2 hour session focusing on paddle technique, river skills, navigation and safety, led by one of our senior instructors. This session paddles on moving water with the tide.

Who is this for?

This class is perfect for intermediate to advanced paddlers wanting to hone their paddle technique and learn more about safety and navigation on the river. This is also great preparation for anyone training for a SUP event - such as the Trent 100.

Where will I paddle?

You will be paddling on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames, either upstream towards Eel Pie Island and Teddington, or downstream towards Isleworth, Kew Gardens and Chiswick. If you'd like to travel further you should add an extra hour to the session during the booking process.

What will I learn?

We start with a safety briefing before heading out on the water for the session. We'll be discussing river safety and navigation, and the issues presented by paddling in tidal water. Along the way we will practice perfect paddling technique, and hone your different strokes - from sculling, to draw strokes, reverse kahis and step back turns. You'll be paddling like a pro by the end of the session.

Any other options?

Yes, you can buy a sunglasses strap, dry bag or phone case to help keep your stuff safe on the water - or feel free to leave it behind in our safe storage area.

Can I cancel or reschedule after I've booked?

Please see our cancellation policy. You have the option to add day before Flexi Rescheduling as an add-on when you book.

https://www.paddlerichmond.co.uk/cancellation-policy

You do not need to be a proficient swimmer, but should be comfortable with falling into water while wearing a buoyancy aid.

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

You will need to shower / wash thoroughly after the session if you have fallen in or been splashed, and need to ensure that any open cuts are covered. Note that we do not have shower facilities at Richmond. If you are bringing your own paddleboard, please make sure it is fully pumped up and ready to go by the session start time.

Many thanks for your booking - we look forward to paddling with you!

Please arrive wearing the clothes you intend to paddle in as we have very limited space to get changed. 

We have a safe lockable storage space for your bags and valuables.

No specialist clothing is required, but no jeans or cotton please, as cotton gets very cold when wet. In warm weather, swimwear or ordinary quick drying gym gear will be fine (shorts/leggings/T-shirt/fleece). 

We usually paddle barefoot, but on these sessions you should wear water shoes, flip flops or old sandals / trainers if you'd prefer, as you may be stopping along the way.

If it’s sunny please bring a hat and sun cream, and a bottle of water.

In colder weather (November - March), wearing a wetsuit is advisable. We have wetsuits available if requested in advance, or bring your own. Also, please bring extra layers, a towel and a change of clothes just in case you take a dip during the lesson.

You may also want to bring a small dry bag for spare waterproof/warm clothing, money, any medications you may need and your phone in a waterproof pouch. We have these for sale if you don't have one. If you are worried about losing sunglasses please use a sunglasses strap, or buy one from us for £5.

You can use our paddleboard and paddle, or bring your own. Buoyancy aids are provided and are compulsory on all our sessions.

After we have kitted you out, we will provide a safety briefing and some land-based training on the riverbank near Richmond Bridge. This typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on group size, and is part of the overall session time.

We will then head out onto the river, either upstream towards Eel Pie Island and Teddington or downstream towards Richmond Lock, Isleworth, Kew Gardens and Chiswick, depending on the tide. We will return to our launch point at the end of the session.

*You can expect to be paddling on the water for 90-105 minutes

*The distance actually covered will depend on wind and tide conditions on the day.