Join a friendly paddleboarding social on the Thames at Thames Ditton! Perfect for experienced paddlers looking for a scenic, social water adventure. Read more about this relaxing and skill-building outing.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate physical condition required; paddling involves core strength and balance but is accessible to most paddlers.
Wildlife
History
Thames Ditton has a rich history dating back to the medieval period, and the river played a key role in local trade and industry.
Conservation
Participants are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect local wildlife and habitats during their paddle.
Dittons Paddle Boarding - Club
Join a friendly paddleboarding social on the Thames at Thames Ditton! Perfect for experienced paddlers looking for a scenic, social water adventure. Read more about this relaxing and skill-building outing.
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
Ensure you have a suitable board, life jacket, and waterproof essentials for safety and comfort.
Check weather conditions beforehand
Review the forecast to avoid paddleboarding in strong winds or storms, ensuring a safe experience.
Arrive early to secure space
Get to The Albany Pub early to find convenient parking and set up before the group departs.
Stay aware of your surroundings
Watch out for boat traffic and wildlife while paddling to stay safe and responsible.
SUP Board
A stable paddleboard suitable for calm river conditions makes for a fun and safe experience.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A life jacket ensures safety while paddling, especially on busy waterways.
Waterproof Bag
To keep your valuables dry during the paddle.
Sun Protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
Protect yourself from sun exposure during the daytime paddle.
summer