Board demo session

One hour Paddleboard Demo session, allowing time to test several different. boards, as well as try out different types of paddle. 1.5 and 2 hour slots also available.

During your demo session you will be on the water with one of our team for some of the time - they will be able to advise you on equipment choice, and answer any questions you may have.

Note, these sessions are not a paddleboarding lesson, and are not for complete paddleboarding novices. We expect you be able to control your board safely, and be able to stand-up, steer, stop etc before you start the session, and have good awareness of how to self-rescue should you fall off your board.

Can I bring my dog?

No, these sessions are for humans only. If you'd like to paddleboard with your dog, book one of our Doggy Paddle sessions here: https://eola.co/w/477/activities/doggy-paddle

Can I cancel or reschedule after I've booked?

Please see our cancellation policy.

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.

Before taking part, please make Paddle Richmond staff aware of any significant medical condition/disability that may affect your ability to participate, or to understand instructions. If you have any doubts regarding fitness to participate, please contact Paddle Richmond to discuss your concerns in advance, or seek medical advice from a doctor.

We advise that you do not participate in paddleboarding if you are pregnant. If you do so, it is at your own risk.

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.

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

We have a safe 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 on these sessions, but you could wear water shoes, or old sandals, flip flops or trainers if you'd prefer to wear shoes.

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 will be using our paddleboard and paddle. Buoyancy aids are provided and are compulsory on all our sessions.

Your demo session will start with a safety briefing and discussion about the equipment on the riverbank near Richmond Bridge. This usually takes 15-20 minutes

We will then head out onto the river, staying in the area around Richmond Bridge and the nearby islands to allow you to try out the board or boards you have chosen. You can expect about 40-45 minutes on the water, unless you have bought an extended session from us.