Activities in Richmond upon Thames

Paddle Richmond runs paddleboarding and kayaking on the Thames at Richmond and Teddington, including group and private sessions, kayak hire, Doggy Paddle sessions and plastic-picking eco trips. It also offers bike hire, bike tours of Richmond Park and the river, and an intro mountain bike course. Nearby in Molesey, Floatin on Thames rents paddleboards and sit-on-top kayaks.

Group paddleboarding and kayaking sessions with Paddle Richmond are £59 per person, and midweek sessions are £45. Private sessions, the Dawn Patrol and Doggy Paddle are £75 per person, and kayak hire is £42.50. Group lessons cost £156 for four people or £199 for six. Bike hire is £30 per person, bike tours are £69 to £75 and the intro mountain bike course is £150.

Yes. Paddle Richmond has winter dates for its group and private paddleboarding and kayaking sessions, kayak hire, bike hire and the mountain bike course. Its bike tours and some classes have no dates on eola yet, and nor does Floatin on Thames hire, so check each activity page. Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding with Back of Beyond Adventures show on eola when it adds new dates.

Paddle Richmond doesn't state a minimum age, so check the activity page. You don't need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be comfortable falling into the water while wearing a buoyancy aid. At Floatin on Thames the person booking must be 18 or over, and paddlers should be confident in the water and able to swim 50 metres with a buoyancy aid; its family boards and double kayaks take two adults plus a child.

For Paddle Richmond, arrive in the clothes you'll paddle or cycle in, as changing space is limited, and avoid jeans and cotton on the water. There's safe storage for bags and valuables, and cyclists should bring a waterproof jacket. For Floatin on Thames, bring a water bottle, sun protection and clothes for the weather (a wetsuit in colder weather), plus a towel and dry clothes if you like.