Teddington: Private Paddleboard Off-Peak

Private 2-hour paddleboard experience with one of our friendly and fully qualified coaches - for individuals, couples, families and small groups/parties of up to 18 paddlers.

Who is this for?

Our paddleboarding experiences are open to paddlers of all abilities, from complete beginners, to those who have paddled many times before - we guarantee that everyone will learn something new and leave with a smile on their face! Children over 10 are welcome if they are accompanied on the water by their parent or legal guardian.

Is it safe on the river?

Yes - you'll be accompanied on the river by a fully qualified instructor at all times. We run these sessions at "half-tide" when there is almost no river flow at Richmond, making it very safe on the water.

Where will I paddle?

You will be paddling on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames, either downstream towards Eel Pie Island and Richmond, or upstream towards Kingston.

What will I learn?

Your two-hour paddleboarding experience 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. If you're new to the sport we’ll have you standing up and progressing confidently in no time. And if you're an old hand, let us know if there's anything you'd like to focus on - we can help with your technique, refresh your river safety knowledge, explore new areas, or just enjoy paddling on the river!

Can we stop for a drink or ice cream?

Yes, just select the pub/cafe stop option and we can stop 20 minutes for a refreshing drink at a riverside pub or cafe (drink not included, sorry).

Can I bring my dog?

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

Any other options?

Yes, you can add a sunglasses strap, dry bag or phone case to help keep your stuff safe on the water - or feel free to leave it behind in our safe storage area.

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.

We will also need to know of any recent injuries prior to the session.

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 Teddington.

We do take people with physical and mental disabilities out on the water, however please contact us before booking so that we can discuss your requirements and make sure everyone has a great time.

Please arrive wearing the clothes you intend to paddle in as we have very limited space to get changed. Toilets are available on site in The Anglers pub.

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 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 at the bottom of The Anglers' beer garden. This typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on group size.

We will then head out onto the river, most probably downstream towards Eel Pie Island and Richmond, or occasionally upstream towards Kingston.

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