Safety

Paddleboard Safety

All our instructors are qualified and first aiders, risk assessments are completed before each paddle and everyone is provided with a buoyancy and a waist leash. We take safety seriously even on the calm warm days as there are more river traffic. There is so much to be aware of and being risk averse means there is less room for errors. If you own your own board we really recommend our Safety, Skills and Rescue training; in just 2 hours you will learn how to maneuver your board more quickly ( best way to avoid collisions) and how to rescue yourself and others and the river etiquette as well as all the other aspects of safety.

Please read the health & safety advice below beforehand if you are going out on your own.

Weather

Click above to check a few weather forecasts before you set off; look for wind direction and speed, as well as the gusts. If the wind gets too strong for you, paddle sitting or kneeling down. Click the link above.

River conditions

Click above for River Flow - after days or weeks of heavy rain the river volume increases and the flows can catch less experienced river folk out. Always check before you go out, and click on the link below for the Environmental Agency warnings.

Board Licence

Click above for Riverways Licence - if you have your own board make sure you are licensed for the waterways in the UK and that you have 3rd party insurance. You get all that through British Canoeing for £45 a year - the link is above.

Safety First

Take into account your fitness levels, and weather conditions too before planning your journey. If you have your own paddleboard (BYO) and going out on your own, we advise you read the safety advice below.

Click on this link to see if there are any flow warnings for The Thames.

Safety, Skills & Rescue Courses

When weather is perfect, paddling is easy but wind directions and river flow can change. Our Skills, Safety & Rescue Courses are suitable for all ages and help you become more 'river savvy' and have a wide range of paddling techniques to paddle faster and further. If you can't find a date/time to suit you, just drop us a message.

When you come paddling with us the sessions are 2 hours. It is therefore very important that you already participate in physical activities. We can paddle as slow or fast as you want but you don't want to fatigue easily or put undue stress on your body, it will take away from the enjoyment of your paddling experience.

Please let us know in advance of your paddle if you have any health or medical conditions that may affect your participation. Bring any medication with you and we can pop it into a 'dry bag' to be attached to your SUP board and be kept safe and dry!