Discover the fun of paddle boarding on the Thames with Hampton Court Paddle Boarding. Perfect for beginners, this session offers expert instruction amidst stunning riverside scenery.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no prior experience needed
Wildlife
History
The Thames has been a vital waterway for centuries, shaping London’s history and culture, with Hampton Court Palace standing as a testament to its royal past.
Conservation
The paddleboarding business actively promotes environmental stewardship by encouraging eco-friendly practices and supporting river clean-up efforts.
Dittons Paddle Boarding - Club
Discover the fun of paddle boarding on the Thames with Hampton Court Paddle Boarding. Perfect for beginners, this session offers expert instruction amidst stunning riverside scenery.
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 weather-appropriate clothing
Dress in quick-drying clothes and layers suitable for the weather, as you'll be on the water.
Arrive early for safety briefing
Getting there 15 minutes early ensures you don’t miss important safety instructions before starting.
Check weather conditions
Avoid days with high winds or storms for a safer, more enjoyable experience.
Stay hydrated
Bring water with you, especially on warm days, to stay energized and comfortable.
Quick-drying clothing
Keeps you comfortable and dry while paddling on the water.
spring summer fall
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect your skin from sun exposure during your time on the river.
summer
Water shoes or flip-flops
Provides grip and foot protection while on the paddleboard.
spring summer fall
Personal water bottle
Stay hydrated during the session with easy access to water.