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By Fiona Quinn
LMFF speaker and adventurer Fiona Quinn shares her TOP 3 favourite SUP London spots for fun days out paddleboarding in the city.
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Given I've stand-up paddleboarded (SUP) 800 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats (LEJOG), you might think that I have a love for hardcore training, detailed nutrition plans, and having the most ultra-efficient kit.
However, that couldn't be further from reality. As detailed in my new book, Ignore the Fear, it's not the usual stuff that draws me to adventure. I'm not a racer. I'd rather pootle along at my own pace, stopping off for cake along the way.
Thames Paddleboarding Quick Guide
Paddleboarding on the Thames has gained popularity in recent years, offering a unique way to experience the iconic river, whether through central London or along its quieter, rural stretches. Here are a few key things to know:
1. Popular Paddleboarding Locations:
• Central London: Paddleboarding through central London provides stunning views of landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. This stretch is bustling with boat traffic, so paddlers need to be confident in their skills and follow the necessary safety protocols.
• Richmond to Teddington: This section is less busy and more suited to leisurely paddling. Here, you’ll find scenic views of Kew Gardens, Ham House, and natural riverside stretches.
• Thames Path: For those looking to paddle through more tranquil, green surroundings, parts of the Thames west of London, near Henley, Marlow, and Oxford, are more peaceful with less traffic and more nature.
2. Tide and Water Flow:
The Thames is a tidal river, particularly in the central London section, where the water level changes significantly between high and low tide. Paddleboarders must time their trips carefully, as the tides can create strong currents, particularly around bridges, making navigation more challenging.
3. Licensing:
Paddleboarding on the Thames requires a licence if you’re paddling on the non-tidal section, which is upstream of Teddington Lock. This can be covered by the British Canoeing “Waterways Licence,” which also covers access to other UK inland waterways.
4. Safety Considerations:
• PFD (Personal Flotation Device): It’s highly recommended to wear a PFD, especially on the tidal sections, as conditions can change quickly.
• Traffic: On central stretches of the Thames, paddleboarders share the river with larger vessels, from river cruises to barges, so it’s important to stick to the correct sides of the river and follow navigation rules.
• Weather Conditions: Wind and weather can significantly affect paddling, especially in more open sections of the river.
5. Wildlife and Nature:
Despite being in a major city, parts of the Thames, particularly towards the west, are home to an abundance of wildlife. Paddleboarders can spot herons, swans, cormorants, and even seals near Richmond and further downriver near Gravesend.
6. Organised Tours and Clubs:
• Thames SUP Clubs: Several paddleboarding clubs operate along the river, offering lessons, group paddles, and guided tours.
• Organised Trips: Some companies offer guided trips for various levels, including twilight tours or longer-distance expeditions along the Thames Path.
7. Events:
The Thames Stand Up Paddleboard Challenge is a notable annual event, covering a long distance from Putney to Henley. This event showcases the growing popularity of SUP on the Thames and is often a fundraiser for charities.
Paddleboarding on the Thames offers an exciting and scenic way to engage with both the natural and urban environments, but it’s essential to be mindful of the river’s tidal nature and boat traffic, especially in the central London sections.
I didn't train for the adventure either, paddling just three times on the sea before I left Land's End so that I didn't chicken out – I'm scared of the sea! And when it comes to kit, I opted for an inflatable rather than the more efficient hard board, because it meant I could easily take it on mini-inland adventures before and after SUP LEJOG.
I'd throw my board in the back of the car, take it on a train, or even haul it onto my back to find little spots in and around the city to go paddling. During my time living in London, I discovered some gems for getting out on the water and soaking up the sun no matter what time of year. Here are my TOP 3 SUP or kayaking spots in the capital.
Teddington Lock to Hampton Court
A lovely 10-mile out and back with no portages, this stretch of the Thames is non-tidal with some grand houses and quirky houseboats to nose into as you paddle along. Stop for lunch at Hart's Boat Yard or bring a picnic and pull up on the grassy bank just before Hampton Court. If driving, you'll likely have more parking options in Ham - or, if you're getting the train, paddle in the opposite direction starting at Hampton Court train station.
Limehouse Olympic Loop
With plenty of useful details provided by British Canoeing, this is a brilliant way to explore London's oldest canal and see the Olympic site from a different perspective. An easy 6.5-mile loop, hop into the Limehouse basin and paddle off in search of some Victorian and modern engineering. Reward yourself with some cake halfway around by seeking out The Milk Float, a bar and café in a barge situated slightly further along the canal towards Hackney Wick station.
The Tidal Thames
For something a bit more challenging, hop onto the tidal section of the Thames. Obviously a busy river with a strong tidal flow, this isn't one to be tackled alone - unless you have a qualification from the Port of London Authority allowing you to do so. Instead, join a session with Active360 leaving from Kew Bridge. You'll get instant paddle buddies, they'll have worked out the tide times, and will get you to and from a pub stop, paddling under some of London's well-known bridges. Just remember to wear shoes that you don't mind getting covered in smelly mud – the banks of the Thames are not clean!
Fiona Quinn
Book: Ignore the Fear, £10.99, available from www.fionalquinn.com
Instagram: @FionaLQuinn
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