A unique 2 hour group paddleboarding experience starting in Richmond, perfect for individuals, couples and friends! Plus, exclusive to My Richmond, your partner paddles at a discounted price!
After purchasing, you will be sent an e-voucher for the experience within 48 hours. You can call or email Paddle Richmond straight after purchasing to make your booking!
What's Included?
- A 2 hour guided group paddleboarding experience for two people, starting from Richmond.
- After purchasing, you will receive a confirmation email, you must then call or email Paddle Richmond to arrange a date for your experience.
- All dates are subject to availability.
Description
Guided by one of Paddle Richmond's fully qualified instructors, you and your partner will be paddling on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames, either upstream towards Eel Pie Island and Teddington, or downstream towards Isleworth, Kew Gardens and Chiswick.
Paddle Richmond run these sessions at "half-tide" when there is almost no river flow at Richmond, making it very safe and open to paddlers of all abilities, from complete beginners, to those who have paddled many times before. Children over 10 are welcome if they paddle with a parent or legal guardian.
These sessions are designed to allow everyone to keep at least 2m apart from each other at all times. Note that all equipment is disinfected between sessions.
The session will start with a "socially-distanced"safety briefing and some land-based training before heading out on the water for a guided tour. You'll be able to ask for technique advice and tips along the way. Don't be shy!
What you need to know?
Cancellation and Bad Weather
Book with confidence - Paddle Richmond offer a 100% money back guarantee in the event that the session cannot run due to Covid-19 restrictions. Please see Paddle Richmond's Cancellation Policy for details on cancelling or rescheduling your session for other reasons.
Occasionally, due to bad weather (high winds or poor visibility), instructor availability or low booking numbers, Paddle Richmond may need to cancel your paddleboard session. On these occasions they will attempt to reschedule your lesson, and if this is not an option, they will offer you a credit voucher or full refund. They will always endeavour to contact you as soon as they are able to discuss the options with you.
What to bring
No specialist clothing is required, but no jeans please, as cotton gets very cold when wet. In warm weather, ordinary quick drying gym gear will be fine (shorts/leggings/T-shirt/fleece). If possible please arrive wearing the clothes you intend to paddle in.
Paddle Richmond usually paddle barefoot on these sessions, but please bring some water shoes, or old sandals, flip flops or trainers that you don't mind getting wet to take with you in case they need to stop during the session.
If it’s sunny please bring an old baseball hat and sun cream.
In colder weather (November - March), wearing a wetsuit would be advisable. Paddle Richmond have wetsuits available if requested in advance, or bring your own. Also, please bring extra layers, a towel and a change of clothes just in case you take a little dip during the lesson.
You may also want to bring a small dry bag for spare waterproof/warm clothing, money, any medications you may need and your phone in a waterproof pouch. If you are worried about losing sunglasses please use a sunglasses strap!
Buoyancy aids are provided and are compulsory on all Paddle Richmond sessions. Waist leashes are only used by coaches and very experienced paddlers. Ankle and knee leashes are not permitted on any of our sessions.
Requirements
In light of the the current Covid-19 restrictions, Paddle Richmond will require you to keep a safe distance of at least 2m from each other and from your coach during both the safety briefing and the on-water session.
You do not need to be a proficient swimmer, but should be comfortable with falling into water while wearing a buoyancy aid.
A certain level of flexibility and ability to get up to standing from kneeling is required for learning to paddleboard.
Paddle Richmond will also need to know of any recent injuries prior to the session.
You will need to shower / wash thoroughly after the session if you have fallen in or been splashed, and need to ensure that any open cuts are covered. Note that they do not have shower facilities at Richmond.
Paddle Richmond do take people with physical and mental disabilities out on the water, however please contact them before booking as you may need a private session to ensure that you receive the coach's full attention.
Itinerary
Your session will start with a "socially-distanced" safety briefing and some land-based training on the riverbank or our pontoon near Richmond Bridge. This typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on group size.
You will then head out onto the river, either upstream towards Eel Pie Island and Teddington or downstream towards Richmond Lock, Isleworth, Kew Gardens and Chiswick, depending on the tide.
*The distance actually covered will depend on conditions on the day.