Try sea kayaking with CKC on 9 May 2026.
Book through EventBrite here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/beginner-kayaking-on-the-thames-with-ckc9-may-26-4823404
What: Sea Kayak Try-out/Beginner Sessions at Kew Bridge Saturday 9 May 2026
Why: Chelsea Kayaking Club (CKC) are running some beginner sessions for newcomers to get a taste for kayaking on the River Thames and meet a friendly club who also organise regular trips to kayak on the sea.
Open Day: On Saturday 9 May – CKC, London’s only dedicated sea kayaking club, Edge a canoeing club, and Active 360 a paddle boarding company that share Kew Bridge arches are offering beginner sessions for those new to paddling.
Where: Brentford Boating Arch, Kew Bridge (North-East side of the road bridge) W4 3NG (near Kew Bridge rail station)
Club Location
When: Choose your timeslot below. Each session will last about 1hr 30mins and be run by two experienced paddlers and there are 12 spaces on each session for those new to kayaking.
To secure your place you need just need to book and pay via the EventBrite website:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/beginner-kayaking-on-the-thames-with-ckc9-may-26-4823404
Cost is £20 plus booking fee (£2.38).
We are a membership club and the sessions are run by experienced members/volunteers. Taster sessions are only for those over 18 years old.
If you need more information, please read the description below. If your questions are not answered, please email info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk
After the sessions you may like to consider doing a full day beginner kayaking training course that we run through the year. Click here to find out more about our one day beginner’s course, the Paddle Discover.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Please be aware kayaking is a sport with inherent risk.
- All paddlers must be able to swim 50 meters.
- Meeting point is on the large concrete area West of Kew Bridge on the North side of the river. Please meet by the long red sea kayak.
- Please arrive on time, wearing the clothes & shoes you plan to wear in the kayak. Wear clothes & shoes you are happy will get wet/muddy. Note that there will be no place to change before getting on the water.
- Shoes – trainers/watershoes/wetsuit shoes that protect your feet from beach gravel/litter and mud. Footwear is essential.
- Clothes – Chose clothes which will dry quickly e.g. walking-style trousers, leggings, and fleece-type jumper. No cotton clothes or jeans as they will keep you cold if they get wet.
- Bring a waterproof bag/box to keep your valuables dry when kayaking.
- Bring a waterproof coat and a rain hat or warm hat to wear in the kayak.
- If you have waterproof trousers please bring them to wear too (in case there is rain).
- If you wear glasses bring string/strap to keep them and not drop them.
- Any medication you may need.
- Bring a bottle of water and a snack to take with you when kayaking.
- Please bring a towel in case you get wet and a change of clothes that you can put on after the session.
- Follow any specific instructions that are given by the session leader, such as getting on the water and group management.
- Please look after any kit that is borrowed – treat it as if it is your own.
- Even when in a group with an experienced paddler, everyone on the river is responsible for their own safety, keeping a look out and navigating in a correct manner to avoid collisions or causing a collision, etc.
- Failure to comply with Port of London Authority rules can result in you being fined £5,000.
- If you find you are no longer able to come to your session – please email us at least 7 days before the event (info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk) so we can release your place. If we are able to able to fill your place, we will refund your fee.
- By signing up for this taster session you accept that CKC will contact you to update you with information about the taster session, and CKC’s beginner training opportunities. Please see CKC Privacy policy.
- Rules for paddling on the Thames:
If interested read the Port of London Authority’s (PLA’s) Basic Principles of Navigation/Paddling on Upper Tideway (for more complete information see Paddling on the Tideway – A Code of Practice for Paddling on the Tidal Thames 2017 ). See also The River Thames Recreational Users Guide – Teddington to Sea Reach
Also useful for tides and events on the river see PLA Boating on the Thames page .
By signing up you agree and confirm that:
1. You agree to comply with the CKC’s leaders’ guidance.
2. You have and will seek answers to any and all questions I have regarding the Club’s position. (relevant documents which guide club operations are Club Risk Assessment and Operating Procedures which can be found on Club Documents page.)
