Answers to your questions

Clothes

This answer will relate to the weather on the day and the season. Summer– quick dry comfortable sports clothes. Cooler days– more layers. Possibly a shortie wetsuit for those who get cold. Winter– lots of clothes ( and a change on board) and maybe hire a dry suit +£10.

Buoyancy Aids

We provide these if you have booked a board. It is so much easier to be rescued and rescue if you wear one. If you have your own board, take your time to try on a few before you purchase as body shape makes them all fit differently and maybe for longer paddles you want a bladder bag included.

Boards

If you don’t own a board, we recommend trying various sizes before buying, as we only offer recommendations based on your height, weight, and paddling plans. We have Quroc boards from 10.6 to 14 feet long and 28 to 34 inches wide for you to try. Please note that boards require licences

To Bring

If you are meeting us on Ray Mill Island, you can leave your change of clothes and bags in our compound. If you are bringing your own boards or meeting us at another location, please leave those in your car (or ours). Additionally, please consider bringing a snack, a small towel, & sunscreen.

On Board

Our boards have bungee cords to secure a provided dry bag for your phone, valuables, water bottle, and footwear. On warm days, wear hats and sunglasses (floaty retainers available). If bringing your own board, pack a lightweight rain jacket.

Footwear

Protecting your feet when wet is crucial due to increased vulnerability to sharp objects. In summer, use sliders or Crocs that can be stowed. For cooler months, wear multiple socks with water boots. Consider packing extra socks and bringing ski mitts or gloves for cooler evening paddles.

Weather

While we cannot guarantee the weather, please be assured that we will postpone our session if conditions are foul, if there is lightning, or if winds are too high. Light winds, cloudy skies, and fine rain are all suitable for paddling, and you’ll find less boat traffic on those days. We constantly look at the forecast and complete a risk assessment before each session.

Water Quality

As an active member of Windsor RiverWatch, we conduct weekly E.coli testing. We will inform you proactively if the water is not bathing quality; otherwise, assume good quality for paddling.

Personally, I swim this Thames stretch multiple times a week with The Flowerpots, a free local swim club open to all.

Board Owners

As a board owner you do need a licence for the all waterways other than private lakes. RNLI & PaddleUK recommend that you take at least one lesson to should you how to set up and use your board properly and we recommend our SUP Skills, Rescue and Safety 2 hour course. Where you experience different types of rescues and how to make your own risk assessments.

Beginners Guide

Our two-hour paddleboarding class, for up to four people (or 1:1), includes all equipment. Phil or Tara will guide you to sit, kneel, stand, and maneuver the board. We start in the quiet Thames backwaters, offering step-by-step support at your own pace. Once ready, we’ll take you on a mini river trip. It’s the ideal way to build confidence and get introduced to paddleboarding. Check our Google reviews