Totally Thames Tasters

What: Totally Thames Sea Kayak Taster Sessions at Kew Bridge Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 Sep 2024

Why: Chelsea Kayaking Club (CKC) are running some taster sessions for newcomers to get a taste for kayaking on the River Thames and meet a friendly club who also organise regular trips to kayak on the sea.

Where: Brentford Boating Arch, Kew Bridge (North-East side of the road bridge) W4 3NG (near Kew Bridge rail station)
Club Location

When: Saturday 7 Sept & Sun 8 Sept- choose your timeslot below. Each session will last about 1hr 30mins and be run by two experienced paddlers and there are 6 spaces on each session for those new to kayaking.

All sign ups need to be registered on this page and pay by bank transfer before 7am Thursday 5 Sept 2024

To secure your place you need to do two things:

1. Register for a place, using the online sign-up below. (Click grey “Register” button once & your name will appear below)
2. Pay £25 within 24hours by bank transfer to: account name: Chelsea Kayak Club, sort code 40 02 32, account number 71526596 and reference your payment with your name. Note this is an HSBC business account.

Each person attending need to be registered, so registrations for more than 1 session per day per person will be removed. Entries with invalid name, email or phone number will also be removed. Make sure you pay to keep your place.

If the session you are interested in is full, please email info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk in case we can run additional taster sessions on those days, or you may like to consider doing full day beginner kayaking training course that we run through the year. Click here to find out more about our one day beginner’s course, the Paddle Discover.

We are a membership club and the sessions are run by experienced members/volunteers. Taster sessions are only for those over 18 years old.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Please be aware kayaking is a sport with inherent risk.
• All paddlers must be able to swim 50 meters.
• Meeting point is on the large concrete area West of Kew Bridge on the North side of the river. Please meet by the long red sea kayak.
• Please arrive on time, wearing the clothes & shoes you plan to wear in the kayak. Wear clothes & shoes you are happy will get wet/muddy. Note that there will be no place to change before getting on the water.
  • Shoes – trainers/watershoes/wetsuit shoes that protect your feet from beach gravel/litter and mud. Footwear is essential.
  • Clothes – Chose clothes which will dry quickly e.g. walking-style trousers, leggings, and fleece-type jumper. No cotton clothes or jeans as they will keep you cold if they get wet.
  • Bring a waterproof bag/box to keep your valuables dry when kayaking.
  • Bring a waterproof coat and a rain hat or warm hat to wear in the kayak.
  • If you have waterproof trousers please bring them to wear too (in case there is rain).
  • If you wear glasses bring string/strap to keep them and not drop them.
  • Any medication you may need.
• Bring a bottle of water and a snack to take with you when kayaking.
• Please bring a towel in case you get wet and a change of clothes that you can put on after the session.
• Follow any specific instructions that are given by the session leader, such as getting on the water and group management.
• Please look after any kit that is borrowed – treat it as if it is your own.
• Even when in a group with an experienced paddler, everyone on the river is responsible for their own safety, keeping a look out and navigating in a correct manner to avoid collisions or causing a collision, etc.
• Failure to comply with Port of London Authority rules can result in you being fined £5,000.
• If you find you are no longer able to come to your session – please email us at least 7 days before the event (info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk) so we can release your place. If we are able to able to fill your place, we will refund your fee.
• By signing up for this taster session you accept that CKC will contact you to update you with information about the taster session, and CKC’s beginner training opportunities. Please see CKC Privacy policy.
• Rules for paddling on the Thames:

If interested read the Port of London Authority’s (PLA’s) Basic Principles of Navigation/Paddling on Upper Tideway    (for more complete information see Paddling on the Tideway – A Code of Practice for Paddling on the Tidal Thames 2017 ).  See also The River Thames Recreational Users Guide – Teddington to Sea Reach  
Also useful for tides and events on the river see  PLA Boating on the Thames page .

By signing up for this paddle – I agree and confirm that:

1. I agree to comply with the CKC’s leaders’ guidance.

2. I have and will seek answers to any and all questions I have regarding the Club’s position. (relevant documents which guide club operations are Club Risk Assessment and Operating Procedures which can be found on Club Documents page.)

Sign Up:

Please sign-up if you would like a place. To sign up add your name, valid phone number and email, click on Register (only your name will be displayed on the webpage). Phone numbers are asked for in case we need to contact you on the day (e.g. if weather/conditions become unsafe), usually we will communicate with you by email. Then pay within 5 days to keep your place. If you don’t pay, your name will be removed, to enable another person to have that space. 

All guest paddlers need to complete a guest registration form on the day advising us of any relevant medical conditions, and In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact details.

Saturday 7 Sept 2024, 11.15am – 12.45pm – max 12 places (2 groups x 6 guest paddlers)

Sunday 8 Sept 2024, 11.45 -1.15pm – max 12 places (2 groups x 6 guest paddlers)

Sunday 8 Sept 2024, 1.30-3pm – max 12 places (2 groups x 6 guest paddlers)