Get active with watersports on the Tideway near you in London

Super sewer company launches ‘Active Tideway’ to help Londoners reconnect with the River Thames

Tideway, the company behind London’s super sewer, has partnered with Active360 and London Sports Trust to launch a new programme helping Londoners reconnect with the River Thames.

The programme, Active Tideway, offers a series of subsidised on-water and riverside activities designed to make the river more accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Sessions include natural history tours, litter picks, stand-up paddleboarding, Kayaking and a wide range of other activities that help Londoners experience, enjoy and learn more about the Thames.

With the super sewer now in operation and protecting the Thames from sewage pollution, Active Tideway is designed to support a new chapter for the river – one in which more people can get closer to the Thames and benefit from the opportunities it offers.

The programme is being subsidised by Tideway to improve accessibility and help ensure more Londoners have the chance to enjoy activities on and around the river.

Bookings are available directly through both the Active 360 website and the London Sports Trust website with sessions available now.

Henrietta Gibb, Tideway’s Impact & Engagement Director, said: “Tideway was built to protect the Thames and help create a healthier future for the river. Active Tideway is about making sure more Londoners can be part of that future – whether by getting out on the water, exploring the riverside or learning more about the extraordinary natural environment on their doorstep.

“By subsidising these activities, we hope to remove some of the barriers that can prevent people from enjoying the Thames and give communities from across the capital the chance to experience, connect with and care for their river.”

Paul Hyman, Active360 Founder & Director, said: “We’re passionate about helping people get out on the water safely, confidently and responsibly. Active Tideway will give more Londoners the chance to experience the Thames from a completely different perspective – whether that’s through paddleboarding, learning about the river’s wildlife, or taking part in activities that support its environment.

“This programme is a brilliant opportunity to help people enjoy the river while also understanding why it matters and how they can help protect it.”

Ulick Tarabanov, CEO & Founder of London Sports Trust, said: “At London Sports Trust, we believe everyone should have access to the benefits of sport, physical activity and outdoor experiences, regardless of background or circumstance.

“Active Tideway will help create new opportunities for Londoners to get active, build confidence and connect with one of the city’s greatest assets. We’re proud to be part of a programme that combines wellbeing, inclusion and a renewed connection with the River Thames.”

You can find out more about the `tideway tunnel here.

Locations

Kew Bridge

The original home
of SUP in London.

Locations

Brentford Lock

Enjoy peace and quiet
on the canals.

‘Tideway was built to protect the Thames and help create a healthier future for the river. Active Tideway is about making sure more Londoners can be part of that future – whether by getting out on the water, exploring the riverside or learning more about the extraordinary natural environment on their doorstep.’

Henrietta Gibb, Tideway’s Impact & Engagement Director

Group sessions on the Tideway from only £15pp

What session suits you best?

Beginner Friendly

Intro to safe paddling on the Tideway

These intro to safe paddling sessions start at our base in Kew Bridge on the tidal Thames. You will learn about SUP safety and navigation rules and this is a good starting point for any safe Tideway paddling whether you are looking to paddle independently, join a club or rent from us on the Thames.

We will either be paddling up towards Old Isleworth/Richmond or down towards Barnes/Hammersmith – this depends on whether we are paddling around high or low tide. Both routes are rich in wildlife and history.

Beginners and Experienced paddlers
Tideway, River Thames
Safety focused
Let us know any special requirements
Check FAQs under BOOK HERE for specific Qs about this session
Only £15pp

All abilities

Tideway Natural History Tour - Downstream

Embark on a journey on the tidal Thames, stretching from Teddington Weir to the sea at Southend. Our base, located near the iconic Kew Bridge, sits at the heart of a river teeming with wildlife and rich in history, with traces of human activity dating back to prehistoric times.

As part of our exciting Natural History tour series, this session offers an opportunity to explore the fascinating blend of local heritage and natural wonders. Starting at Kew Bridge, we begin with a thorough safety briefing and an introductory paddleboarding session to ensure your comfort and confidence on the water.

