Paddleboarding at Active 360 Kew Bridge
Active 360 runs stand-up paddleboarding on the tidal River Thames from its base under the arches of Kew Bridge in west London. Sessions start with a safety briefing on tides and navigation, then head upriver towards Isleworth and Richmond or down towards Barnes and Hammersmith. Beginners can learn to paddle the Tideway safely, experienced paddlers can join club paddles, and the team also hires kayaks, canoes and paddleboards on the Grand Union Canal. It's easy to reach from Chiswick, Brentford, Ealing and Richmond.
Kew Bridge, London
Beginner sessions available
Rentals available
Gift vouchers available
Closed for the winter – back for summer 2027
Active 360 is closed for the winter and back for summer 2027. New dates will appear here as soon as they're released.
In the meantime, explore more things to do on the Thames in London on eola, or give someone a gift voucher to use next season.
Active 360 Kew Bridge
Kew Bridge Paddlesports Arch,
Kew Bridge Arches, Kew Bridge,
London,
W4 3NG
Active 360 runs stand-up paddleboarding on the tidal Thames from Kew Bridge in west London, about 2 miles from Richmond, with kayak, canoe and SUP hire on the canal at Brentford and Ladbroke Grove.
FAQs
Where is Active 360 Kew Bridge?
Active 360's base is under the arches of Kew Bridge, at Kew Bridge Arches, London W4 3NG, right on the water's edge. It's about 1 mile from Brentford and Chiswick, and about 2 miles from Richmond and Ealing.
Where can I go paddleboarding near Richmond?
Kew Bridge is about 2 miles downriver from Richmond. Active 360's Thames sessions start there and, depending on the tide, paddle upriver towards Old Isleworth and Richmond or downriver towards Barnes and Hammersmith.
Where can I go paddleboarding near Chiswick or Hammersmith?
Active 360 at Kew Bridge is about 1 mile from Chiswick and about 3 miles from Hammersmith, and many of its sessions paddle down towards Barnes and Hammersmith. For more spots, see our guide to paddleboarding near London.
Where can I hire a kayak or canoe in west London?
Active 360 hires sit-on-top kayaks, Canadian canoes and paddleboards on the Grand Union Canal from Brentford Lock and from Ladbroke Grove. A member of staff hands out the kit and you explore the canal at your own pace. Going through the Maida Hill tunnel on the Regent's Canal is not allowed.
Do I need any experience?
Not for the beginner sessions, which include a short lesson on land for anyone with little or no paddleboarding experience. Progression sessions and club paddles are for paddlers with previous experience on the Tideway, and paddleboard hire is only for people with good SUP experience. Kayak and canoe hire needs no experience.
What happens on a session?
Every Thames session starts with a safety briefing on tides, navigation rules and safety on the Tideway. The instructor then plans the route around the tide, heading either upriver or downriver, and works on your paddling technique along the way.
Are there age limits?
The intro to safe paddling sessions are for adults. Family sessions are for adults and children aged 11 and over, and under-18s must be with a parent or guardian.
Are there changing facilities at Kew Bridge?
Yes. The Kew Bridge base has changing facilities and showers.
What should I wear for paddleboarding on the Thames?
Dress for getting wet, and bring:
- Quick-drying sports clothes in layers (avoid cotton)
- Shoes or sandals you don't mind getting wet
- A towel and a change of clothes
- A water bottle, plus suncream on bright days
For colder days, see our tips on paddleboarding in autumn and winter.
What if the weather is bad?
Sessions may be rescheduled if it is very windy or torrential rain makes visibility poor, or if minimum numbers aren't met. The Active 360 team will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the options.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Sessions run at set times planned around the tide, so it's best to book online ahead of your visit.
Can I buy a gift voucher?
Yes. Active 360 gift vouchers can be bought online and used for paddleboarding sessions or canal hire.