8 hours • Ages 12+ • Under 18 must be accompanied by an Adult 18+
Experience the River Thames from a new perspective with Full-Day SUP Board Hire at The Boat Yard in Reading. Perfect for all skill levels, this paddleboarding adventure offers tranquil exploration, rich local culture, and close encounters with riverside wildlife.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Good balance and basic paddling ability recommended; suitable for beginners with some practice.
Wildlife
History
Reading grew out of its location on the River Thames and was a vital commercial center in medieval England.
Conservation
Thames Canoe Hire practices sustainable usage of the river with emphasis on leaving no trace and protecting local wildlife habitats.
Thames Canoe Hire
8 hours • Ages 12+ • Under 18 must be accompanied by an Adult 18+
Thames Canoe Hire is a river activity provider based in Reading, England, operating from The Boat Yard at Reading Marine Services. The business offers canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and motor boat hire for half-day, full-day, multi-day and seven-day trips on the River Thames.
Trips range from short half-day outings to single-day journeys like The Boat Yard to Henley and extended multi-day adventures such as Oxford to Reading (35 miles, 11 locks) and Maidenhead to Windsor (four-day, 32.5 miles, 12 locks). Hire options include two-day SUP hire, two-day canoe or kayak weekends without drop-off, one-way itineraries with collection, and seven-day packages with or without drop and collection.
All hires include safety briefings, necessary gear and practical guidance on locks, navigation and landing points. Multi-day routes reference typical overnight stops at riverside towns and B&Bs, and individual trip summaries note distances, durations and lock counts where applicable. Motor boat hire is available for groups of up to six people for shorter outings.
Thames Canoe Hire serves families, groups and individual paddlers seeking scenic river experiences through Caversham, Sonning, Mapledurham, Wargrave, Pangbourne, Henley, Windsor and other Thames towns. Customers should consult the business directly for current availability, seasonal river conditions and specific logistics including collection and drop-off arrangements.
Location
Reading, England
Based at The Boat Yard on the Thames
Boat Types
Canoes, Kayaks, SUPs, Motorboats
Multiple craft for all skill levels
Group Capacity
Motor boats up to 6
Family and group friendly options
Trip Range
Half-day to seven-day
Short hires to multi-day adventures
Book canoes, kayaks, SUPs or motor boats — check availability for Henley, Windsor, Oxford and multi-day routes.
Wear a personal flotation device
Even on calm water, a life jacket is essential for safety during your board hire.
Check weather forecasts before heading out
Wind and rain can affect paddleboarding conditions—choose a dry, calm day for the best experience.
Bring water and sunscreen
Spending hours on the river means exposure to sun and exertion; stay hydrated and protected.
Start near The Boat Yard to familiarize yourself
Use the launch area to practice balancing and paddling before venturing further downstream.
Stand-up paddleboard and paddle
Provided by Thames Canoe Hire, these are the core equipment for your adventure.
Personal flotation device
Mandatory safety gear to keep you afloat in any water condition.
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps valuables and snacks dry while on the water.
summer
Sun protection (hat and sunglasses)
Protects your eyes and skin from prolonged sun exposure during the day.
summer