We have dont lots on the river dee n/wales cheshire in open canoes, my mate got 2 from costco imported from the usa colemans for about £275, which was a very good price, they were 15ft boats we even rigged up small 2hp outboards on them with home made brackets good fun.anything you dont want to get wet put in water proof containers and rope them to the boat in case you go in.
Nick in cheshire.