Paddle the Thames & Medway — Learn, Socialise, Explore

Dittons Paddle Boarding - Club: Thames & Medway Paddle Boarding

Overview

Dittons Paddle Boarding - Club runs a wide range of paddle boarding activities on the River Thames, River Medway and nearby canals. Offerings include Beginner Sessions, Improver Sessions, social paddles, paddleboard hire, multi-day river weekends and themed charity events like the Pink Paddle and Halloween Paddle.

Popular Trips & Sessions

• Beginner Session — by Hampton Court (1.5 hours): Taster session for new paddlers, including launching, paddling and self-rescue instruction from a qualified coach. Ideal for first-time SUP on the Thames.
• Improver Session — by Hampton Court (1.5 hours): Focuses on paddling straight, turning strokes and rescue techniques to boost confidence and control.
• Social Paddle Boarding — Thames Ditton, Kingston, Weybridge: Evening two-hour paddles and Sunday afternoon peer socials for competent paddlers who bring their own boards.
• River Medway Weekend (22/8 - 24/8): Multi-day camping and paddling on the Medway Canoe Trail, suitable for those seeking longer river exploration.
• Paddleboard Hire: Flexible hire near Hampton Court Palace for independent exploration of islands, beaches and riverside pubs.

Special Events & Safaris

• Pink Paddle (25/10/2025): Charity paddle on the Basingstoke Canal supporting Cancer Research UK. Participants often dress in pink and enjoy refreshments.
• Halloween Paddle and Party (31/10/2025): Themed paddle along the Thames followed by food and drinks at The Albany Pub.
• Santa SUP (06/12/2025) and multiple canal/river safaris: River Brent & Grand Union Canal Safari (17/01/2026), Stort Navigation Safari (22/11/2025), Limehouse Loop incl. Olympic Park Safari (08/02/2026).

Who it’s for

• New paddlers seeking a Beginner SUP taster on the Thames.
• Paddlers improving technique with structured Improver Sessions.
• Social paddlers who prefer evening meetups and group routes.
• Adventurers looking for multi-day river trips and canal safaris.
• Anyone wanting paddleboard hire close to Hampton Court Palace.

Safety, Coaching & Equipment

Qualified coaching is provided for beginner taster sessions. Improver sessions and socials include instruction in rescue techniques and group safety. Participants may bring their own boards or use hire equipment where offered. Routes and meeting points (for example The Albany Pub in Thames Ditton and Elmbridge Canoe Club in Weybridge) are chosen based on group ability and river conditions.

Bookings & Practical Tips

• Book early for themed events and seasonal safaris.
• Beginner and Improver sessions are typically 1.5 hours.
• Social paddles often run in the evenings or on Sunday afternoons; bring your own board unless hiring.
• Expect a mix of coached instruction, peer-led socials and self-guided hire options.

Keywords for Search

Paddle boarding, SUP, River Thames SUP, Hampton Court paddle boarding, Thames Ditton social paddle, Weybridge SUP, River Medway weekend, Paddleboard hire Hampton Court, Pink Paddle charity SUP, Halloween paddle Thames, Santa SUP Guildford, canal safari SUP — all reflect the club’s core trips and services.