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2-Hour Kayak Experience on the River Thames
2-Hour Kayak Experience on the River Thames
4.9
206 reviews
Learn to kayak on the scenic River Thames in Richmond during a 2-hour guided lesson. Paddle along tranquil waters, perfect for beginners or seasoned paddlers, while enjoying expert instruction and stunning views of Ham House, Eel Pie Island, and more.
From €68 / person
No dates available yet
From €68 / person
No dates available yet
Highlights
- Learn kayaking basics in a safe and supportive environment.
- Paddle on one of the most picturesque sections of the River Thames.
- Enjoy guidance from fully qualified, experienced instructors.
- Explore landmarks like Ham House and Eel Pie Island.
- Leave with new skills, a smile, and a photo to remember the day!
Full description
Join us for a 2-hour guided kayaking lesson and river tour in beautiful Richmond. This session is designed for paddlers of all abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.
Start your experience with a safety briefing and land-based training near Richmond Bridge. Once you're comfortable, take to the water and paddle either upstream towards Ham House, Eel Pie Island, and Teddington or downstream to explore the sights of Isleworth and Kew Gardens, depending on the tide.
You’ll learn essential paddling techniques, river navigation, and safety tips while being accompanied by a fully qualified instructor. The lessons are run during "half-tide" conditions, ensuring a safe and calm kayaking experience. By the end, you'll leave with improved skills, a sense of achievement, and a photo to remember your adventure.
A word from your host
Nigel
Hi I'm Nigel and I lead an amazing team of paddleboard and kayak coaches and waterfront staff. We all have an absolute passion for the water, and for teaching people new skills. All our coaches are all fully qualified, with accreditations from British Stand-up Paddleboarding Association (BSUPA), Water Skills Academy (WSA), Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) and the Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI). They also all hold both Paddlesport Safety and Rescue and Outdoor First Aid qualifications.
Know before you go
- Please arrive wearing the clothes you intend to paddle in
- Children over 10 are welcome if they are accompanied on the water by a parent or legal guardian, but under 14s will need to be in a double kayak
- Paddling is usually barefoot, but you can wear water shoes, flip flops or trainers if you'd prefer to wear shoes
- During colder months (November–March), wetsuits are available upon request
- Lockable storage is provided for valuables
- Please note there are no shower facilities at the meeting point.
Includes
✔️ Professional instructor and guide
✔️ All kayaking equipment
✔️ Wetsuit available on request during winter months
✔️ Lockable storage for valuables
✔️ Safety briefing and introduction to kayaking
❌ Transportation to meeting point
❌ Food and drinks
❌ Shower
What to bring
- Comfortable clothing suitable for paddling (shorts, leggings, T-shirt, or fleece)
- A hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle, especially on sunny days
- A towel and a change of clothes just in case you take a dip during the lesson
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Meeting & end points
Meeting point
No 1, Richmond Bridge Arches (next to Tide Tables Café), Richmond-upon-Thames, TW9 1TH
End point
Same location
Customer reviews
Sheena Androliakos
We had an absolutely fantastic time out on the Thames with Paddle Richmond! From start to finish, the experience was smooth, enjoyable, and so memorable. A huge thank you to Nigel, our paddle expert for the day — he was absolutely brilliant! Nigel was incredibly informative and friendly, and it was clear he knew the river like the back of his hand. He shared so much valuable knowledge with us, not just about paddle boarding, but also about water safety and the rules of the river. His calm and confident approach made us feel really safe the entire time. What stood out most was how much confidence we gained from the session. We came away with a much deeper understanding and a real sense of achievement. Whether you’re new to paddle boarding or just want to explore the Thames with expert guidance, I couldn’t recommend Paddle Richmond more highly. We’ll definitely be back!
Vuki Popovic
I had an incredible experience learning practical kayaking for rescuing wildlife with Peter from Paddle Richmond. Paddle Richmond prepared a bespoke 1:1 course for me. Peter, was brilliant in the way he explained things, demonstrated techniques, I had never done anything like this before and it felt so worthwhile. I could not praise him more highly and I'm eager to practice my kayaking with them again more regularly when the warmer season begins!
Raed
Nigel and Harry made it an unforgettable experience, they made sure we were good and ready before heading out. The equipment is top-notch, and the views along the Thames are amazing. It's such a peaceful and fun way to enjoy nature and get some exercise. Perfect for a day with friends. Highly recommend and can't wait to go back.
Mei Y Giam
Nigel and Peter are excellent instructors. Peter took me out the second time. He was so kind, went over and beyond to see that I would paddle comfortably on a faster board. I highly recommend this company for paddle boarding for beginners and improvers.
Sarah Pick
We had a fantastic morning paddle boarding with Nigel! It was super fun and informative session - we learnt a lot about paddle boarding and Richmond, too. Hope to book again soon :)