London is a treasure trove of fascinating sights, from the historic Tower Bridge to the trendy Shard, from the majestic Buckingham Palace to the spectacular London Eye. However have you ever ever puzzled what these landmarks appear to be whereas paddleboarding in London?
Think about standing on a paddleboard, floating on the River Thames, with an unparalleled view of London’s spectacular skyline.
As a seasoned paddleboarder who calls the gorgeous south coast of Sussex dwelling, London provides an thrilling new journey ready to be found. It’s totally completely different from the quiet waterways and coastal waters I am used to.
What’s Paddleboarding?
Paddleboarding is a water-based sport the place you stand or kneel on a big board and use a paddle to maneuver by means of the water.
It’s an extremely accessible exercise appropriate for nearly any age and health stage. It provides a superb full-body exercise, concentrating on your core, legs, and higher physique.
It is also a good way to attach with nature. Even inside the confines of Central London, it provides a tranquil but exhilarating expertise on the water.
Greatest Locations to Paddleboard in London
With its serene waters, complemented by an abundance of welcoming golf equipment and SUP rental places providing board rent, London is without doubt one of the finest locations within the UK to be taught the fundamentals of paddleboarding.
The town can be an intriguing locale for knowledgeable paddleboarders.
Miles of canals and an intensive community of basins, reservoirs, and the long-lasting Thames River presents a range of water landscapes to discover. These options genuinely make London a paddleboarder’s paradise.
Listed here are my high picks for paddleboarding in London, together with among the hottest spots.
1. Paddington Basin
This contemporary space provides placid waters for paddleboarding in London. Whether or not you are new to the game or a seasoned paddler, it is an excellent place to begin.
Its flat waters within the metropolis’s coronary heart present a peaceful place to begin for novices and a gateway to exploring Regent’s Canal for knowledgeable fanatics.
On the north shore of Paddington Basin, Energetic 360 provides a wide range of classes and group classes. With its pleasant workforce, flat water, and affordability, Energetic 360 at Paddington Basin guarantees an unforgettable paddleboarding expertise.
Submit-paddle, native bars provide a super spot for rest. Or, take a stroll south to discover London’s Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Getting there: If touring by prepare, head to both Paddington or Edgware Street stations for fast and quick access to Paddington Basin. If touring by automobile, be warned parking is commonly tough to seek out on this space.
2. Brentford Lock
Situated a stone’s throw from the junction of the River Brent and Grand Union Canal, Brentford Lock is a peaceful paddleboarding location. It is notably appropriate for households and freshmen.
Brentford Lock’s tranquil setting provides a peaceable distinction to the standard metropolis hustle, making it a well-liked selection amongst teams of various talent ranges, together with these with kids.
Active360 enhances the expertise by providing teaching classes and group classes. Along with paddleboarding, sit-on-top kayaks add a special dimension to the water adventures right here.
With loads of pleasant cafes within the neighborhood for post-session refreshments, Brentford Lock guarantees a well-rounded, relaxed water-sport expertise.
Getting there: You may entry the water at Brentford Lock in West London, only a brief stroll from Brentford Station. Alternatively, there’s a multistory automobile parking shut by.
3. St Katharine Docks
For many who yearn to witness London’s grandeur up shut, paddleboarding at St Katharine Docks provides a singular vantage level.
This charming nook of East London immerses you within the metropolis’s luxurious aspect, with a blinding marina and an array of upscale eating places contributing to the general attraction.
Paddleboarding at St Katharine Docks provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life, inserting you amidst calm waters and transporting you right into a tranquil world.
Paddleboarding London offers a various vary of actions at St Katharine Dock. These embrace personal lessons, group classes, and even paddleboard yoga. SUP yoga is bound so as to add a brand new twist to your London paddleboarding expertise.
Getting there: Situated close to the Tower Bridge, St Katharine’s Dock is a vacation spot that may be conveniently reached from any a part of London. A mere ten-minute stroll will take you there from Tower Gateway Station.
4. Kew Bridge
Kew Bridge, nestled within the coronary heart of West London, is a prized hotspot for paddleboarders.
Relying on the whims of the tide, you possibly can embark on SUP excursions main both towards the bustling city panorama of Hammersmith or the charming historic great thing about Richmond.
