This class is for paddleboarders or kayakers looking to improve their skills, technique, safety and confidence on moving water. Perfect for someone looking to step up to self guided trips or adventures, or solo paddling.

We start with a 60 minute shore-based lesson to cover safety, navigation and trip preparation essentials. We then paddle around the High Tide, allowing you to work on your ability to paddle with and against a current, and to experiment with different paddle strokes. You'll also gain further insight into safety on the river.

You need to be a confident paddler and have previously paddled with us on the River Thames before joining this course.

If you haven't paddled with us before, you can join any of our other private or group lessons to get a bit more experience before joining a this more advanced class.

You will be paddling on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames upstream towards Eel Pie Island and Teddington Lock.

Can I cancel or reschedule after I've booked?

Please see our cancellation policy. You have the option to add day before Flexi Rescheduling as an add-on when you book.

https://www.paddlerichmond.co.uk/cancellation-policy

Only for confident paddlers.

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

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 or kayaking 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. Note that we do not have shower facilities at Richmond.

Please arrive wearing the clothes you intend to paddle in as we have very limited space to get changed. 

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.

In colder weather (November - March), wearing a wetsuit is advisable. We have wetsuits available if requested in advance, or bring your own. Also, please bring extra layers, a towel and a change of clothes just in case you take a 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. We have these for sale if you don't have one. 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 / kayak and paddle. Buoyancy aids are provided and are compulsory on all our sessions.

We start with a 60 minute shore-based lesson to cover safety, navigation and trip preparation essentials.

We will then head out onto the river, either upstream towards Eel Pie Island and Teddington or downstream towards Richmond Lock, Isleworth, Kew Gardens and Chiswick, depending on the tide. We will return to our launch point at the end of the session.

*You can expect to be paddling on the water for just under 2 hours.

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