YMCA Hawker Paddleboard Hire

Paddleboard Hire - Hawker

Hire a paddleboard from the YMCA Hawker, and paddle on one of the most idyllic stretches of the Thames on one of our 1 hour rental sessions. Minimum 2 people unless you have had a lesson with Paddle Richmond first.

Important: You and everyone in your group must be competent paddleboarders, and either have had at least one previous lesson from a paddleboarding school, or hold a stand-up paddleboarding qualification from a recognised awarding body e.g. BSUPA, British Canoeing or WSA.

You must all be able to demonstrate that you understand the risks from river traffic and currents, and can safely stand-up, stop, and turn the board proficiently. You must also display awareness of how to self-rescue should you fall off your board.

If not, you will need to book one of our 1:1 or small group coached sessions before you can hire a board from us: https://widget.eola.co/477/activities/ymca-hawker-2hr-beginner-improver-sup

We provide boards, paddles, buoyancy aids and a brief introduction to the rules of the river.

Children must be 13+ and already be strong paddlers. They must be accompanied on the water throughout the session by a parent/legal guardian.

Paddlers agree that they will not go downstream of Teddington Weir or upstream of Molesey Lock, and will follow the rules of the river as explained to them by Paddle Richmond staff on site. All paddlers must wear a buoyancy aid whilst hiring boards. You will be responsible for the safe return (in good condition) of all equipment rented to you, and understand that you will be charged for any damage or loss of equipment.

Can I rent the board for longer?

Yes by special arrangement only. You can add extra time on the booking form, and we will then confirm if that is possible, based on tide times and other bookings that day. And full day, weekend or 1 week hire is also available on request.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but by prior arrangement only - please contact us first on hello@paddlerichmond.co.uk. Unfortunately we don't have dog lifejackets.

Can I cancel or reschedule after I've booked?

Please see our cancellation policy.

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

You and everyone in your group must be competent paddleboarders, and either have had at least one previous lesson from a paddleboarding school, or hold a stand-up paddleboarding qualification from a recognised awarding body e.g. BSUPA, British Canoeing or WSA.

You must all be able to demonstrate that you understand the risks from river traffic and currents, and can safely stand-up, stop, and turn the board proficiently. You must also display awareness of how to self-rescue should you fall off your board.

If not, you will need to book one of our 1:1 or small group coached sessions before you can hire a board from us:

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 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.

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.

In colder weather (November - March), wearing a wetsuit would be advisable. We have wetsuits available to rent 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 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.

Please make sure you arrive on time - if you are late you may miss your session as our team may be out on the river with other customers.

After you arrive you can store your belongings and we'll get you kitted out with a buoyancy aid and paddle. You must pay attention to our safety briefing and instructions on river navigation and the paddling area. This typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on group size, and is part of the overall session time.

You can then head out onto the river to enjoy your session!

*Note that hire sessions are 1-hour including kitting out and the safety briefing - not 1-hours on the water.

*You can expect around 45 minutes paddling time on the water