Discover Thames Ditton from the water with social paddle boarding—perfect for fun, friends, and local scenery. Read on to find out more!
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness needed; comfortable standing and paddling required
Wildlife
History
Thames Ditton’s history dates back to medieval times, with the river playing a vital role in the community's development.
Conservation
The area benefits from local efforts to preserve natural habitats and keep the Thames clean for future generations.
Dittons Paddle Boarding - Club
Discover Thames Ditton from the water with social paddle boarding—perfect for fun, friends, and local scenery. Read on to find out more!
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.
Rivers Covered
Thames & Medway
Paddles across local waterways
Session Types
Beginner & Improver
1.5‑hour coached sessions
Social Paddles
4 regular socials
Evening and Sunday meetups
Special Events
Pink, Halloween, Santa
Charity and festive paddles
Reserve beginner coaching, improver training, paddleboard hire or a spot on a weekend trip — spaces fill fast for themed and seasonal events.
Bring your own gear or rent
Ensure your paddleboard and safety gear are ready for a smooth experience, or arrive prepared to paddle.
Be mindful of weather conditions
Check the forecast before heading out, as wind or rain can impact paddling safety and enjoyment.
Arrive early to socialize
Getting to the meeting point early helps foster camaraderie and allows prep time before paddling.
Wear appropriate clothing
Dress in water-friendly layers suitable for changing conditions and potential splashes.
Paddleboard and paddle
Having your own board or renting one ensures a comfortable, personalized paddling experience.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
A PFD is vital for safety, especially on open water.
Waterproof clothing
Light, water-resistant gear helps keep you comfortable during the paddle.
summer
Sun protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses shield you from UV rays.
summer