The best ways of getting afloat

? If the nearest you've come to boating is a Channel ferry crossing, now is your chance to get closer to the water. Five venues along the south coast - Poole Quay, Lymington, Hamble River, Chichester and Brighton are offering land-lubbers the chance to get afloat for free on the weekend of June 23-24, in motorboats, canoes, sailing dinghies or larger yachts. Beginners are welcome, and instruction and life jackets will be provided. Barbecues and live jazz performances are planned for the weekend. Further information 01784 472222; www.bigblue.org.uk

? Within an hour of leaving Euston you can be out in proper countryside, chugging up the Grand Union Canal on a narrow boat. Bridgewater Boats is a five-minute walk from Berkhamstead station (about 35 minutes from Euston) and its rose-and-castle painted boats, with essential mod cons such as central heating and sun roofs, can make it up to Leighton Buzzard and back in a weekend, taking in waterside pubs and restaurants. A six-berth boat costs from £460 for a long weekend (Friday-Tuesday) in May and June. Reservations: 01442 863 615; www.bridgewater-boats.co.uk

? The instructors at Team Powerboating claim to teach you to handle an 850cc catamaran powerboat in just one day. Courses are held at Kingsbury Water Park, near Birmingham's NEC, and beginners are given a solid grounding on land, before being let loose on a single-seater 400cc hydroplane (a bit like a go-kart on water). By the afternoon, you should have progressed to race training in 750cc and 850cc boats. All safety equipment is provided and courses cost £185 a day (minimum age 14); book on 01543 492344; www.teampowerboating@btinternet.com