YMCA Hawker 2hr Paddleboard Experience

Learn to paddleboard in a small group 2-hour paddleboard lesson with one of our friendly and fully qualified coaches - suitable for individuals, couples, families and groups of up to 6 paddlers. From £53 with our Mon-Thurs special discount - or 2 for 1 on Tuesdays!

Perfect for complete beginners, improvers looking to move to the next level, or experienced paddlers wanting to hone their paddle technique - we guarantee that everyone will learn something new and leave with a smile on their face - and a photo or two taken by our instructors!

Who is this for?

Our classes are open to paddlers of all abilities - we guarantee that everyone will learn something new and leave with a smile on their face!

Children over 14 are welcome if they are accompanied on the water by a parent or legal guardian. Younger children over the age of 10 can usually be accommodated on a private lesson, but not on a Group session.

If you have paddled with us in the past please select the “Returner” option when you book. If not, you’ll be eligible for this next time!

Is it safe on the river?

Yes -The river at the Hawker is non-tidal, so it's lovely and calm.

Where will I paddle?

You will be paddling on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames, usually heading around some secret islands, and then upstream towards Kingston.

What will I learn?

Your two-hour paddleboarding session will start with a safety briefing and some land-based training before you head out on the water for your lesson and guided tour of the river. We will introduce you to paddleboarding equipment, teach you about safety and navigation on the river, as well as paddle techniques, including how to steer, stop and self-rescue. We’ll have you standing up and progressing confidently in no time!

Can I bring my dog?

No, these sessions are for humans only. If you'd like to paddleboard with your dog, book one of our Doggy Paddle sessions here: https://widget.eola.co/utfsj/activities/sup-doggy-paddle

Any other options?

Yes, you can add a sunglasses strap, dry bag or phone case to help keep your stuff safe on the water.

Note: please don't use more than one discount offer at the same time. For example, if you use the 2 for 1 Tuesday discount, you cannot also use the weekday or returning paddler discount.

You do not need to be a proficient swimmer, but should be comfortable with falling into water while wearing a buoyancy aid.

A certain level of flexibility and ability to get up to standing from kneeling is required for learning to paddleboard.

Before taking part, please make Paddle Richmond staff aware of any significant medical condition/disability that may affect your ability to participate, or to understand instructions. If you have any doubts regarding fitness to participate, please contact Paddle Richmond to discuss your concerns in advance, or seek medical advice from a doctor.

We advise that you do not participate in paddleboarding if you are pregnant. If you do so, it is at your own risk.

You will need to shower / wash thoroughly after the session if you have fallen in or been splashed, and need to ensure that any open cuts are covered.

We do take people with physical and mental disabilities out on the water, however please contact us before booking as you may need a private session to ensure that we are able to provide the right level of support, and that you receive the coach's full attention.

Many thanks for your booking - we look forward to paddling with you!

Please arrive wearing the clothes you intend to paddle in.

There are changing and toilet facilities available at YMCA Hawker.

We have a safe storage space for your bags and valuables.

No specialist clothing is required, but no jeans or cotton please, as cotton gets very cold when wet. In warm weather, swimwear or ordinary quick drying gym gear will be fine (shorts/leggings/T-shirt/fleece). 

We usually paddle barefoot on these sessions, but you could wear water shoes, or old sandals, flip flops or trainers if you'd prefer to wear shoes.

If it’s sunny please bring a hat and sun cream, and a bottle of water.

Also, please bring extra layers, a towel and a change of clothes just in case you take a little dip during the lesson.

You may also want to bring a small dry bag for spare waterproof/warm clothing, money, any medications you may need and your phone in a waterproof pouch. If you are worried about losing sunglasses please use a sunglasses strap, or buy one from us for £5.

You will be using our paddleboard and paddle. Buoyancy aids are provided and are compulsory on all our sessions.

Your session will start with a safety briefing and some land-based training on the riverbank by the Hawker. This typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on group size.

We will then head out onto the river, either upstream towards Kingston or downstream towards Teddington depending on conditions.

*The distance actually covered will depend on wind and tide conditions on the day.