We are a very small company here in South Devon, on a mission to make the fun of the River Dart estuary accessible.   We focus on the upper two thirds of the estuary between Totnes and Dittisham.  We mainly run our rental service from the picturesque, riverside village of Stoke Gabriel which is the best place to kayak from on the estuary. 

We're a friendly bunch of guides, group leaders and outdoor professionals.   We know the river and local area really well and have a lot of experience putting together fun and rewarding adventures and trips out for people of all ages and abilities.   

We love it out on the river.  We live here, work here and raise our kids here.  And we love sharing it with other people.  

Totnes Kayaks backstory

In 2005 Totnes Kayaks Ltd was originally established as a shop and academy in Totnes by Tom Morris, a Level 3 Inland Coach.  As the rentals side of the business grew, Tom realised Totnes wasn't a very suitable location for kayak rentals so he relocated the operations out of the permanent shop premises and to its seasonal base in the village of Stoke Gabriel, where he lives.

Stoke Gabriel is the best place to kayak from as it offers more options on the tide and you're straight out into the most spectacular sections of the estuary, with two of Devon's best pubs and some of Britain's most spectacular scenery around the Sharpham estate within easy reach, all within the South Devon National Landscape (formerly AONB).     Totnes is more limited in its tidal access and can involve a bit of a slog getting home at the end of the day.   We can provide advice and support to people planning expeditions and one-way trips starting or ending in Totnes. 

In 2020 Mark Burton, Hal Gillmore and Hugh Clifford took over ownership and operation of the company.  They are part of the crew behind Canoe Adventures which operates big, 6-12 seater canoes that are a significant feature of the River Dart estuary.  

Totnes Kayaks is now run by Hal and Mark assisted by some more youthful members of the Stoke Gabriel and Totnes communtities.  We no longer operate as a Kayak Academy as such, in that we don't offer formal coaching to Paddle UK qualifications, but we will give you the support you need to get going quickly and safely on the estuary, whether you're a beginner or experienced leader.  We focus on 'getting people out there' through our guiding and rentals services, and providing fun and educational group activities on the water and on the shore.   We can provide quality equpment, canoes and logistics support to other leaders bringing their groups to the area.   We are also involved in the Riverschool initiative, with a focus on developing life skills, and making the benefits of playing and learning in this special environment accessible to more people.      

Company details

Totnes Kayaks Ltd is registered in England No: 06822560.   

Registered Office address: 16 Brooklands, Totnes, DEVON, TQ9 5AR.