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Step onto a paddleboard and see the River Thames from a fresh perspective while learning about its unique ecology and wildlife. This guided session blends paddling with natural history, making it both a relaxing experience on the water and an educational one. From fish and seals to birdlife, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of London’s largest blue space.
The session begins with a briefing on paddleboarding basics, ensuring even complete beginners feel confident before getting onto the water. Once comfortable, you’ll head out on the Thames accompanied by an experienced guide who will share insights into the river’s past and present. Once considered lifeless due to industrial pollution, the Thames is now thriving with more than 100 fish species, seals, cormorants, and even occasional sharks.
As you paddle, the focus is not just on moving along the river but also on observing the surrounding wildlife and learning about the challenges facing this ecosystem today. Your instructor will point out species along the way and explain how the river has recovered, while highlighting what is being done to protect it for the future. The gentle pace means you’ll have time to take in the scenery, enjoy being outdoors, and build confidence on your board.
At the end of the session, you’ll be given a specially designed leaflet summarising the key ecological information from the tour, helping you to continue your learning beyond the water.
The session runs from Kew Bridge, one of the best spots to access the River Thames. From here, paddlers can enjoy both the urban character of London’s waterways and the quieter stretches where wildlife thrives. This combination makes it an ideal starting point for an ecological paddleboarding tour.
The river in this area is well suited to beginners, with calmer sections providing a safe and manageable environment to learn and explore. Being based at Kew Bridge also means excellent public transport links and easy access for those travelling from across the city.
No previous paddleboarding experience is required. The session is open to anyone looking to try paddleboarding while learning more about the natural history of the Thames. A reasonable level of fitness and confidence in the water is recommended, though you will be supported by experienced instructors throughout.
The centre is led by a team of skilled instructors who are both paddleboarding professionals and passionate about the River Thames. They provide high-quality equipment, prioritise safety, and ensure every participant feels supported whether new to the sport or already confident on the water.
Environmental awareness is at the heart of the experience. By joining the tour, participants not only enjoy a memorable paddle but also contribute to raising awareness of the river’s ecology and ongoing conservation efforts. Combining physical activity with education and outdoor wellbeing, this tour offers a unique way to connect with both nature and London’s historic river.
You will receive confirmation via email and be able to talk to the centre if you have any further questions/special requests.
Kew is easy to access by public transport, car or along the Thames path on foot or bike. We encourage cycling to our meeting point as it is the best option for the environment and easy to access.
Here are your options to choose from:
Absolutely! To enquire about a bespoke corporate group booking, just message the team using the chat box in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
No, you don't. This tour is suitable for beginners as well as experienced paddlers. Our expert instructors will guide you and provide all necessary training before we start the tour.
You'll learn about the natural history and ecology of the River Thames. You'll discover the diverse range of species that call the Thames home and understand the various environmental issues affecting this iconic waterway. You'll also receive a small leaflet packed with key information about this unique environment.
Absolutely. Your safety is our highest priority. Our tours are led by experienced instructors who are trained in first aid and water safety. We provide all necessary safety equipment and keep our groups small to ensure everyone gets the attention and support they need.
Yes, children are welcome on the tour. However, we do recommend that children be at least 11 years old to participate, as some degree of strength and coordination is required for paddleboarding. Please ensure that all children are accompanied by an adult.
No preparation is needed but dress appropriately for the weather, bring a change of clothes and footwear to wear on water.
We advise checking the weather forecast before your session and dressing appropriately based on the weather conditions on the day – taking wind and rain factors into account.
During the warm weather, the essentials for your SUP session include quick-drying sportswear or gymwear. This could be short or long-sleeved tops, leggings, shorts, or quick-drying trousers. Avoid heavy cotton or denim, as these can hold moisture and make you feel cold quickly when wet.
For footwear, neoprene water shoes are optimal. If you don’t have these, don’t fret. Flat-soled trainers, Converse, or hiking sandals with heel straps work fine for your first few sessions, as long as you don’t mind them getting wet or muddy. Stay clear of flip-flops – they easily fall off, and you risk tripping and injuring yourself. The river banks can be sharp and muddy, so it’s best to avoid going barefoot. We sell neoprene socks at competitive prices (£15-£20) which can be worn with your trainers. We also offer lightweight neoprene shoes and some more technical boots, although not all sizes are available.
A light windproof or waterproof jacket is handy if you think you might get chilly, along with a spare top or jumper to put on after exercise to keep cosy.
As the weather gets colder, a light windproof or waterproof jacket and thermal top are highly recommended. In very cold weather, we suggest wearing light thermals, wetsuits, and a woolly hat, as we lose a lot of heat from our heads. We do provide wetsuits for our sessions, which can be worn over a base layer and pair of leggings.
Footwear becomes crucial in cold weather, as your feet can get chilly! We recommend neoprene shoes, boots, and in extreme cold, neoprene socks. As before, we sell neoprene socks and shoes at affordable prices, but stocks are limited.
During the winter months, we also provide neoprene mitts if needed. Always remember to bring spare clothes and a warm jumper or cosy top to wear after your session – staying warm after exercise is essential during winter.
The River Thames was once biologically dead due to industrial pollution, but since the 1970s wildlife has been returning and thriving. And we’re on a mission to find it! The Thames is now home to more than 115 species of fish, which in turn support three species of mammals and sharks, deep-diving cormorants, stealthy grey herons and more.
Once you're on the board it's fine. Just be careful not to fall in and make sure you bring aqua shoes!! The water is gross. However the scenery is pretty beautiful and its very peaceful and cool to see all the boats. The venue where you pick up your equipment…
It was amazing especially as it was my first time. The instructor was very helpful and explained everything very.
Thanks Tyler was really helpful. No toilet facilities so marked down. Overall: 4 stars
Incredible experience, can't wait to do more
Operated by Active 360, a partner of adventuro.
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