When you concentrate on paddleboarding within the UK you may first image someplace on the seaside or a rural river location. It’s actually true that get up paddleboarding (SUP) has turn out to be a well-liked leisure pastime on all types of waterways throughout the nation.
You is likely to be extra shocked to study that many Londoners now personal their very own paddleboards, and you will discover a complete host of nice locations in London to have a go your self.
The beauty of paddleboarding in London is that it’s simply accessible for after-work enjoyable. It’s a good way to satisfy like-minded individuals and revel in social gatherings with occasions like membership nights that will help you get to know different paddleboarders. Due to the contemporary air and delicate train it’s the good out of doors sport for many who reside, work or go to the town.
Are you able to paddleboard in London?
Thankfully, there are many waterways in London the place you will discover a spot to paddleboard safely.
In addition to the River Thames there are many canals, some reservoirs and even Docklands has some nice places. You’ll find a good selection of golf equipment that provide board rent and classes.
In the event you use a membership then the price of rent will normally embrace any licence charges however if you’re assured sufficient to go it alone then you will want to verify permissions. Typically, a licence from the Canal and River Belief will cowl you however some docks have their very own launch charges.
How secure is paddleboarding in London?
The canals are fairly secure for paddleboarding, nevertheless it’s vital to do not forget that the River Thames is tidal so you need to take some further precautions.
- Put on a waist leash – The waist leash ought to at all times be your go-to on rivers
- Put on a bouyancy assist and acceptable clothes for the time of 12 months
- Test the tide occasions and perceive what they imply
- At all times paddle upstream first the place doable
- If doubtful, don’t exit – Some very windy days makes the water uneven and onerous to face up
- Ask the native SUP firm for tips about the place to launch and go if you happen to’re attempting out someplace new
The place can I take my paddleboard in London?
I’ve put collectively a listing of my high 6 locations to go paddleboarding in London.
Hopefully, they may show you how to see the Capital from a very totally different standpoint.
Thames Ditton
In case you are trying to escape from metropolis life, then Thames Ditton in Surrey is a tree-lined oasis that gives an excellent setting for a calming paddle. House to an annual regatta, it’s the good stretch of river to check out some mild paddling adopted by a picnic by the water’s edge. You possibly can paddle in the direction of Hampton Court docket for some gorgeous views or select a more difficult route downstream in the direction of Kingston.
The best place to launch from is the seashore which gives gently sloping entry to the water.
SUP Firm: Dittons Paddle Boarding began up in 2017 and is accredited by the British Canoeing Affiliation. They provide small group classes with accredited coaches in addition to group paddles, taster periods and 1-1 coaching.
The right way to get there: There’s some automobile parking shut by or a practice station a brief stroll away that connects to London Waterloo in simply 33 minutes.
Camden City
Camden City has at all times had a buzz on the Camden Lock space. It’s full of jazz golf equipment, bars and distinctive eateries and is nearly at all times bustling with guests who’re drawn by the road meals, markets and boho vibe.
The canal at Camden gives a singular expertise on this artistic space with an opportunity to do some paddleboarding within the coronary heart of the town. You possibly can paddle alongside moored canal boats, beneath bridges and there are many locations to discover. You possibly can head in the direction of Regents Park or London Zoo, only a quick paddle away.
You possibly can launch at varied locations alongside the towpath on Regents Canal at Camden however the market space on the lock gives you entry to loads of amenities. Watch out for the water site visitors as it’s a busy space for boats. Bear in mind to remain within the centre and transfer to the proper when site visitors approaches.
SUP Firm: Paddle Boarding London have altering rooms and showers obtainable for members and supply classes in addition to excursions. It’s additionally good to know that they donate from charges in the direction of their charity to show inner-city youngsters water sports activities.
The right way to get there: Proper within the coronary heart of London you’ll be able to entry the underground from Camden City station, only a ten minute stroll away or hop on one of many many bus routes within the space.
