Learn to paddleboard in a small group 2-hour paddleboard class with one of our friendly and fully qualified coaches. Perfect for complete beginners, improvers looking to move to the next level, or experienced paddlers wanting to hone their paddle technique. There's no pressure and no judgement!

Who is this for?

Our lessons are open to paddlers of all abilities, from complete beginners, to those who have paddled many times before - we guarantee that everyone will learn something new and leave with a smile on their face - and a photo or two taken by our instructors!

Children over 14 are welcome if they are accompanied on the water by a parent or legal guardian. Younger children over the age of 10 can usually be accommodated on a private lesson, but not on a Group session. You can book a private session via this link: https://widget.eola.co/477/activities/5ncz8

If you have paddled with us on the Tidal Thames in the past please select the “Returner” option when you book to get a discount. If not, you’ll be eligible for this next time!

Is it safe on the river?

Yes - you'll be accompanied on the river by a fully qualified instructor at all times. We run these sessions at "half-tide" when there is almost no river flow at Richmond, making it very safe on the water.

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.

What will I learn?

Your two-hour paddleboarding experience will start with a safety briefing and some land-based training before you head out on the water for your lesson and guided tour of the river. We will introduce you to paddleboarding equipment, teach you about safety, the tides and navigation on the river, as well as paddle techniques, including how to steer, stop and self-rescue. We’ll have you standing up and progressing confidently in no time!

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://widget.eola.co/utfsj/activities/sup-doggy-paddle

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.

What if I'd prefer a private experience?

You can book private lessons for you or your group here:

https://widget.eola.co/477/activities/5ncz8

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

Note: please don't use more than one discount offer at the same time. For example, if you use the 2 for 1 Tuesday discount, you cannot also use the weekday discount or the returning paddler discount.

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

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.

We do take people with physical and mental disabilities out on the water, however please contact us before booking as you may need a private session to ensure that we are able to provide the right level of support, and that you receive the coach's full attention.

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 only rudimentary changing facilities.

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 on these sessions, but you could wear water shoes, flip flops or old sandals / trainers if you'd prefer.

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.

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.