5 hour Self Guided Kayak Adventure

The 5 hour Self Guided Adventure, starting at 10:30am, is most often taken when a table at The Anglers in Teddington is booked for lunch and drinks at 12:30 / 1:00pm.

The session starts with a briefing and introduction to paddling before taking to the water for your journey into the Back of Beyond...

1. Paddle the water between Richmond Bridge and Teddington Lock.
2. Explore the islands and riverside jungle as you go.
3. Stop for a riverside picnic and swim.
4. Visit a riverside cafe or pub.

Do you want to paddle in the same kayak? Choose our Self Guided Tandem Kayak Adventure instead!

Anyone taking to the River on a Self Guided Kayak Adventure must:

1. be able to swim 50 metres..
2. be able to paddle independently without assistance.
3. be accompanied at all times when on the water by an adult if under 18 years.*
4. wear their buoyancy aid at all times whilst on the water.

*The adult to child ratio on the water is 1 adult to 2 children.

For all of our kayak adventures we recommend that you wear shorts, running tights, or similar, and wear a t-shirt with additional layers appropriate for the day. You also need footwear to paddle with, for example old trainers.

Many people choose to pack their favourite food and drink for a riverside picnic or, if you're planning on stopping at a riverside pub, remember a bank card or similar.

As part of your paddle to the pub adventure, you’ll receive a (re)introduction to paddling, along with some guidance on where to paddle, and we’ll provide you with a dry bag that you can use to pack a towel, spare clothes, phone and wallet.

Launching onto the Thames you’ll take a steady paddle around the islands and backwaters of the Thames up towards Teddington Harbour. Pausing along the way to chat, swim, re-group and take in the history of the river, you’ll aim to arrive at the pontoon in front of The Anglers pub in Teddington, where you can moor up your boats and boards. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, before returning to the river at least an hour before you are due back at River Lane in Richmond.

Paddling back towards Eel Pie Island and onto Petersham Meadows, you will hand in your buoyancy aids, dry bags, paddles and craft, before taking a stroll into Richmond to visit the many independent shops, cafes and pubs that this part of London has to offer!