The Ultimate Kayak Try Out Centre in North East England
Whether you're an adrenaline junkie chasing your next whitewater thrill or a coastal explorer looking to carve through the sea with precision, test the latest kayaks before you buy here at NorthShore Watersports. If you've been wondering where to test out kayaks or searching for kayak testing near you, your adventure starts right here.
Welcome to NorthShore Watersports, your premier kayak try-out centre located in the heart of North East England. We know that finding the perfect vessel is a personal journey. You need to feel the edge, test the stability, and experience the glide firsthand. That's why we offer an unbeatable try-before-you-buy kayak experience, based at the renowned Tees Barrage International White Water Centre, to help you find the right kayak.
Try Before You Buy Kayaks: The Ultimate Test
Why guess when you can paddle? Whether you want to drop into turbulent rapids or cruise on calm waters, we have the ideal proving ground. When you book a kayak demo with us, you choose your arena:
The Whitewater Course:
Push our boats to the limit on the legendary Tees Barrage drops and eddies (booking required).
The Flat Water Lake:
Perfect for dialling in your flat-water technique, checking primary stability, or simply getting a feel for the boat in a relaxed environment.
If you want to test a kayak in the North of England, UK, look no further! We are the ultimate destination for kayak demos near you before making your investment.
Our Canoe and Kayak Store Demo Boats
We stock a massive fleet of the latest models from the world's leading brands. Whether you're looking for a specific Dagger kayak demo or want to take a Pyranha kayak demo boat for a spin, our extensive lineup of demo kayaks is rigged and ready for the water.
Browse our current demo fleet available for your next kayak test:
Test these Whitewater Kayaks at Tees Barage Whitewater Centre
Pyranha
Unleash the rapids with a Pyranha kayak, a phenomenal British manufacturer specialising in high-performance whitewater kayaks. Founded in 1971 and based in Runcorn, England, Pyranha is renowned for durable, custom-moulded designs for river running, creeking, and freestyle paddling. Built entirely in the UK by a team of active paddlers, their boats suit recreational beginners and world-class extreme athletes alike.
Kayaks available to demo:
Pyranha Storm M
Pyranha Wizard
Pyranha Firecracker M (242)
Pyranha ReactR S
Pyranha ReactR M
Pyranha ReactR L
Pyranha Helectron M
Pyranha Scorch Large
Dagger
Dominate the flow with Dagger kayaks. This respected American paddlesports brand has been manufacturing durable, paddler-tested kayaks since 1988. The brand is best known for highly regarded rotomolded polyethene designs. While it is best known for its high-performance whitewater kayaks, Dagger also produces a fantastic lineup of multi-water, adventure recreation, and performance touring kayaks.
Kayaks available to demo:
Dagger Indra M/L (action)
Dagger Code Medium (Creek) – (Not currently onsite)
Dagger Code Large (action)
Dagger Rewind Medium (action)
Dagger Nova
Dagger Super Nova
RTM
European excellence in a kayak. Produced by the French manufacturer Rotomod, RTM kayaks are a prominent paddlesports brand founded in 1973. Based in the Lot-et-Garonne region, the company specialises in durable, rotomolded polyethene boats, with a strong focus on sit-on-top, recreational, and fishing kayaks. RTM is one of Europe's largest kayak producers, known for stable, accessible, user-friendly designs.
Kayaks available to demo:
Spade
Spade Kayaks is another European paddlesports company, based in Germany and Austria, founded in 2014 by a collective of highly experienced whitewater paddlers. The brand focuses entirely on high-performance whitewater kayaking, producing a focused lineup of durable, rotomolded polyethene boats designed by and for active river runners. Built on over a century of combined paddling expertise, Spade is known for its uncompromising boat designs that prioritise agility and performance on challenging rapids.
Kayaks available to demo:
Spade Bliss
Spade Joker
Book your kayak demo days by getting in touch with our expert team to see how we can upgrade your next adventure.
Ready to Book Your Kayak Try-Before-You-Buy Experience?
Book a kayak demo near you today and experience the thrill firsthand! Our expert staff is here to help you find the exact fit, style, and spec to match your paddling ambitions.
To reserve and demo a test kayak and secure your time on the water, please get in touch with our crew today:
Call us: 01642 520234
Email us: sales@nswatersports.com
Gear up, get on the water, and try before you buy with NorthShore Watersports, where your next great adventure begins!
Find us here:
Our address:
NorthShore Watersports
Tees Barrage International White Water Centre
Tees Barrage Way
Stockton-on-Tees
TS18 2QW
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I test-use a kayak?
NorthShore Watersports is the ultimate destination to test out a kayak in the UK! Located right at the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre in North East England, we offer the unbeatable advantage of letting you try out our extensive fleet of demo boats before you buy. Push them to the limit on a dynamic whitewater course or get a feel for their glide on the calm, flat-water lake.
Where can I test a sit-on-top sea kayak?
Right here at NorthShore Watersports! If you want to test a sit-on-top sea kayak, we have you covered with our premium Islander, Wave Sport and Perception models. Take a selection of these models out on our flat-water lake to experience their exceptional stability, tracking, and comfort firsthand before you commit to buying.
What equipment do I need to bring?
We supply the kayak with airbags ONLY. You will need to bring the paddling kit you normally wear. We do have a very limited supply of decks and paddles, so please call email/ call if you need to demo these as well.