges are £30 a day or £20 a half-day. For hourly rates enquire at the centres.

The following centres are taking part in the taster day:

Bungay - Outney Meadow Caravan Park, NR35 1HG, tel 01986 892338, www.outneymeadow.co.uk

Burgh St Peter - Waveney River Centre, NR34 0BT, tel 01502 677343, www.waveneyrivercentre.co.uk

Geldeston - Rowan Craft, NR34 0LY, tel 01508 518208, www.rowancraft.com

Hickling – Whispering Reeds, Staithe Road, NR12 0YW, tel 01692 598314, www.WhisperingReeds.net

Martham – Martham Boats, Valley Works, Cess Road, NR29 4RF, tel 01493 740249, www.marthamboats.com

Salhouse Broad, NR13 6RX, tel 07795 145475 or 01603 722775, www.salhousebroad.org.uk

Sutton Staithe Boatyard, NR12 9QS, tel 01692 581653, www.suttonstaitheboatyard.co.uk

Thorpe St Andrew – Broadland Boat Club, Girlings Lane, Yarmouth Road, NR7 0HE, tel 07963 268415, www.broadlandboatclub.org.uk

Wayford Bridge – Bank Dayboats, NR12 9LN, tel 01692 582457, www.bankboats.co.uk

Wroxham – Barnes Brinkcraft, Riverside Road, NR12 8UD, tel 01603 782625, www.barnesbrinkcraft.co.uk

For further information contact: Hilary Franzen, Press Officer, on 01603 610734; mob: 07775 563030; email: hilary.franzen@broads-authority.gov.uk or Tobi Baker on 07795145475