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Celebrate the holiday season on the River Wey with the Santa SUP Guildford social paddle. Paddle dressed in festive gear through Guildford’s town center before warming up with mince pies and mulled wine at The Row Barge.
Celebrate the holiday season on the River Wey with the Santa SUP Guildford social paddle. Paddle dressed in festive gear through Guildford’s town center before warming up with mince pies and mulled wine at The Row Barge.
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Operated by Dittons Paddle Boarding - Club · Thames Ditton, England
Each December, the calm waters of the River Wey in Guildford, England, come alive with festive cheer during the Santa SUP Guildford event, a distinctive paddleboarding social that combines holiday spirit with the serenity of the river. This unique 2.5-hour adventure invites paddlers aged 12 and up to don their favorite Christmas costumes and navigate the gentle currents through the heart of Guildford's historic town center, creating a bubbly spectacle of color and merriment against the winter backdrop.
Starting at The Row Barge on the Riverside, participants launch into the navigable stretch of the River Wey, a waterway steeped in centuries of local trade and leisure. The Wey Navigation is renowned for its blend of natural beauty and urban vibrancy, presenting paddlers with scenic views of charming riverside architecture alongside festive shopfronts. The slow-moving river here threads through a mosaic of gentle towpaths and mature trees which, in early December, often shimmer with seasonal lights and natural frost.
Guided by Paddle UK-qualified leaders, the social paddle focuses on enjoyment and camaraderie rather than strenuous technique, making the event accessible to competent paddlers who can self-rescue. As you glide past holiday shoppers and decorated storefronts, the festive atmosphere extends beyond the riverbanks, spreading joy and community spirit. This festive paddle is more than an activity; it’s an immersion into Guildford’s local culture during the most wonderful time of year.
After the river journey, participants gather back at The Row Barge for traditional mince pies and warming mulled wine, a cozy end to an invigorating experience. The venue itself is a beloved fixture in the local outdoor scene, providing a comfortable riverside hub that celebrates both community and nature.
What sets Santa SUP Guildford apart is the combination of its seasonal charm, accessible river setting, and the inclusive social aspect of paddleboarding in fancy dress—a delightful way to celebrate the holidays actively while appreciating Guildford’s outdoor recreation landscape. This event offers a memorable way to connect with both locals and visitors who appreciate combining festive celebration with an outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re a local looking to mix up your holiday traditions or a traveler seeking a distinctive way to experience Guildford, this paddleboarding social is an inviting, cheerful escape on the winter waterways of southern England.
moderate.
2.5 hours.
Moderate fitness needed; you should be comfortable paddling for a few hours and managing basic river navigation.
Yes, all participants must bring their own paddleboard and associated gear.
No, festive fancy dress is encouraged but not required to take part.
Participants must be at least 12 years old, and those under 18 need a parent or guardian present.
The event meets at The Row Barge, Riverside, Guildford, GU1 1LW.
Yes, toilets are accessible inside The Row Barge when it is open.
It’s recommended for competent paddlers who can self-rescue; beginners should gain experience first.
The Wey Navigation dates back to the 17th century, created to improve trade routes from Guildford to the Thames.
Participants are encouraged to respect the river environment by minimizing disturbance to wildlife and disposing of waste responsibly.
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.
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