Many people choose the 4 hour Self Guided Adventure starting at 10:30 or 11:00am for a good old fashioned picnic!

The session starts with a briefing and introduction to paddling before taking to the water for your journey into the Back of Beyond...

1. Paddle the water between Teddington and Richmond Locks.
2. Explore the islands and riverside jungle as you go.
3. Stop for a riverside picnic and swim.
4. Visit a riverside cafe or pub.

Anyone taking to the River on a Self Guided SUP Adventure must:

1. be able to swim 50 metres..
2. be able to paddle independently without assistance.
3. be accompanied at all times when on the water by an adult if under 18 years.*
4. wear their buoyancy aid at all times whilst on the water.

You will start the session paddling on your knees before transitioning to standing, therefore a degree of flexibility is needed to do this.

*The adult to child ratio on the water is 1 adult to 2 children.

You are going to be paddling beautifully stable crafts but due to the nature of the activity, there is a chance that you may get wet.

For advice on what to wear on your adventure click here

As part of your active picnic adventure, you’ll receive a (re)introduction to paddling, along with some guidance on where to paddle, and we’ll provide you with a dry bag that you can use to pack a towel, spare clothes, phone, wallet and (more importantly) food to take with you.

Pack your hamper onto your craft (some people also decorate their SUPs as well, but we’ll leave that to you to decide) before launching onto the Thames to journey along the river between Richmond’s iconic bridge and riverside and Teddington Harbour. Having paddled upstream you can raft up, or moor up for a swim, and then enjoy your picnic.

Once you’ve eaten all of the ‘quintessentially English’ cucumber sandwiches you possibly can and have enjoyed a refreshing elderflower pressé (!) you can paddle downstream past the islands and backwaters to Petersham Meadow from where you can wander along the riverside or walk up to Richmond Hill to enjoy the view that Turner so loved!