London offers a large variety of leisure activities you can enjoy, but standing up on a paddleboard and paddling across the city is an experience that will surely please anyone. Here are six of the best places to go paddleboarding in London.
1. Active 360 Paddleboarding
With more than ten years of experience, Active 360 Paddleboarding is one of the best options to go paddleboarding in London. The company has three different locations in which to practise this entertaining sport in the capital.
The main goal of its team, experienced not only in paddleboarding but also in kayaking and canoeing, is to introduce people of all ages, abilities and skills to this rewarding and adventurous sport, making sure you can enjoy some of the best views of London on the River Thames and its canals safely. Therefore, no matter if you are a beginner or a professional, Active 360 Paddleboarding will have the right option for you.
Also, this company offers both private and group lessons as well as a wide variety of activities such as yoga, pilates, or responsible independent paddling on the River Thames. Prices depend on the number of people, the time, and the location you choose, but a two-hour session usually ranges from £50 to £70 per person.
You’ll find Active 360 Paddleboarding at Kew Bridge at Kew Bridge Arches, Stand-on-the-Green, London, W4 3NG, at Paddington at Merchant Square, London, W2 1AS, and at Brentford Lock at Paddlers Avenue, Brentford Lock West, London, TW8 8LR. Nearest stations are Kew Bridge, Edgware Road and Brentford.
2. Paddleboarding London
Located in the heart of Camden Town and in St. Katharine Docks, Paddleboarding London is a great choice to go paddleboarding along the city’s popular towpaths and busiest neighbourhoods. This company offers the perfect conditions for exploring London from a different perspective while you paddle, allowing you to go sightseeing in a different way.
Whether on your own or in a group, there are plenty of lessons you can benefit from. If you choose to go with your friends or workmates, you should know that there are special prices for large group sessions, corporate events, birthdays and stag and hen parties. Fees range from £30 to £130, depending on the duration, the number of people and the location.
In addition, they also offer traditional yoga classes on the boards. A perfect opportunity to achieve better physical and mental control whilst you are in contact with nature and the elements.
You’ll find Paddleboarding London at The Pirate Castle, Gilbey’s Wharf, Oval Road, London, NW1 7EA and at 50 St Katharine’s Way, London, E1W 1LA. Nearest stations are Camden Town and Tower Hill.
3. POPSUP
Founded in 2012, POPSUP encourages people to discover new waterways in London through paddleboarding and have a funny and exciting experience on the water.
Its friendly team will teach you the best techniques so that you will be ready to stand on the board and paddle. After that, it’s all about enhancing your skills and your abilities and enjoying the experience of visiting London from the water.
At POPSUP, you can either have paddleboarding lessons or hire the board and the equipment and do it on your own. Also, they offer special fees for groups, a fantastic way to celebrate your birthday with your friends, strengthen bonds with your family or foster team building. Prices for individuals and groups are about £30 per person.
In addition to this, this company features a new environmentally-focused activity based on collecting floating litter from the city canals to keep them clear whilst you enjoy all the good things this sport can offer to you. A great initiative for individuals or businesses to make an impact and do paddleboarding in London at the same time. It costs £25 per person and all the money is invested in other relevant environmental programmes.
You’ll find POPSUP at Poplar Union, 2 Cotall Street, London E14 6TL. Nearest station is Limehouse.
4. Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre
Nestled in London’s Docklands, the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre is based in an excellent facility with unique views of the dock and a training centre where courses in sailing, powerboating, windsurfing and paddlesports are given.
Exciting one-hour paddleboarding lessons from £15 are run under the sun or in the rain at Millwall Outer Dock, a perfect spot to practise this fast-growing sport as a workout or just as a hobby in your free time.
In addition, annual membership is available and you can enjoy a wide range of special activities and cool events like wine tasting or Christmas parties. Several rooms can also be hired at this centre for leisure or business purposes such as weddings, corporate events, business meetings or big social gatherings, for instance.
You’ll find the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre at 235a Westferry Road, Docklands, London, E14 3QS. Nearest station is Mudchute.
5. WakeUp Docklands
Located in Central London, WakeUp Docklands will introduce you to paddleboarding in a very special way. From tailored tours to its coffee and soft drinks meetings, this company has everything you need to slow down and enjoy paddleboarding in downtown London to the fullest.
They offer a large range of sessions for all levels, from paddleboarding lessons for both beginners to seasoned pro that will help you to learn a few new tricks, to self-guided adventures for individuals, couples, families, friends, workmates and so on. You can then choose from private to group courses to paddle across the Royal Docks. These easy-going sessions are suitable for people of all skills and abilities from the age of 18 onwards. Also, there are yoga and pilates classes available where you can meet wonderful people, relax, and have friendly conversations too.
WakeUp Docklands is open every day from 9 am to dusk and prices vary according to the activities you choose and the number of people joining the experience, but they usually range from £15 to £165.
You’ll find WakeUp Docklands at 1, Dock Road, London, E16 1AG. Nearest station is West Silverton.
6. The London Stand Up Paddle Company
Located in Richmond, The London Stand Up Paddle Company is an interesting option when considering where to go paddleboarding in London. With plenty of sessions to choose from, you will surely have a fun and a worthwhile adventure.
This company offers relaxing paddleboarding lessons as a way to visit the city of London from a different angle. What’s more, they promote this sport as a positive cardiovascular workout and a great training session for both your body and mind, so they put the focus on the health and social benefits of paddleboarding that you can experience when standing up on your board and touring the city.
And that’s only the beginning. The London Stand Up Paddle Company has a large range of sessions for all levels. You can choose from paddleboarding for beginners, sunrise or sunset on the Thames, recreational and private paddleboarding sessions, day trips of up to six or seven kilometres, and many other activities.
Prices vary depending on the session you choose, your age, and whether you go alone or in a group. Sessions last two to three hours.
You’ll find The London Stand Up Paddle Company at Water Lane, Richmond, TW9 1TH. Nearest station is Richmond.
So there you have it – a roundup of six of the best places to go paddleboarding in London. So it’s time to get exploring London’s waterways we say!