Thames Natural History Paddleboarding (SUP) Tour

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:

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.