Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Choosing the right canoe depends on where you paddle, who you paddle with most often, how much gear you want to carry and if your kids, dogs, or friends might be joining you. Get in touch with us via phone, WhatsApp, email or the contact form, we’re happy to guide you based on your personal paddling or adventure plans.

Campbell Canoes are traditionally inspired Canadian-style canoes hand-crafted in England. We build in small batches using a proven hull designs that deliver stability, balance and responsiveness on a wide variety of water conditions. Because we manufacture and sell direct, you get exceptional build quality and tailored specifications without transport and retail mark-ups. Our canoes are designed to last a lifetime and become part of how you live your life on the water. You'll be able to speak to the person making your canoe rather than a salesperson and every canoe is built to your chosen size, configuration, finish, colour and seating layout.

These are our two main specification levels: • S7 - Our best-selling, highest finish specification with ash timber gunwales, decks, detailing and a slightly increased overall rigidity that gives a more composed, responsive feel on the water. • S5 - A slightly more utilitarian specification that uses plastic gunwales and decks while maintaining the same hull performance and confidence-in-water characteristics. Both specifications paddle with the same proven stability and handling; the difference is in the level of finish and on-water feel. You can read more about how each specification feels and performs on our 'Canoes page'.(https://www.campbellcanoes.co.uk/ourcanoes)

• 12ft canoes are compact, manoeuvrable, ideal for solo paddlers or an adult with a child, touring with moderate gear and fast-moving water. • 16ft canoes offer additional space and carrying capacity, making them great for couples, families, longer tours, dogs or heavy gear, while still being manageable for solo paddling when needed. Both sizes share the same strengths of stability, responsiveness and versatility, the difference is mainly how much space and load you want.

Yes absolutely. Both our 12ft and 16ft canoes can be paddled solo. The 16ft models just offers more space and load-carrying capacity. It may feel longer on the water, however often tracks (stays in a straight line) better and is very responsive when paddled by one person. If you plan to paddle primarily solo but may have family or friends joining you sometimes or also carry heavy gear, dogs... for day trips or tours, our 16ft canoe is an excellent choice.

We rarely hold finished canoe stock, as each build is bespoke. We place orders into production as they come in, meaning build times vary depending on workload and model. Most of the time your canoe should be ready in 4 to 5 weeks, however, busy periods (especially in spring and summer) can extend lead times. Once we know which model and specification you’re considering, we can give you a precise timeframe.

Yes. You are welcome to visit our workshop to see and even try our demo canoes before finalising your order. This gives you confidence in your choice and it goes without saying that there is no obligation to buy if you have tried our canoes. We don't do hard sales, we want you to end up in the right canoe for you, even if that isn't a Campbell Canoe.

We offer both options. Most customers collect directly from our workshop in Hertford, Hertfordshire. But when needed we can deliver to you if we can agree a sensible price. We generally don’t send canoes with couriers due to size, high prices and risk of damage but if you want to arrange for your own courier or 'man with a van' to collect, you can do this. If you’re outside the UK or unable to collect, we can discuss bespoke delivery arrangements and options.

Accessories and merchandise (paddles, buoyancy aids, our hoodies and T-Shirts, etc.) are often pre-ordered in monthly batches because of the variety of options. Typical delivery times are around 1–2 weeks after the batch order.

Campbell Canoes are designed to be robust and low-maintenance. Our timber components are triple coated with high-quality hardwax oil for long-lasting protection. Unlike varnish that can crack when it gets knocks allowing moisture underneath and then required all timber to be sanded and re-coated. Campbell Canoes just need a wipe down, especially if you have been in the sea with salt water. Occasional re-oiling every few years might be required depending on where you store your canoe.