THAMES DITTON SUP FIELD GUIDE
First Stand: A 1.5‑Hour Intro to Paddleboarding on the Non‑Tidal Thames
A 1.5-hour taster for people new to paddle boarding (ages 14+), taught by a qualified coach and focused on launching, paddling and self‑rescue on a calm stretch of the River Thames.
First Stand: A 1.5‑Hour Intro to Paddleboarding on the Non‑Tidal Thames.
This Beginner Session from Dittons Paddle Boarding launches on a beautiful stretch of the non‑tidal River Thames at Thames Ditton. Over 1.5 hours a Paddle‑UK qualified coach leads a safety briefing, land‑based demonstration and on‑water practice so newcomers learn how to launch, paddle, turn, stop, stand up and perform basic self‑rescue while taking in riverside views such as Hampton Court Palace.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Paddle a non‑tidal stretch past Hampton Court Palace
The route runs along a calm, non‑tidal section of the Thames with opportunities to paddle past Hampton Court Palace and the riverside properties of Thames Ditton Island — ideal for relaxed sightseeing and photographs from the board.
A compact, complete beginner curriculum
This taster covers core skills: water safety and river etiquette, launching and exiting, paddling, turning, stopping, standing up on the board and optional self‑rescue practice — all introduced and drilled under coach supervision.
Guided, safety‑first instruction
Sessions are led by a qualified coach who fits buoyancy aids, delivers a safety briefing and guides each participant through techniques at a comfortable pace — there’s no pressure to stand or self‑rescue if you prefer not to.
What the day feels like
What the session feels like
Expect a brisk, focused progression: a safety briefing and land demonstration, kit fitting and buoyancy aid checks, then short coached drills before putting the skills into practice on a guided paddle along the Thames. The format is deliberately compact — 1.5 hours includes briefing, land practice and time on the water — and geared toward getting complete beginners confidently moving on the board by session’s end.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this session suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Buoyancy aids are provided and fitted by the coach; participants should bring any personal items they need before and after the session. Basic changing facilities are available at the base.
The operator offers basic changing facilities and secure storage at the meeting base for personal items.
A club membership code is available for a 10% discount; note that prices are subject to a small additional booking fee.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do we meet for the session?
Meet at The Albany, Queens Road, Thames Ditton, KT7 0QY (what3words: pass.spike.likes).
How long is the lesson?
The session is 1.5 hours total, including the safety briefing, land demonstration and on‑water activities.
Is parking available?
There is free parking at The Albany; please enter your vehicle registration at the bar.
Are toilets and changing facilities available?
Toilets are available during pub opening hours; the operator provides basic changing facilities and secure storage at the base.
What are the participant limits and age restrictions?
Sessions are for ages 14 and up, run for up to 6 people and require a minimum of 2 people to operate — if only one person is booked the operator will reschedule or offer an upgrade to a private lesson.
Do I have to stand up or practice self‑rescue?
No — self‑rescue practice and standing are optional; coaches will offer these skills but there is no pressure to perform them if you prefer not to.