Richmond Paddleboard Hire

Hire a paddleboard from Richmond Bridge, and paddle on one of the most idyllic stretches of the Thames. Hire sessions are 2 hours long, which includes kitting out and our safety briefing. You can expect around 100 minutes paddling time on the water. Minimum 2 people unless you have had a lesson with Paddle Richmond first. 10% discount Mon-Thur.

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 tides, 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 private or small group coached sessions before you can hire a board from us:

We provide boards, paddles, buoyancy aids and a brief introduction to the rules of the river. Upgrade options available for paddles and boards, and one or more of your party can have the option to swap a paddleboard for one of our sit-on top kayaks.

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 Twickenham Bridge, or upstream of Teddington 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, at the time stated on your booking, and understand that you will be charged for any damage or loss of equipment,

or for late return of the 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. 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.

Any other options?

Yes, you can buy 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.

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

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 tides, 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 any of the above is not the case, please book a lesson with us first.

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

Please arrive at the start time 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 and paddle. Buoyancy aids are provided and are compulsory on all our sessions. Waist leashes are only used by coaches and very experienced paddlers. Ankle and knee leashes are not permitted on any of our sessions on safety grounds - they are banned on the tidal Thames.

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 2-hours including kitting out and the safety briefing - not 2-hours on the water.

*You can expect around 90-105 minutes paddling time on the water