Kew Bridge
The recognition of Kew Bridge for paddleboarders comes from its central location and entry to both Hammersmith or Richmond relying on the tide. Whichever method you select to paddle you’re assured of some gorgeous views of West London.
You possibly can admire the historic arched bridge, in-built 1903, or gaze in envy on the elegant waterside houses. For refreshments, you can find a fantastic collection of espresso outlets and riverside pubs.
You possibly can launch your paddleboard on the mild slopes at Kew Bridge straight into the River Thames.
SUP Firm: Active360 are primarily based proper on the water’s edge and supply taster periods, classes and excursions. In addition they specialize in expertise and information programs for many who need to construct the boldness to tour alone.
The right way to get there: Kew Bridge is effectively served by a practice station that connects with London Waterloo and is just a one minute stroll away. Alternatively, there are a number of bus routes. Cyclists will recognize the riverside cycle routes and bike parking. There’s additionally some free automobile parking obtainable shut by.
Docklands
Docklands within the East of London gives a singular metropolis backdrop on your water sports activities experiences. Surrounded by excessive rise buildings and glass home windows that mirror the water it’s a magnificent location on the Isle of Canine. The broad stretch of Thames gives the right area for paddleboarding surrounded by a mixture of up to date and historic buildings.
The Millwall Outer Dock is gorgeous within the sunshine and in addition spectacular at twilight with Canary Wharf within the background and is ideal for practising your paddleboard expertise or having a leisurely paddle. Protected within the dock from the tidal stream it makes an excellent location for newbies.
Launch right here is from the watersports centre and launch charges apply to those that have their very own boards. Different Docks supply launch areas within the Docklands akin to St Katherine’s Dock and the Royal Docks the place totally different charges apply.
SUP Firm: Docklands Crusing and Watersports Centre relies on the west finish of the Millwall Outer Dock and gives paddleboard rent for members and non-members together with buoyancy aids. They provide programs and occasions at sure occasions across the 12 months. In addition they have particular actions for kids throughout faculty holidays.
The right way to get there: Based mostly on the West Finish of the Millwall Outer Dock close to Canary Wharf, the closest station is the Crossharbour DLR or Mudchute, each a few 10-minute stroll away. The centre has its personal automobile parking in addition to one other free automobile park reverse.
Grand Union Canal – Service provider Sq.
Service provider Sq. is the place the Grand Union Canal in central London joins with Regents Canal at Paddington Basin. The Grand Union Canal provides calm waters which are appropriate for newbies with inner-city backdrops as a view.
Paddling alongside the Grand Union Canal additional takes you right into a peaceable haven that has been not too long ago a part of a mission by the Canal River Belief to enhance the setting and biodiversity of the world.
You possibly can launch with Lively 360 at Paddington Basin as they’ve permission from Service provider Sq., the corporate that manages the world right here. You will want a licence from the Canal and River Belief to make use of the canal by yourself.
SUP Firm: Lively 360 are primarily based at Paddington Basin and supply taster periods, classes and journeys. In addition they supply yoga periods for people who need to get much more out of their paddleboarding expertise.
The right way to get there: Whereas there may be restricted automobile parking within the space, it’s only a quick stroll from each Paddington and Edgware Street stations. You’ll find some good cycle routes with safe storage for bikes at Active360.
Richmond
Richmond upon Thames gives the entire riverside expertise with the well-known deer park and loads of pubs and bars that line the river. It’s the ultimate location for retreating from the pressures of every day life and makes a fantastic time out.
The historic buildings make the right backdrop for a paddle, and you will notice bridges and islands in your travels.
You possibly can launch from the riverside at Richmond on the backside of Water Lane, reverse The White Cross Pub.
SUP Firm: The London Stand Up Paddle Firm primarily based at Richmond upon Thames gives an enormous collection of choices for paddleboarders from newbies to extra skilled paddlers. They provide a fantastic social paddle for adults to discover the Thames so far as Twickenham.
The right way to get there: Richmond underground station is close by with hyperlinks throughout London. Additionally, you will discover many bus routes to attach you to different locations within the metropolis.
