Looking to take up Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in London? I’ve got you covered! ln this guide I breakdown where to paddleboard in London, gear, costs, and everything you need to know about London’s fastest-growing watersport!
This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my Disclosure & Privacy Policy for more information.
It’s hard to get bored in London. Whether you’re taking up the bustling nightlife, trying a new street market or basking in scenic nature the city always seems to be offering up a new ‘thing to do’. But paddleboarding in London is the kind of pastime you won’t want to leave off your bucket list.
With the Thames at your fingertips, there’s really no excuse not to take up some London water activities—how about SUP? (not just a greeting for cool kids, BTW…but we’ll get to that later). Without further ado, here’s all you need to know about paddleboarding in London.
What is SUP?
SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle Boarding (told you, not just a greeting for cool kids). Although it’s become one of the fastest-growing water activities in London over the years—the paddleboarding community has always been strong in the UK.
Rumor has it in the ’80s a British surfer observed the strange phenomenon of people standing up on their boards during a photoshoot with the famous SUP Hawaiian instructor, Bobby AhChoy.
SUP continued to gain popularity in the UK and in 2007, The British Stand Up Paddle Association was formed to support the paddleboard community—now that’s what’s SUP! Sorry…it was too good.
Why SUP is AMAZING for Londoners
As all Londoners know, life in the city can sometimes get a bit…crazy. With a new restaurant, museum or pop-up popping up every two seconds (seriously, so many pop-ups!) most city dwellers are always hustling and bustling to keep up with the pace of London.
SUP is the perfect antidote. As one of the world’s most accessible water sports, you don’t need experience or even your own equipment to get out on the water. You’ll not get an amazing full body workout but it’s one of the only phone-less activities in London where you truly have nothing to do but connect with water, nature and the people around you.
What’s the Best Time of Year to go Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in London?
The best and most popular time of the year to SUP is spring or summer. Unsurprisingly this is because of the weather, you wouldn’t want to be waffling about in the water on January mornings now would you! If you want to get even more specific, the best temperature to SUP is 15°C to 21°C or 60°F – 70°F.
What’s the Best Time of Day to SUP?
Paddleboarding in London in the mornings, daytime and/or evenings all have their advantages. But depending on your SUP preferences, you’ll most likely prefer one to the others.
If you go paddleboarding in the morning you’re most likely to avoid the crowds, it can also be easier as there’s less wind mucking you about plus—sunrise!
If you SUP during the daytime you’re guaranteed to get the warmest weather and can make a day out of paddleboarding in London, relaxing by the water and having a picnic, for example.
If you SUP in the evenings you’ll be privy to a beautiful London sunset while you’re on the water and similar to the morning SUPing, there’ll be less wind. But as SUP lovers will tell you, the best time to SUP…is all the time!.
What Should I Wear and Pack for Paddleboarding in London?
One thing you’ll want to get right before you go paddleboarding in London is your outfit, here’s what to wear and bring:
Women
- Waterproof phone case (this is the one I use – works like magic!)
- Hat or cap
- Old trainers, sneakers or wetshoes
- Towel
- Sunglasses
- Light overshirt
- Swimwear
- Rash guard – to wear over your swimwear
- Change of clothes
Men
- Waterproof phone case (this is the one I use – works like magic!)
- Hat or cap
- Old trainers, sneakers or wetshoes
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Swim trucks
- T-shirt or rash guard
- Light long sleeve shirt
- Change of clothes
P.S – Whatever you do, don’t forget sunblock!
Wait…What’s a Rash Guard?
If this is your first time paddleboarding in London or doing watersports you probably won’t have rash guard lying around in your closet, but they’re great for SUP.
Rash guards provide a layer between your skin and dry clothes to prevent skin irritation. You’ll see a lot of different brands and materials out there, but I suggest getting a polyester rash guard as they’re the more breathable, flexible and dry quickly.
→ Click here for Women’s Rash Guards
→ Click here for Men’s Rash Guards
How Much Does it Cost to Paddleboard in London?
