Thames Natural History Tour - Upstream

Our second Natural History tour invites you to paddle upstream, where you’ll experience the river’s final untouched stretch. Beginning at Kew Bridge, we embark on the flood tide, taking in the charm of Brentford and the peaceful Lots Aits island before reaching the impressive Syon Reach.

At Syon Reach, the grandeur of Syon House, with its stunning 18th-century architecture and rich history, provides a captivating stop. Continuing on, we explore Isleworth Ait, a prehistoric site where the river’s boatbuilding heritage and the stories of a once-thriving island pub come to life. Along the way, we’ll also share insights into climate change and evolving flood risk assessments, deepening your understanding of the river’s dynamic ecosystem.

Paddleboarding on the Thames offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, all while nurturing mental and physical well-being. Join us for a memorable adventure along this historic waterway, offering a unique glimpse into the past and present of the Thames.

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 preparation is needed but dress appropriately for the weather, bring a change of clothes and footwear to wear on water (read below detailed guidance).

We advise checking the weather forecast before your session and dressing appropriately based on the weather conditions on the day - taking wind and rain factor into account.

What should I bring:

1. Shoes you will wear on a SUP (depending on the time of year - read below)
2. Spare clothes and a towel (in case you fall in and need to shower)
3. Sun protection (sunscreen and sun hat)
4. Retainer for your glasses
5. Refillable water bottle (you can top up at the arches)
6. Dry bag if you are planning to take things with you on water including waterproof phone case for your phone. We have some dry bags and phone cases for sale on site.

Warmer weather

Quick drying sportswear/gymwear - short or long sleeve tops, leggings, shorts, quick drying trousers (avoid denim and heavy cotton - it can get heavy when wet and holds moisture making you chill down quickly).

Footwear - neoprene water shoes are best. Inexpensive neoprene shoes are now widely available to buy. However, if you don't have these, don't worry. On your first few sessions you will be fine wearing a pair of flat sole trainers/converse/ hiking sandals with a heel strap - anything that will stay on your feet, footwear with a sturdy flat sole that you don't mind getting wet and possibly muddy.

Avoid flip- flops as hey will fall off your feet, you can trip over and injure yourself! There are sharp stones on the river banks and in wetter weather some river mud so wearing flip-flops can be dangerous.

We avoid barefoot paddling because of the risks of injury and infection (falling over, cutting your feet on sharp stones, getting infected etc). You may wish to purchase a pair of neoprene socks which we sell at very competitive prices (£20-£25) and layer them up with your trainers. We also sell light weight neoprene shoes and have some more technical neoprene boots but not all sizes.

Light windproof/waterproof jacket or a spare top if you think you will get chilly.

Spare jumper/throw on top you may wish to put on after exercising to warm up and stay cosy.

Colder weather

1. Windproof/waterpoof light jacket.
2. Thermal top.

In colder weather we strongly advise wearing light thermals and wetsuits and a wooly hat (we lose lots of heat through the head!) We have a selection of wetsuits that can be borrowed on our sessions. You may wish to wear a bigger wetsuit with tight fitting layer under - a baselayer and a pair of leggings.

Footwear in colder weather is very important - your feet will get cold! We recommend neoprene shoes and boots and in very cold weather neoprene socks as well.

We have some neoprene shoes to borrow free of charge but not all sizes are available and depending on how busy we are we are likely to run out of shoes. You may wish to purchase a pair of neoprene socks which we sell at very competitive prices (£15-£20) and layer them up with your trainers. We also sell light weight neoprene shoes and have some more technical neoprene boots but not all sizes.

During the winter months we also have neoprene mitts available for use if required.

1. Spare clothes, warm jumper/throw on cosy top are essential in winter to keep you warm after exercise.