7 stand-up paddleboarding spots near London
Think Londoners have to miss out on the great outdoors? Think again!
Despite being the UK’s biggest city, London is within easy reach of some of the country’s most stunning waterways. Stand-up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is a great way to explore these peaceful waters - quite literally on your own two feet!
Catch a train, escape the city, and reconnect with nature - here are 7 fantastic SUP spots within easy reach of London.
Egham, Surrey
Stretching from Oxford to London, the Thames is England’s longest river, and it’s lined with great places to stand-up paddleboard.
Nick from Just SUP UK can show you around his local leafy stretch of the river in Egham. Drawing on his decades-long passion for watersports, he and the Just SUP team offer paddleboards for hire, as well as guided group lessons.
Nick says: "Whether you want to head out for a social paddle with friends and family, or just get out for an hour on your own, being out on a SUP is great fun and a great way to relax and connect with nature. Plus, it’s great exercise for that core too!"
Getting there: Egham is a 40-minute train ride from Waterloo. Just SUP UK are located at Runnymede Pleasure Ground on the River Thames, a 20-minute walk from Egham Station.
Wargrave, Berkshire
Sitting alongside the Thames in Berkshire, the picturesque village of Wargrave is home to many grade-listed Tudor houses and pubs.
Nick Judd from Go with the Flo is an experienced stand-up paddleboard racer and BSUPA-qualified coach. He hopes to help build a community around the Thames in Berkshire that helps people connect through paddleboarding. Join him for a group session and get to know this charming part of the world!
Getting there: Wargrave is a 50-minute train ride from Paddington, with a change at Twyford.
Shepperton, Surrey
The idyllic village of Shepperton sits 15 miles southwest of London, and is famous for its prime location on the Thames.
Joshua from Paddle Up has been sailing and paddling around Shepperton for over 20 years, and knows its stretch of the Thames like the back of his hand. He and his partner India started Paddle Up to share the beauty and wildlife that can be seen along the river. The BSUPA-recognised company offers Level 1 'Ready to Ride' sessions, covering everything you need to know to stay safe and have fun on the water.
Getting there: Shepperton is a 50-minute train ride from Waterloo. From there, Paddle Up’s riverside HQ is a 5-minute bus ride or a 20-minute walk.
Sevenoaks, Kent
The beautiful Chipstead Lakes near Sevenoaks are fed by the River Darent, which winds its way through Kent towards the Thames.
Wayne from Get Out There and Paddle is a Sevenoaks local who’s made it his mission to share the delights of Chipstead Lake with the world. Book a group session to splash about with friends, or master the basics of SUP with a 1-on-1 lesson.
For something a bit different, why not try SUP yoga?
Getting there: Sevenoaks is a 25-minute train ride from London Bridge. Chipstead Lake is a 10-minute taxi ride from the station.
Godalming, Surrey
The historic market town of Godalming sits on the River Wey, surrounded by the lush countryside and rolling hills of the North Downs and Greensand Ridge.
SUP & Awey offer paddleboards for rent across Surrey - you can pick up a board from Rosemary at their Godalming centre and be out exploring the river in a matter of minutes! The perfect way to wind down on a long summer evening.
Getting there: Godalming is a 40-minute train ride from Waterloo. The SUP & Awey pick-up point is a 10-minute walk from the station.
Reading, Berkshire
Reading boasts super-fast connections to London and is a prime location for stand-up paddleboarding. The town sits at the confluence of the Thames and the River Kennet, giving locals access to miles of tranquil waters to explore.
Julia from SUPERA can show you Reading’s hidden gems on a paddleboard. She offers introductory and improver classes, private lessons, and regular Wednesday social paddles. For a self-guided adventure, SUPERA also provide full and half-day paddleboards for hire.
Getting there: Reading is a 25-minute train ride from Paddington. SUPERA runs classes and rentals from multiple locations in the area, operating on both the Thames and the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Weybridge, Surrey
Sitting at the intersection of the Thames and the Wey, Weybridge is surrounded by the beautiful Surrey countryside.
Michael from Wow SUP Club offers SUP sessions on the Wey. Book a paddleboarding lesson with friends for a peaceful couple of hours on the river mastering the basics of SUP, and be sure to head into town afterwards for a drink in one of Weybridge’s many historic pubs.
Getting there: Weybridge is a 30-minute train ride from Waterloo. The Wow SUP Club launch point is a 15-minute walk from the station.
Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding great places to go stand-up paddleboarding! We hope this article has inspired you to go on a SUP adventure of your own.
Prefer to explore the city instead? London’s many waterways are full of great places to go stand-up paddleboarding - check out our article, 7 of the best places to go stand-up paddleboarding in London, to find out more!
Be sure to check out the eola marketplace to find and book your next adventure, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for all the latest updates.
Read more
7 of the best places to go stand-up paddleboarding in London
Next article: Women + Waves, in conversation with Rachel Murphy