Group Paddleboarding (SUP) Session at Kew Bridge

By Paul

Group Paddleboarding (SUP) Session at Kew Bridge, photo 3

Group Paddleboarding (SUP) Session at Kew Bridge, photo 4

£ 65

5.02 reviews

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Activity Highlights:

Embrace the fun and fitness of Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) - an adventure sport for all ages and abilities. Master the basic skills in no time and enjoy exercising amidst nature. SUP lessons offer a great opportunity for progression, helping you avoid bad technique and habits. No matter your age, stand up and get paddling! SUP helps develop balance, strength, stamina, and burns calories. Best of all? You'll finish with a positive energy, a clear mind, and a smile on your face.

SUP is the perfect blend of adventure, exercise, and relaxation, making it the popular choice for exploring London’s network of waterways. Our group SUP sessions combine learning with guiding so that you can practice your skills whilst exploring London from a new perspective on the water.

Don't wait if you've been intrigued by paddleboarders in London. Join our group session to meet fellow paddlers or book a private session for a more personalised experience with the instructor - you can view all of our options at the bottom of this page.

Your Group SUP Session

Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers aged 18 and above.
Sessions are guided by highly qualified instructors.
Safety briefing and land-based skill drills at the start of every session.
Learning mostly occurs on the water, under the watchful eye of a coach.
Group sessions consist of mixed-ability groups.
All equipment is provided and included in the price.

Kew Bridge

Kew Bridge is the original home of SUP in London. Located under the arches of the historic bridge (built 1903), our Kew base offers unique views of London. We run SUP sessions throughout the year from Kew and have changing facilities and showers available for your convenience.

Why Choose Us?

As the biggest SUP provider in London since 2011, we specialise in urban SUP - teaching SUP on the tidal River Thames and London Canals.

We've introduced tens of thousands of people to this exciting and growing sport, with many embarking on independent paddleboarding journeys across the UK. Many of our paddlers have used their passion to raise money for charities or spread environmental awareness. Some even became paddleboarding coaches and are now working with us!

We aim to educate everyone about marine environments and current threats to them, particularly plastic pollution, and encourage all who paddle with us to get actively involved in protecting our waterways.

FAQs:

Why learn to SUP?

Taking up Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is an activity that's open to everyone - no matter your age or fitness level. Imagine gently gliding along the water, strengthening your body, and soothing your mind all at once. SUP is a gateway to exploring beautiful landscapes and making new friends in the paddling community.

Is London a good place to paddleboard?

London, with its intricate network of historic canals and the stunning River Thames, offers a unique perspective on the city for SUP enthusiasts. Paddleboarding in London combines the thrill of adventure, exercise, and the tranquility of being close to nature, right in the heart of an urban metropolis. As you glide on the waterways, you'll experience iconic landmarks from a new vantage point, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the diverse wildlife. London's waterways are quieter and less crowded than its bustling streets, making it an oasis for paddleboarding. Plus, with London's thriving SUP community and dedicated SUP providers, you'll find plenty of support and opportunities to develop your skills.

What happens after I send a booking request?

You will receive confirmation via email and be able to talk to the centre if you have any further questions/special requests.

How can I prepare for the SUP session?

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.

What should I bring with me?

Shoes you will wear on a SUP (depending on the time of year)
Spare clothes and a towel (in case you fall in and need to shower)
Sun protection (sunscreen and sun hat)
Retainer for your glasses
Refillable water bottle (you can top up at the arches)
Dry bag if you are planning to take things with you on water, including waterproof phone case. We have some dry bags and phone cases for sale on-site.

What should I wear?

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.

How can I get to the meeting point?

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:

Train: Kew Bridge overground station is only one minute walk from the Arches. There is a regular train service from London Waterloo via Clapham Junction.
Bus: There are a number of buses going to and from Kew Bridge and Chiswick High Road.
Cycling: There are good quiet riverside routes and bike racks to lock to outside One Over The Ait and The Strand Cafe. There is also space in the arches to park bikes securely.
Parking: There are now parking restriction at Strand On The Green between 2-4pm on weekends and 10-12pm and 6-8pm on weekdays. If your session is between these times you may not be able to park on Strand On The Green. There is paid parking at Travelodge Kew Bridge (around £1 per hour) which is around a 10-minute walk along the riverside to our base.