Every path offers distinctive, beautiful views of the town that may’t be skilled elsewhere.
The recognition of Kew Bridge among the many paddleboarding neighborhood makes it a great place to fulfill different paddling fanatics. It’s a nice place to begin to discover this beautiful part of the River Thames, which flows by means of West London.
Active360 might be present in all the highest spots round London, and Kew Bridge is not any exception. They provide a spread of classes, from newbie taster choices to classes for the extra skilled paddlers.
Getting there: Get the prepare to Kew Bridge Station, then stroll South for a couple of minutes till you attain the River Thames.
5. Walton-on-Thames
A stone’s throw south of the town’s bustle, Walton-On-Thames stands out as a go-to vacation spot, very best for a serene paddleboarding escapade.
This charming location, boasting quaint houses, delicate structure, and comfy espresso retailers, provides a fascinating backdrop to your water sports activities journey.
Various in choices, Walton-On-Thames is appropriate for each freshmen and seasoned paddlers. Go to the famend Blue Chip SUP College.
Accredited by the Academy of Browsing Instructors, their professional trainers provide group classes designed for novice and superior boarders and personal teaching choices. This idyllic spot caters to everybody’s paddleboarding wants.
Getting there: Hop on a South Western prepare for half-hour from Waterloo Station to Walton-on-Thames.
6. Camden City
Famed for its vibrant vibe, Camden City stays a agency favourite for Londoners and vacationers alike. Due to its ever-evolving assortment of hip eateries and music venues that dot its streets, the realm hums with vitality.
But, there is a distinctive attraction in discovering Camden from the vantage level of its waterways.
This completely different perspective provides a singular layer to your exploration of the encompassing space, providing insights past what’s gained from the standard trodden paths.
This mix of city hustle and serene waterway exploration kinds an enthralling juxtaposition. It actually redefines what it means to discover London’s coronary heart.
Taking the journey additional, Paddleboarding London provides extra than simply an opportunity to discover the Camden waters.
With tailor-made personal classes and social excursions, they be sure that your paddleboarding expertise is as immersive and interesting as attainable, permitting you to totally embrace the distinctive attraction of this common London neighborhood.
Getting there: Stroll North from Camden City Station till you attain Regent’s Canal.
7. Richmond Bridge
Famend for its pure magnificence, Richmond has just lately blossomed as a premier hub for paddleboarding. The world round Richmond Bridge, ample in pure magnificence, is distinct from the city really feel of the town heart.
You may paddle upstream in the direction of the scenic Eel Pie Island and Teddington or meander downstream in the direction of Isleworth, Kew Gardens, and Chiswick.
After your SUP session, head to Richmond Park to see the herds of deer roaming the park. It is an unbelievable sight!
Paddle Richmond has obtained you lined with an array of paddleboard and kayak experiences, together with classes, journeys, expeditions, and adventures, all conveniently based mostly at Richmond Bridge.
Getting there: Richmond Bridge is definitely accessible from Richmond Underground Station. London’s intensive community of buses that crisscross the town additionally service this space.
Important Suggestions for Paddleboarding in London
- Gear Examine – Guarantee you’ve got the suitable gear, together with an acceptable SUP board, paddle, and leash.
- Put on a Life Jacket – Irrespective of your swimming capability, at all times safe a life jacket when paddleboarding London waters – it is your first line of protection in an emergency.
- Climate and Timing – Be conscious of the climate situations and the time of excessive and low tides if stand-up paddleboarding on tidal waters.
- Waterways Licence – Acquire your waterways license earlier than you embark – it is a very important compliance measure for paddleboarding on the River Thames and a few canals.
As our listing of the highest spots for get up paddleboarding in London concludes, it is clear that London, with its distinctive mix of historic landmarks, beautiful waterways, and serene websites, provides one thing particular for everybody, from freshmen to seasoned fanatics.
Along with being plenty of enjoyable, paddleboarding has the additional benefit of being an excellent exercise. Pleased paddling!
Steve is an adventurous outside blogger, who feels most alive atop a mountain or cruising on a paddleboard. On his private weblog, Steve shares sensible gear critiques, insightful guides and inspiration by means of his Instagram, encouraging others to embrace the wild and discover the good open air.
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