ACTIVITY CENTRES ON THE THAMES

Check out our selection of clubs based on the Thames and inland waterways which welcome beginners.

Multisport centres

With more than one type of sport on offer, the whole family can enjoy getting active on the water at one of these sites. Try your hand at sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding under the guidance of an experienced watersports instructor.

Docklands Watersports Centre	Royal Docks Adventure	London Youth Rowing
Danson Park Adventures	Fairlop Waters	Shadwell Basin Activity Centre

Stand up paddleboarding

Have a go at SUP, the newest arrival on the watersports scene. The upper Thames is home to the calmest waters of the tidal stretch so the perfect place to explore the Thames at a leisurely place, and you can progress from kneeling to standing at your own pace. Connect with nature and learn a new skill with Active360 or Back of Beyond.

Active 360 Paddleboarding

Back of Beyond Adventures

Top tip: Kneel before you stand!

Kayaking and canoeing

See London from the comfort of your own seat in a canoe or kayak. As one of the easiest watersports to pick up, you will quickly get to grips with steering and turning the boat. Take a seat and enjoy seeing London from a new perspective!

For tours of central London
London Kayak Company

Explore inland waterways
Moo Canoes

For adventures and fundraising
The AHOY Centre

Top tip: Keep a light grip on the paddle!

Rowing

For pottering about on the river with just two oars and plenty of space for a picnic, you can hire skiffs for up to eight people at Richmond

Richmond Bridge Boat Hire

Swimming

To swim in the waters of the Thames but without the tides, there are open swimming clubs in the some of the London docks. Swimming options are listed here:

Port of London Authority: Swimming in the tidal Thames

Swim England: Find open water swimming venues