TSK 1 Theory part £55

PLEASE NOTE THE COST IS FOR ALL 4 THEORY MODULES (4 - 4.5HRS TOTAL) and this booking is for all 4 modules but the times of each consecutive module are listed below (no need to book separately)

PLEASE CHECK THE TIMES OF EACH CONSECUTIVE MODULE TO ENSURE YOU CAN MAKE ALL 3 EVENINGS - THIS TRAINING IS NOT RECORDED)

This course is for confident paddlers with SUP experience on moving water who want to paddle on the Tidal Thames safely and more independently understanding the tides, navigation rules, traffic patterns, risks and hazards of a tidal urban river, and be able to plan their own trips looking at the tides and weather data.

Online course - 4 Theory Modules (approx.4- 4.5 hrs total learning time) in 3 evenings *timings of each module may vary slightly depending on the participants' experience and needs.

1. Thursday 3rd February 6.30pm - 8.30pm approx. Module 1 RIVER KNOWLEDGE
2. Monday 7th February 7pm - 8.30pm Module 2 & Module 3 combined EQUIPMENT & REQUIRED SUP PADDLING SKILLS
3. Tuesday 8th February 7pm - 8.15pm approx. Module 4 THEORETICAL TRIP PLANNING

*Module 5 (£55) Practical 3hr Guided Trip on the Tideway needs to be booked separately once we are allowed to take groups on the water again. Private 1:1 or 1:2 practical session with Paul could be possible on request.

Thames Tideway is a beautiful but very specific urban body of water with a huge tidal range, strong currents, busy traffic and risks associated.

The Thames Skills & Knowledge (TSK) 1 course aims to provide a good knowledge of the main risks for people navigating the Thames in unpowered craft. It has been developed in cooperation with the Port of London Authority (PLA). Content has been agreed with the Assistant Harbourmaster responsible for sport and recreation.

Although mainly aimed at paddleboarders, this training is also relevant to canoeists (excl. SUP specific Modules Modules 2 and 3, although recommended for anyone who would like to broaden their range of paddlesports).

Completion of TSK1 is required by the PLA for anyone wanting to paddleboard downstream of Putney Bridge and above Chelsea Bridge and for night paddling. TSK1 is also a pre-requisite for taking TSK2 allowing paddle boarders down to Tower Bridge in groups. 

TSK1 is aimed at paddlers with some Tideway experience / canoeing on the Tideway but who want to expand their knowledge and paddle alone / in unguided groups (above Putney) or in small unguided groups (Putney – Chelsea Bridge) and who want to paddle in groups at night.

Paddling experience (at least 10hrs) on moving water/exposed and ideally some on the Thames.

You can do it from the comfort of your sofa. A cup of tea or a glass of water is recommended but not obligatory.

No writing materials required - just an open mind. However, if a notepad gives you assurance, feel free to make notes.

The 4- 4.5hrs theory part of the TSK1 course consists of 4 modules:

Module 1: River Knowledge

Module 2: Equipment

Module 3: SUP Paddling Skills + intro to Trip Planning

Module 4: Theoretical Trip Planning

Theory part of the TSK 1 includes detailed information about tides and how they affect Thames users; weather effects, river traffic and navigation rules for paddleboarders and other river users; tidal river hazards and associated risks;

SUP equipment selection appropriate for the Tideway, essential SUP paddling skills and SUP river safety skills are also covered.

Theory part is delivered through narrated slides.

*please note that no recordings or any form of copying, reproducing, sharing and publishing of slides is permitted.

Practical part - 3hr guided River Trip (with coaching and informal assessment of skills and knowledge) will be booked separately (£55 - cost based on min. of 5 participants). This is a practical application of theoretical knowledge acquired in Module 1, 2 and 3 with practical application of Trip Planning from Module 4.

All participants are expected to demonstrate a good level of personal competence and confidence on the Tideway, be able to paddle against the tide, apply basic SUP strokes efficiently, carry out a self rescue and demonstrate an understanding of the navigation rules and protocols on the Tideway incl. crossing the river safely, working the slacks etc.