Is prior paddleboarding experience required?

You should be competent at paddleboarding and able to self-rescue, as this trip covers 7KM including portaging locks.

Can I rent equipment if I don’t have my own?

Yes, equipment hire is available by advance booking; contact paddle@dpbclub.co to arrange boards, paddles, leashes, and buoyancy aids.

In warm weather, gym-style quick-dry clothing and water-friendly shoes are fine; in cooler months, wetsuits or waterproof layers are recommended.

Where does the trip start?

Meet at Brentford Basin on the Grand Union Canal; precise location is given at booking.

Is the route suitable for beginners?

This safari is best suited for intermediate paddlers comfortable with distances and lock portages.

Are there break stops during the tour?

Yes, there is a refreshment stop at The Fox pub about halfway through the journey.

Explore the River Brent & Grand Union Canal on a Unique SUP Safari in Brentford | Guided Tour | Boat Tour

Experience a captivating 7-kilometer stand-up paddleboard (SUP) adventure along the historic River Brent and the Grand Union Canal, launching from the vibrant Brentford Basin in West London. This guided SUP safari offers a wonderful mix of urban waterways and peaceful stretches, weaving through an often-overlooked but rich landscape in one of London’s oldest transport corridors. Suitable for paddlers aged 14 and up, this journey brings together the timeless charm of canal life with the thrill of waterborne exploration under expert guidance. Starting right at Brentford Basin, this trip navigates two locks in each direction, blending skillful paddling with engaging moments of portage—where participants get to step ashore and carry their boards past the locks. This dynamic element introduces a refreshing pace to the 2-hour-plus excursion, allowing you to stretch your legs while absorbing the surrounding greenery and waterfront scenes. Winding through a corridor steeped in industrial heritage, you'll glimpse historic warehouses, moored narrowboats, and the gentle rural edges of Brent, all without leaving London's metropolitan embrace. One highlight is the halfway pause at The Fox, a local pub where paddlers can recharge with refreshments before heading back. Weather and water levels permitting, the safari may include a detour into the Brentford Project area on the return leg, revealing more secluded stretches often missed by casual visitors. What's truly special is that this tour is led by Anu, the author of the upcoming "Paddle London," giving participants an insider’s perspective on these waterways before the book’s official release in March 2026. Her Paddle UK qualifications ensure you receive informal coaching tips tailored to help improve your paddling skills and confidence. Brentford's network of canals and rivers have long shaped the city’s development, reflecting a history of trade, transport, and leisure dating back centuries. The area supports diverse aquatic life and plant species, such as kingfishers and water voles, seen occasionally during your journey. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining water quality and habitat integrity to preserve these urban natural gems. For those curious about logistics, the meeting spot is easily accessed via Brentford station (a 10-minute walk) or Boston Manor Station (Piccadilly Line, 17 minutes’ walk), with nearby paid parking available. Paddlers should bring their own boards, gear, suitable clothing for the weather, and snacks, while equipment hire can be arranged in advance. Whether you’re hunting for a serene escape from city buzz or aiming to sharpen your paddling prowess in a unique environment, this River Brent & Grand Union Canal SUP Safari offers an engaging blend of history, nature, and exercise — making it a distinctive paddleboarding experience in the London area.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

2–3 hours.

Fitness level

Participants should be in good general fitness, able to paddle continuously and carry boards over locks.

Wildlife

Kingfisher
Water vole

History

Brentford’s canals were vital to London’s trade since the 18th century, supporting goods transport and industry.

Conservation

Efforts focus on preserving water quality and habitats to maintain wildlife amidst urban surroundings.

Dittons Paddle Boarding - Club runs paddle boarding sessions, socials, hires and multi-day trips across the River Thames, River Medway and local canals. The club offers 1.5-hour Beginner and Improver sessions by Hampton Court designed for newcomers and developing paddlers; the Beginner Session explicitly includes launching, paddling and self-rescue instruction from a qualified coach. Participants may bring their own board or use hire equipment where available. Social paddles meet regularly in Thames Ditton (launching from The Albany Pub), Kingston and Weybridge with two-hour evening routes and a Sunday afternoon peer social for competent paddlers. The club also organises themed and charity events — including the Pink Paddle on the Basingstoke Canal supporting Cancer Research UK, a Halloween Paddle and Party, and a Santa SUP in Guildford. Multi-day and specialist trips include the River Medway Weekend with camping options and several canal and river safaris (for example River Brent & Grand Union Canal, Stort Navigation, and the Limehouse Loop including the Olympic Park). Paddleboard hire is available near Hampton Court Palace with flexible rental durations and opportunities to explore islands, beaches and waterside pubs. Safety and community are central: sessions teach rescue techniques and turning strokes, socials encourage shared routes and group decision-making, and weekend trips combine camping with guided paddling. All descriptions are factual representations of the club’s published sessions, events and hire offerings.

Base locationThames Ditton, England

Tours offered14+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace