Kayaking is an exciting activity to try if you wish to get fit, escape from stress, and enjoy the great outdoors. If you want to go Kayaking London, you should try exploring the most popular and longest river in England, the Thames.

kayaking on the Thames? Here’s What You Need To Know

River Thames is rich in history — since Roman times, it has played a vital role in developing the capital city of London. It stretches over 215 miles. And over the past years, it has hosted various watersport activities that range from canoe races to leisurely kayaking.

Typically, paddling enthusiasts visit the Thames from March through November. Take note that if you go kayaking at the start and end of the paddling season, the water will be colder, and the flow rates (water levels) will change more quickly.

If you choose to kayak there during springtime, expect to have encounters with wildlife. In summer, keep in mind that it’s more challenging to navigate the water because of flow rates. If you want to see a unique picturesque scene, kayaking during autumn is a good idea as trees change colours in preparation for the upcoming winter.

The Thames is categorised into upper and lower branches. The upper branches comprise North, South, and Middle; the lower, on the other hand, refers to the "main branch," which spans from the Forks of the North to London’s South branches.

Flow rates can impact kayaking in upper branches. So check the figures on the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority website. The waters are tamer in the lower branches — the riverbanks are high, and the river slows down.

General Tips To Remember Before You Hit The Water

There are several reasons why many add kayaking on the Thames to their kayaking bucket list. But whether you’re headed for England’s most famous river or any other kayaking destination, you should undertake proper preparations. Here are tips you need to remember:

Assess your kayaking abilities. To keep yourself safe, knowing how to control your kayak is important. Be honest with your skill level and choose a kayaking destination that best suits it.

Choose the right boat. Do you plan on having recreational kayaking or do you want to race? Are you a beginner or a veteran? How well can you manoeuvre a kayak? All these details affect your choice of boat.

Wear appropriate clothing. Depending on the weather, you need to don a wetsuit or a dry suit. Apart from proper attire, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays. You should also prepare safety gear like a personal flotation device, signalling whistle, and lights.

Enjoy Kayaking With The Help Of Pros

Back of Beyond Adventures’ mission is to help more people enjoy exciting watersports, including kayaking London. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or just a novice, they have trips and packages to suit you. No matter which type of service you choose, guaranteed that your safety is their top priority. Learn more here: https://backofbeyonduk.com/kayaking-london. Book your next kayaking adventure and reach out to them at [email protected] or +44 (0) 7827 829 721.