LOCATION: Brentford Boating Arch, Kew Bridge: Location What3Words: Jelly.Probe.Cards.
Please do not enter the arch nearest the water via the gym if a class is being held. Wait for the Thames Leader to open the other end (facing the pub) to gain access to the toilets and changing room.
NON-MEMBERS & GUESTS: Non members and guests are welcome when conditions and skills allow. If you are not a member, please email beforehand to confirm you can attend, so that your name is not removed from the list below. Please send an email to: info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk. The session fee for a non-member/guest is £15. When you have a confirmed place please transfer £15 to the club bank account (the membership team will provide you with the club bank details).
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: Please keep eye on forecast and bring your own cag or waterproof jacket if you have one, water, and a snack for a mid-paddle break.
GROUP SIZE: Max number is the Leader plus 6 but depending on the group this might change to more. The minimum number of people is the Leader plus 2. Email the Thames Leader or info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk if the list is full but you would like to join the paddle.
Thursday 26th March 2026
SESSION TIMINGS: Meet at 6:30pm. On the water at 7pm. Aiming to be off the water by 9:30pm.
TIDES: Kew Bridge LW 15:20 HW 20:20 – see Admiralty Easy tide for further details if required.
SUNSET: 18:24 – please do not bring lights for this trip (e.g. put white bike or camping lights into two plastic milk containers and bring some string to attach them).
GRADE: A (Explore and above, see here for more details: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club )
LEADER: David
Please sign-up by 16:00 on Wednesday 25th March 2026, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment.
The event have ended - no more registrations are allowed. Total Attendees: 2| # | Name |
|---|---|
| 1. | Gilly |
| 2. | Claire |
Saturday 28th March 2026
SESSION TIMINGS: Meet at 1.20pm. On the water at 13.50pm. Aiming to be off the water by 17.30 & away from arches ~6.15pm.
TIDES: Kew Bridge HW 10:30 LW 18:00– (4m tidal range & close to neaps) see Admiralty Easy tide for further details if required.
SUNSET: 18:27 – please do not bring lights for this trip
GRADE: A (Explore and above, see here for more details: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club )
We will paddle against the stream upstream for ~1-1.5hours & as needed with a short rest ~45min along. Then at furthest point upstream we will Stop for a rest ~30-45 minutes – ideally find icecream (or tea from thermos … depending on weather) & return with both fluvial & tidal flow. Check weather forecast – March can be v variable!
LEADER: Fiona
Please sign-up by 16:00 on Thursday 26th March 2026, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment.
The event have ended - no more registrations are allowed. Total Attendees: 6| # | Name |
|---|---|
| 1. | Mike Cassidy |
| 2. | James A |
| 3. | Rachel |
| 4. | Damian |
| 5. | Mike M |
| 6. | Claire |
GROUP SIZE: Max number is the Leader plus 6 but depending on the group this might change to more. The minimum number of people is the Leader plus 2. Email the Thames Leader or info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk if the list is full but you would like to join the paddle.
Easter Monday 6th April 2026
SESSION TIMINGS: Meet at 8:55am. On the water at 9.25am. Aiming to be off the water ~3-4pm & away from Arches by 4:30pm.
TIDES: Chelsea Bridge LW 11.30 HW 17.20pm (from PLA bklt averages Putney LW ~12.15pm); Kew Bridge LW 1:20pm HW 18:20 – 2days off springs ~5m tidal range – see Admiralty Easy tide for further details if required.
We have fab almost spring tides for a downstream paddle. Aim to paddle downstream with flow for ~2hours (with short rest after 1hour) & we will see where we get to. Land at ~11.30am to have lunch & rest for ~1hour or an appropriate time so we don’t catch up tide on the return. Land back at Kew ~3-4pm & should be away from Arches by 4.30pm. If there is alot of heavy rain in days before (lets hope not!) – then it will take us longer to return perhaps.
SUNSET: 19:42 – please do not bring lights for this trip (e.g. lights = put white bike or camping lights into two plastic milk containers and bring some string to attach them).
GRADE: B (or A – if you have stamina) (Explore and above, see here for more details: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club )
LEADER: Fiona
Please sign-up by 16:00 on Sat 4 April 2026, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment.
Maximum number of attendees reached - registrations are closed. Total Attendees: 6| # | Name |
|---|---|
| 1. | Mary H |
| 2. | TML |
| 3. | Steph R |
| 4. | Jonathan |
| 5. | Gilly |
| 6. | Tom A |
PLEASE NOTE
- These sessions are not suitable for people with no or limited paddling experience, you must meet our minimum prerequisites: 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 your own waterproof torches if you have them, or place 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.
- 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.
