What: Totally Thames & Tidefest Sea Kayak Taster Sessions at Kew Bridge Saturday 5 Sept & Sunday 6 Sept 2026
Why: Chelsea Kayaking Club (CKC) are running some beginner taster sessions with Totally Thames and Tidefest. These are 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.
Where: Brentford Boating Arch, Kew Bridge (North-East side of the road bridge) W4 3NG (near Kew Bridge rail station)
Club Location
When: Saturday 5 Sept & Sun 6 Sept – click the link to be taken to EventBrite to choose your timeslot. Each session will last about 1hr 30mins and be run by two experienced paddlers and there are 6 spaces on each session for those new to kayaking.
Each person attending needs to be registered individually.
We are a membership club and the sessions are run by experienced members/volunteers. Taster sessions are only for those over 18 years old.
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.
By signing up for this paddle – I agree and confirm that:
1. I agree to comply with the CKC’s leaders’ guidance.
2. I 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.)
Sign up here:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
If the session you are interested in is full, please email info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk in case we can run additional taster sessions on those days, or you may like to consider doing 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 UK Discover award.
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.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Please be aware kayaking is a sport with inherent risk.
- All paddlers must be able to swim 50 meters.
- 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.
- 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.
ON THE DAY
- The meeting point is on the large concrete area West of Kew Bridge on the North side of the river. Please meet us near to the long red sea kayak.
- All guest paddlers need to complete a guest registration form on the day advising us of any relevant medical conditions, and In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact details.
- 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.
Port of London Authority’s Rules for Paddling on the Thames:
