WHERE: Brentford Boating Arch, Kew Bridge: https://www.chelseakayakclub.co.uk/about-the-club/club-locations/
What3Words: Jelly.Probe.Cards
WHEN Sunday 2nd August 2026
Meeting time : By 08.45 hrs
Ready to Paddle on foreshore Briefing time: 09.30 hrs
On the Water (OTW): 09.45 hrs
Plan: Paddle for about 2 1/2 hours from Kew downstream as far as possibly Tower Bridge or just beyond.. Stop have lunch about 12.15 hours, & wait for tide to turn, relaunch 1.30pm to then return for 2 1/2 hours to Kew. We will stop for a rest part way – so pls pack SUN Hat, water & snack; as needed pack a re-usable-cup too. Pack hand sanitiser with your snack/drink.
Please arrive at The Arches closest to the river, on the North East side of Kew Bridge. Please arrive on time, so we can have boats and kit ready and can be on the water at the scheduled start time.
If you are running late, or for other changes, please message (not email) the session leader at least an hour before. This is important as the trip may need to be cancelled if we go under the minimum group size.
GRADING: B – C depending on personal stamina and ability to stay happily in boat for at least 2 hours or longer.
TIDES:
LW London Bridge 11.40 hrs. Kew, 14.00 hrs
– see Admiralty Easy tide for further details.
LEADER: Liza
Please keep eye on forecast & adjust accordingly what you bring.
SIGN-UP:
Please sign-up by 16:00 on the day before the paddle, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment. Please do not sign-up if you are not certain you can attend – because that takes a place away from others.
Max number of people on each session: Leader plus 6 others (perhaps adjusted depends on sign up)
Min is 3 people including leader.
Total Attendees: 2| # | Name |
|---|---|
| 1. | Jude P |
| 2. | Mary |
PLEASE NOTE:
- These sessions are not suitable for people with no or limited paddling experience you must meet our minimum prerequisites please refer to Trip and Session Guidelines.
- Please make sure you 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 . - LIGHTS ARE REQUIRED WHEN PADDLING AFTER DARK. Please bring along your own waterproof torches if you have them, or place a white bike lights in two milk cartons and bring some string to attach them to the kayak.
- Follow any specific instructions that are given by the session leader, such as getting on the water and group management.
- Neoprene spray decks and BA/PFD’s are available.
- Please look after any kit that is borrowed – treat it with care and as if it is your own.
- Consider bringing a snack and bottle of water with you – especially in periods of warmer weather given the distances that are covered on the session.
- 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 PLA rules can result in you being fined £5,000.
