Tidefest special Natural History tour

TideFest is a fast growing new river Thames event which took place for the first time in 2014 on World Rivers Day to highlight and celebrate the recreational importance of the Thames Tideway to Londoners. In the years since we have built on this success and the festival has firmly established itself as a key date in the London diary. Tidefest includes a wide variety of river based events in Chiswick, Kew, Brentford, Barnes, and elsewhere along the tidal Thames. TideFest is proud to be a partner of Totally Thames and to be generously supported by the Port of London Authority.

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.

Not suitable for anyone under the age of 14yrs.

You do not need to be a proficient swimmer, but should be comfortable about 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.

You will need to shower / wash thoroughly after the session if you have fallen in or been splashed and need to ensure any open cuts are covered.

We have taken people with physical and mental disabilities out on the water however please contact us before booking as we may need to take you out privately to ensure you receive the coach's full attention.

We will also need to know of any recent injuries prior to the session.

No specialist clothing is required. In warm weather, ordinary gym gear will be fine (shorts/leggings/T-shirt/sweatshirt), with old sandals or trainers you don't mind getting wet or muddy. Or you can get cheap neoprene wet shoes from most large supermarkets. No bare feet, footwear is required at all our SUP locations.

In colder weather (November - March), a wetsuit would be advisory. We have wetsuits available if requested in advance. Always bring a towel and a change of clothes just in case you take a little dip during the SUP lesson.

We will set off from Kew Bridge and depending on the direction of the tide, paddle downriver to Chiswick. After stopping for a short break we will return to Kew Bridge.