Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding sessions, including introductions, coaching and guided canoe journeys.

Paddlesports

Open water and cold-water swimming, coaching, beginner sessions and workshops for swimming skills.

Swimming

Stand-up paddleboarding skills and RYA Powerboat Level 2 courses.

Courses

Hire kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, giant SUPs and KataKanu canoes for getting out on the water.

Sup and Kayak Hire

Rafted canoe, kayak and SUP paddling around the inner basins of Salford Quays by moonlight.

Moonlight Paddle

Club paddlesports sessions include own-kit and centre-kit options, an own-kit induction and non-member sessions.

Salford Paddlesports Club

Gift vouchers can be bought for any amount and spent on anything at the centre.

Vouchers-and-passes

Adult and junior membership is available through Salford Paddlesports Club, for ages 14 to 17.

Memberships

paddleboarding

windsurfing

kayaking

canoeing

other

mixed

sailing

swimming

first aid

power boating

Salford Watersports Centre

I recently completed my Powerboat Level 2 course at Salford Watersports Centre and the whole experience was absolutely fantastic from start to finish.

Ryan was an exceptional instructor and the entire team clearly takes pride in delivering a high‑quality experience.

He created a relaxed learning environment while keeping everything structured and professional, making the course enjoyable, safe and genuinely exciting. His demonstrations were confident, his guidance was spot‑on and every session felt like a real step forward in both skill and confidence.

I’d highly recommend Salford Watersports Centre to anyone considering Powerboat Level 2. Brilliant team, brilliant course and a brilliant new skill to have.

My son has just finished a week of half day activities at Salford Watersports for 8-11 year olds. He had a fantastic time kayaking, paddle boarding and more.  Thanks to all the staff who made it enjoyable.

Brilliant facility and one of the best spots in Greater Manchester for open water swimming. I've taken part in the weekly sessions in Ontario Basin and can't recommend it highly enough.

The staff are genuinely friendly and welcoming, and the whole operation is really well run. Safety is clearly a priority — sessions are supervised with lifeguards on the water — but it never feels stuffy or over-managed, just relaxed and well organised. If you're new to open water, that makes a huge difference; you feel looked after from the moment you arrive.

The setup itself is great. There are marked 300m and 500m loops, plus a separate area if you're just getting started or want to build confidence before heading out further. The water is clean and well maintained (the basin is closed off from the ship canal, so it's a world away from what people might expect of "the docks"), and there's coaching available if you want to work on your technique, sighting or build towards a triathlon or event swim.

Location is a real bonus too — it's right in the heart of Salford Quays, a short walk from the tram, with parking on site and changing facilities, so it's easy to get to whether you're driving or on public transport.

If you've been thinking about giving open water swimming a go, this is the place to do it. Friendly, safe, well organised and genuinely good fun. I always leave feeling great. Highly recommend!