The average SUP session costs £30-60 for a 2-hour trip. So, not on my list for cheap things to do in London, but it won’t break the bank either.
The price includes the paddleboard equipment, instructor, and safety gear for your trip.
10 Best SUP Sessions in London: Where to go Paddleboarding in London
1. Active 360
Kew Bridge, Paddington, Brentford Lock
Active 360 was one of the trailblazers of London SUP culture—opening in 2011 and doing their thing every since. Mixing education and sport Active360 aims to help all SUPer’s learn about the marine environment while of course, helping take your (awesome, I’m sure) paddleboard skills to the next level.
If you’d like a 1:1 private session, you can a book 2 hours slot for peak or off peak hours. They also do parties and events if you’re interested in having a work party or hen night on the water.
If you’re looking to get zen during your paddleboard sesh, try their SUP yoga or SUP pilates sessions! Whichever you do, make sure you take their recommended ‘Thames Skills and Knowledge course (here you are!) to learn how to manage the tides safely.
→ Read their FAQ page here
2. Gutsy Girls
Paddington Basin, Kew Bridge, Richmond, Grand Union Canal
If you’re looking to mix a little women empowerment with some adventure, nature, socializing and of course, SUP life—your visit to Gutsy Girls is long overdue.
After struggling to make friends in London working from home Nat decided it was time to take matters into her own hands, joining a women’s rowing club and realizing that doing adventure sports with like-minded women definitely trumps staying inside with Netflix and wine (well, most of the time anyway) and voila— Gutsy Girls was born!
Offering London’s only women-only paddleboarding sessions—their SUP lessons are a great way to learn some new water skills while being in a welcoming environment and making new friends along the way.
If you’ve never been on a paddleboard before, there’s amazing beginner lessons to get you comfortable with SUP after just one session! They also do hosted SUP socials like ‘post-work paddies’ and weekend retreats once you’ve paid your dues with their ‘first-timer’ lesson.
→ Read their FAQ page here
3. Moo Canoes
Poplar Union
I’ve always been a sucker for East End waterside but paddleboarding in East London is even more reason to visit.
Apparently, The Moo Canoes owners met on the River Thames and have been running chilled paddleboard sessions ever since (if that isn’t an East London story I don’t know what is).
Once you’re on the water you’ll be able to take in stunning views of the East End all while paddling the day away. The route starts at Poplar Union and goes onto Bartlett Park, so make sure to do some weekend exploring once you’re done paddleboarding. You can also rent a Stand Up Paddleboard at Hackney Wick if you want the full East London SUP experience.
Oh, and did I mention….dogs are welcome!
→ Read their FAQ page here
4. Paddleboarding London
Camden, Regent’s Canal, St Katherine’s Dock
Paddleboarding London will quickly become your new favorite Camden pastime. Voted London’s Top 5 Yoga Experiences from MTV UK (I mean, paddleboard yoga on Regent’s Canal is pretty impressive) if views are what you’re after, they’ve got you covered. Once you’re on board there’ll be loads to see—from Camden, to charming waterside houses, and all the North London scenery you could ask for.
But if hidden London is more you vibe they also do lessons along St Katherine’s Dock—Central London’s best-kept oasis. For every session bought they’ll also donate £2 of the proceeding to The Pirate Castle in Camden to help teach water sports to young Londoners.
Either or, make sure you add my personal favoirte SUP session to your bucketlist—Paddle & Prosecco.
→ Read their FAQ page here
5. Secret Adventures
Richmond
Okay, so I suppose it’s not much of a secret if I’m telling you now, but that’s neither here nor there. If an evening on the Thames sounds nice, but dull—make it an adventure with a Secret Adventures SUP session.
The paddleboarding session lasts 3 hours with a circular trip through Richmond. Plus, you’ll make an (of course, very necessary) pit stop at a riverside pub along the way, yep, I think this is officially the best way to tour the Thames.
