Richmond Hill Hotel Paddleboarding

  • paddleboarding

  • 2 hrs

  • Up to 6 people
  • pin

    Richmond-upon-Thames, GB

  • ticket-price
    From
    £119.00
    / adult
  • ticket-price
    From
    £119.00
    / child
  • user-group

    Group discount available

  • Description

    Richmond Hill Hotel has partnered with local paddleboarding company Paddle Richmond, to offer bespoke private paddleboard lessons for its guests.

    We're offering 2-hour private lessons for you, with an expert paddle instructor to show you the ropes and guide you on your trip up the Thames.

    Who is this for?

    Our lessons 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!

    Where will I paddle?

    You will be paddling on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames, either upstream towards Eel Pie Island and Teddington, or downstream towards Isleworth, Kew Gardens and Chiswick. If you like we can add in a 20 minute ice cream break, or stop at a cafe or pub on this trip (drink not included, sorry).

    What will I learn?

    Your two-hour paddleboarding session 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 confidently in no time, and if you're an old hand, we'll help with your technique, refresh your river safety knowledge and just enjoy the river!

    Can I personalise the trip?

    Yes! By prior arrangement we can add one of our special packages to your session - from guided wildlife or river history tours, to SUP Yoga and Pilates, or eco-trips that help clear the river from plastic waste. You can also book an early morning Dawn Patrol (subject to tides) - a fantastic start to the day before returning to the Bingham for a delicious breakfast. Check the options for our specials at the booking stage and we'll do our very best to make it happen - note that these sessions are dependent on the right members of our team being on duty on the day of your session.

    Where does the trip run from?

    Paddle Richmond are based 2-3 minutes walk along the towpath from the Bingham, on the pontoon just past Richmond Bridge.

    Is it safe on the river?

    Yes - we run these sessions at "half-tide" when there is almost no river flow at Richmond, making it very safe on the water.

    Any other options?

    Yes, we now have sit-on top kayaks available - single or double, so if you prefer to take things sitting down, you can select this as an option

    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.


    Cancellation and Bad Weather

    Please see our Cancellation Policy for details on cancelling or rescheduling your session.

    We don't cancel sessions due to rain - in fact it's lovely on the river in the rain! However, very occasionally, due to extreme weather (high winds, lightning or poor visibility), we may need to cancel your paddleboard session. On these occasions we will contact you and attempt to reschedule your lesson, and if this is not an option, we will offer you a credit voucher or full refund. If you don't hear from us, the session is going ahead!






    Requirements

    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 Richmond.




    What to bring

    Many thanks for your booking - we look forward to paddling with you!

    Please arrive wearing the clothes you intend to paddle in as we have very limited space to get changed. 

    We have a safe lockable 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, flip flops or old sandals / trainers if you'd prefer.

    If it’s sunny please bring a hat and sun cream.

    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.

    Itinerary

    Your session will start with a safety briefing and some land-based training on the riverbank or our pontoon near Richmond Bridge. This typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on group size.

    We will then head out onto the river, either upstream towards Eel Pie Island and Teddington or downstream towards Richmond Lock, Isleworth, Kew Gardens and Chiswick, depending on the tide.


    *How far we go will depend on conditions on the day.

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