The club has a selection of kayaks for Members use:
- short whitewater river boats (2–2.5m) 
- general purpose 'Dancers' for the Thames (3.5m) 
- sea kayaks (5m) 
- K1 and K2 race boats: 
What does the Club do? The Club paddles everywhere; on the Thames all year, sea trips, white water rivers in the winter season and sometimes surfs. These are either from our Thames base or on trips away. The Club also organises essential weekly pool training sessions for safety training and advanced skills. The Club has 90 members with a wide range of ability, ages and interests. Members under 18 are accepted if they | Before buying a kayak, do try as many as possible first and in different conditions. The Club has different types, and experienced members who can advise you. Kayaks are provided for most activities, but are subject to availability. What is the difference between canoeing and kayaking? Canoes are generally paddled kneeling down with a single blade paddle, whereas kayaks are paddled sitting with a double-bladed paddle. Confusingly we are a canoe club but most of the time use kayaks The club has paddles, spraydecks, buoyancy aids and safety equipment, as well as kayaks for use in our swimming pool sessions. Where to buy kayaking equipment?For cheap clothing try Decathlon at High St Kensington, Wandsworth or Surrey Quays. Good for Fleeces, polyester T-shirts and splash proof tops and the all important neoprene shoes and boots. For kayaks, paddles and more specialist equipment see our local shop: The White Water Canoe Centre (TWCC) who offer a discount for Club Members. What do I wear kayaking? All paddling equipment will be provided, except clothes and lights. You generally need 3 layers of clothing: - 1. wicking base layer - polyester T-shirt, never cotton please 2. warm mid-layer - polyester fleece, or merino wool 3. waterproof outer layer - anorak or kayak 'cag'. This will keep you dry, and if not needed can be stowed in the back of the kayak. Initially in warm weather any outdoor clothing can be used, such as for walking, cycling or running. The first purchase should be neoprene booties, followed by a paddling 'cag' or anorak. Cag anorak adviceWinter paddling. If you intend to paddle all through the winter then paddlers use a either a dry cag & dry trousers or the ultimate Dry Suit. A neoprene long john also works but is less popular now. |
Heads - a hat is recommended at most times: winter or summer, a warm one for the cold and a wide brimmed hat or cap to reduce the heat and reflected summer sun. Hands - in the winter most kayakers use 'pogies' without which they could not paddle. Neoprene gloves also work but not in the coldest weather Footwear must be worn to the river side and when in the kayak at all times. The shore may contain hazards. The ideal footwear is neoprene surf booties. Old trainers are ok but may not fit in some kayaks. Do not tie the laces as they could catch on the footrests; so just tuck them in. Synthetic fibres are much better at letting the body retain heat, use 'technical' T-shirts made of polyester, or fleece materials. Do not use the kayaks in bare feet or flip flops. There is far too much debris and broken glass on the Thames foreshore. |