→ Read their FAQ page here
6. SUP4
Kingston Upon Thames
If you’re looking for paddleboarding in Greater London SUP4 is your best bet. Coined as ‘water therapy’ by the SUP4 founder who sees paddleboarding in London as therapy for the mind (I agree—expect a chilled and serene SUP session along the Thames.
Their group sunrise and sunset sessions are particularly lovely, they also do super hands-on SUP sessions for beginners.
If you’re keen to SUP and help out—join their ‘paddle and pickup’ events along Kingston Upon Thames to help combat river litter.
→ Read their FAQ page here
7. Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre
Millwall Outer Dock
Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre believes Stand-Up Paddleboarding is for everyone and they mean it!
Whether you’re a total newbie or seasoned SUP master they’ve got you covered for everything from a relaxed SUP with friends to the perfect ‘first-timer’ sesh to get you comfortable in the water. Once you’re on board, you’ll paddle down the Millwall Outer Dock—a beautiful open water dock near the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf.
Read More: 15 Unique Things to do in Canary Wharf
If you think SUP will grow on you and you’re in the area, they’ve also got an Annual Membership to cut the costs down the line.
→ Read their FAQ page here
8. Back of Beyond UK
Thames Embankment
Voted as the Water Sports Company of the Year, if you’re keen for a more community-based SUP session, paddle with Back of Beyond UK.
From paddle parties to group events and private lessons all their sessions aim to please, taking place along the quiet Thames Embankment. My favorite is their ‘Meditation in Motion ‘paddle. But, then again, they do have ‘SUP with your Pup’ sessions…I’ll let you know.
→ Read their FAQ page here
9. Blue Chip SUP School
Walton-on-Thames
Since 2008 the Blue Chip SUP School has been going strong, with 360°VIP lessons from some of the best SUPers in the UK.
Paddling along the calm but mighty River Thames, this is where you go to learn SUP like a pro. Sessions run for privates, groups, families, 7 days a week. They also hold ‘Social Club Paddle Days’ on Thursday if you want to make some new SUP friends (can never have enough of those).
→ Read their FAQ page here
10. Dittons Paddle Boarding
Thames Ditton
Offering SUP sessions across London—if you’re in the mood for a longer paddle across Kingston, you’re going to want lessons from Dittons Paddle Boarding.
The chilled route is the perfect escape from London, with a team of friendly and adventurous SUP teachers by your side at all times, heck, you can even bring your dog! Take up a Taster or Improver session—but once you’re a seasoned SUP’er you can join their Club Socials or their Race Club Training.
→ Read their FAQ page here
Do I Need to Know How to SUP before I go?
Lucky for you, all paddleboarding sessions in London are open to all abilities. So don’t worry if your SUP skills aren’t up to par yet (I’m with you!). However, many of the paddleboarding in sessions in London offer classes based on skillset, so make sure you choose ‘beginner’ when you’re booking your ticket.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim to go Stand Up Paddleboarding in London?
It’s advisable you’re able to swim 100m to go Stand-Up Paddleboarding in London. But some companies, like Blue Chip SUP for example, have options for non-swimmers as well 🙂
Candace…What if I Fall in?
Don’t worry! All paddleboarding sessions are accompanied by SUP professionals, so you’ll always be in good hands. Plus, they’ll often provide that buoyancy aids during your session, so worse case scenario you’ll just end up floating at chest level. Either way, it makes for a good story!
Map of Paddleboarding Locations in London
Quick Stand Up Paddleboarding in London Tips
• Remember to book your lesson according to your skilset, these will usually be labelled ‘beginner’ or ‘first-timer’ SUP sessions.
• Make sure to check for any discounts if you’re paddleboarding in London with a group of family or friends
• Many SUP sessions require all participants to be 18 or over unless it’s a family session
•If you’re pregnant, you’ll need your doctor’s consent before you can SUP
Don’t forget your SUP clothes and gear! (especially a waterproof phone case)
Happy SUPing,
