Join a weekend of paddling and camping on the scenic River Medway. Experience the thrill of the water and enjoy peaceful natural surroundings with Dittons Paddle Boarding.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in decent shape with basic paddling skills; no advanced technical skills required.
Wildlife
History
The River Medway has been used for transportation and trade since medieval times, with remnants of historic mills along its banks.
Conservation
The operation emphasizes minimal environmental impact, encouraging Leave No Trace principles to preserve the river’s natural beauty.
Dittons Paddle Boarding - Club
Join a weekend of paddling and camping on the scenic River Medway. Experience the thrill of the water and enjoy peaceful natural surroundings with Dittons Paddle Boarding.
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.
Wear Quick-Drying Clothing
Ensure your clothing dries quickly after paddling to stay comfortable during the entire trip.
Use Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect against UV rays during sunny days on the water.
Check Weather Forecasts
Monitor the weather before heading out to avoid rain or strong winds that could impact paddling conditions.
Stay Hydrated
Bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day while paddling and in camp.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A life jacket is crucial for safety on the water during paddling trips.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Keep your clothes, electronics, and essentials dry during the boat trips.
Sun Hat
Protect yourself from the sun while on the water.
summer
Layers of Lightweight Clothing
Adjust to changing weather conditions and stay comfortable.