Stand Up Paddle Boarding is one of the countries fastest growing sports and it’s a brillinat way to get afloat on the Thames and see the river from a different perspective.
Our Friends at Active360 will be running four different paddle boarding activities during Tidefest
- Paddle & Pick River and foreshore clean up (1.5hrs) – 12.30pm (age 14+)
he River Thames is on the mend after decades of toxic overflow, neglect and mismanagement. Birdlife and marine life are returning to the river, with regular sightings of seals and even dolphins. However, the sustainability of the Thames is under threat from growing plastic pollution entering the river and threatening birdlife and contaminating marine life.
Join us for a paddle and river clean up heading out around the local islands at Low tide where we will be stopping along the way to pick litter from the foreshore, trees and the water. You must have some previous paddling experience to join this session as although guided it does not include a lesson. You can always join one of our group sessions to get some experience and learn the basics first.
This session is only suitable for adults children age 14+
- Intro to safe paddling on the Thames Tideway (50 mins) – 11am, 12midday, 1pm (age 11+)
These intro to safe paddling sessions start at our base in Kew Bridge on the tidal Thames. You will learn about SUP safety and navigation rules and this is a good starting point for any safe Tideway paddling whether you are looking to paddle independently, join a club or rent from us on the Thames.
We start with a safety briefing where we discuss tides, navigation rules and safety on the Tideway before heading out on the water – after a short on land lesson for anyone with little or no previous paddleboarding experience.
We will either be paddling up towards Old Isleworth/Richmond or down towards Barnes/Hammersmith – this depends on whether we are paddling around high or low tide. Both routes are rich in wildlife and history.
This stand up paddleboard session is suitable for beginners and adults of all abilities and ages. These sessions are only suitable for adults and children age 11+
- Natural History tour (2hrs) – 2.45pm (ages 14+)
Join us as for a Thames Natural History Tour, as we explore the wonderful wildlife of the River Thames. The river was once biologically dead, all life extinguished by industrial pollution, but since the 1970s wildlife has been returning, and thriving. And we’re on a mission to find it.
The Thames is now home to more than 125 species of fish, which in turn support two species of seal, deep-diving cormorants, stealthy grey herons and more. Stand up paddleboarding allows us to enjoy a unique perspective of the river’s wildlife, immersing ourselves in nature.
As we paddle, you will also learn about the natural history and ecology of the Thames, and the issues that still threaten this iconic waterway.
Not suitable for anyone under the age of 14yrs.
- Paddle to the pub (2hrs) – 2.45pm (ages 18+)
We will be paddling out with the last of the Ebb (Low) tide up towards Barnes stopping at the Ship Pub in Mortlake next to the Old Stag Brewery. We will stop for a refreshment break whilst waiting for the tide to turn. We will then glide back with the start of the Flood (High) tide.
This stand up paddleboard session is suitable for beginners and adults of all abilities and ages. The River Thames is a tidal river and so the conditions may not be suitable for participants under the age of 16. Please contact us directly if you would like to book a child onto your session. You will need to be able to swim and be confident in the water. Certain level of flexibility and ability to get up to standing from kneeling is required for learning to paddleboard.
This session will start and finish at our base inside Kew Bridge.