Weekend Thames Sessions

LOCATION: Brentford Boating Arch, Kew Bridge: https://www.chelseakayakclub.co.uk/about-the-club/club-locations/
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.

Sunday 15 Nov 2026

SESSION TIMINGS: Meet at 10:30. On the water at 11:00 Aiming to be off the water 14:00.

TIDES: LW 13:10 HW 18:30 – see Admiralty Easy tide for further details if required.

SUNSET: 16:11– No lights for this trip.

GRADE: A – see here for more details: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club )

LEADER: David

Please sign-up by 16:00 on Friday 13 Nov, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment.

Saturday 21 Nov 2026

SESSION TIMINGS: Meet at 10:00. On the water at 10:30 Aiming to be off the water and away by 14:00.

TIDES: HW 11:50 LW 19:30 – see Admiralty Easy tide for further details if required.

SUNSET: 16:04 – No lights for this trip.

GRADE: A – see here for more details: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club )

LEADER: David

Please sign-up by 16:00 on Friday 20 Nov, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment.

Saturday 28 Nov 2026

SESSION TIMINGS: Meet at 00:00. On the water at 00:00 Aiming to be off the water and away by 00:00.

TIDES: HW 00:00 LW 00:00 – see Admiralty Easy tide for further details if required.

SUNSET: 00:00– No lights for this trip.

GRADE: A – see here for more details: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club )

LEADER: Mike L

Please sign-up by 16:00 on Friday 27 Nov, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment.

Sunday 6 Dec 2026

SESSION TIMINGS: Meet at 10:00. On the water at 10:30 Aiming to be off the water and away by 14:00.

TIDES: HW 13:00 LW 20:00 – see Admiralty Easy tide for further details if required.

SUNSET: 15:52– No lights for this trip.

GRADE: A – see here for more details: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club )

LEADER: David

Please sign-up by 16:00 on Friday 4 Dec, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment.

Sunday 13 Dec 2026 TBCBC

SESSION TIMINGS: Meet at 00:00. On the water at 00:00 Aiming to be off the water and away by 00:00.

TIDES: HW 00:00 LW 00:00 – see Admiralty Easy tide for further details if required.

SUNSET: 00:00– No lights for this trip.

GRADE: A – see here for more details: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club )

LEADER: Mike L

Please sign-up by 16:00 on Friday 11 Dec, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment.

Saturday 19 Dec 2026 Christmas Paddle!

SESSION TIMINGS: Meet at 00:00. On the water at 00:00 Aiming to be off the water and away by 00:00.

TIDES: HW 00:00 LW 00:00 – see Admiralty Easy tide for further details if required.

SUNSET: 00:00– No lights for this trip.

GRADE: A – see here for more details: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club )

LEADER: Mike L / David

Please sign-up by 16:00 on Friday 18 Dec, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment.

Sunday 27 Dec 2026

SESSION TIMINGS: Meet at 00:00. On the water at 00:00 Aiming to be off the water and away by 00:00.

TIDES: HW 00:00 LW 00:00 – see Admiralty Easy tide for further details if required.

SUNSET: 00:00– No lights for this trip.

GRADE: A – see here for more details: Trip Guidelines « Chelsea Kayak Club )

LEADER: David

Please sign-up by 16:00 on Friday 25 Dec, if you would like a place and will require use of boats and equipment.

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.