Some answers:

1 - http://www.canoe-england.org.uk is an excellent website for this sort of thing.

2 - It would be acceptable to use a sea kayak.

3 - Completely depends on your kayak. For a quick temporary repair, you may be able to get away with a patch and glue (costing about £5) but you'd be better off with cloth tape and fibreglass resin if you have the time to let it cure.

4 - You only need a licence for registered 'waterways' - read their licences page. which also gives some rivers which do not need a licence.

Some answers:

1 - British Canoeing is an excellent website for this sort of thing.

2 - It would be acceptable to use a sea kayak.

3 - Completely depends on your kayak. For a quick temporary repair, you may be able to get away with a patch and glue (costing about £5) but you'd be better off with cloth tape and fibreglass resin if you have the time to let it cure.

4 - You only need a licence for registered 'waterways' - read their licences page. which also gives some rivers which do not need a licence.