Drifting downstream on the ebb tide, we pass Oliver’s Island on our way to Mortlake. Along the journey, you’ll gain a fresh perspective of the river’s vibrant ecosystem, while enjoying the tranquil experience of paddleboarding. This adventure promotes both mental and physical well-being as you connect with nature and uncover the beauty of this historic waterway.

River Clean ups

Paddle & Pick

Join us for a paddle and river clean up heading out around the local islands at Low tide where we will be stopping along the way to pick litter from the foreshore, trees and the water.

The River Thames is on the mend after decades of toxic overflow, neglect and mismanagement. Birdlife and marine life are returning to the river, with regular sightings of seals and even dolphins. However, the sustainability of the Thames is under threat from growing plastic pollution entering the river and threatening birdlife and contaminating marine life.

Intermediate/Progression

Paddle Fitness

If you are a looking to improve your fitness then SUP on the Tideway is a great easy full body workout!

We will start with a safety briefing and intro to safe paddling on the Tideway. After getting on and mastering the basics we continue a slow paddle whilst discussing the tide and route for a paddle circuit or one way workout.

We will look at ways to improve paddling technique along the way and increase muscular and cardiovascular endurance. SUP is a great way to burn calories and improve overall fitness and health.

We will sometimes be focusing on working against the tide (our very own treadmill on water) around the local islands.

Intermediate paddlers
Sunrise/Sunset sessions available
Nature's own Treadmill
Must be over 18
Tideway, River Thames
Progress your paddling on the Tideway
Only £15pp

Intermediate/Progression

Paddle Up Tideway - Progression series

Improve your knowledge of safety on the Tideway while working on your paddling skills. These sessions are a great way to build your confidence on the Tideway with paddlers of similar abilities at a slightly faster pace.

We will either be paddling up towards Old Isleworth/Richmond or down towards Barnes/Hammersmith – this depends on whether we are paddling around high or low tide.

These sessions are not suitable for beginners or paddlers with no experience of paddling on the Tideway. You can always book onto one of our Intro to safe paddling on the Tideway or Paddle fitness sessions first.

How it works

Choose Location

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, adipiscing elit ut elit tellus, luctus mattis consectetur.

Pick your activity

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, adipiscing elit ut elit tellus, luctus mattis consectetur.

Book Online

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, adipiscing elit ut elit tellus, luctus mattis consectetur.

Enjoy your day!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, adipiscing elit ut elit tellus, luctus mattis consectetur.

SUP Sessions

Why SUP? What's so exciting about it?

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a very inclusive sport that can be enjoyed safely by people of almost all ages and abilities. It is fairly easy to master the basic skills and it is a great exercise in nature!

Paddleboarding provides many opportunities for progression so it’s important to learn skills properly to avoid picking up bad technique and bad habits. These are harder to unlearn when you’ve been self-taught or (it happens!) badly taught.

SUP has no age limit and almost anyone can learn to stand up and get going on a paddleboard. It helps to develop good balance as well as strength and stamina. It burns calories without ever feeling like you’re wiped out. Instead, you have fun throughout and finish filled with positive energy, clear head and a smile on your face!

SUP has the perfect combination of adventure, exercise and relaxation.

It’s not surprising that SUP has become the most popular way to explore London’s fantastic network of waterways.

If you had seen paddleboarders in London, were intrigued and tempted – why wait? Get in touch with us and explore the range of SUP sessions we offer.

Book on our Group Session to meet other paddlers or a Private Session if you want an undivided attention of the instructor and a session tailored to your needs.

If you have interest in wildlife and the environment book a Natural History Tour.

If strength and core stability is your thing, then try SUP yoga or SUP pilates or a fitness sessions.

If you want a Bespoke session to get your family or friends together, mark a special occasion and celebrate – call us or drop us a line and we will be happy to help you to make your day on the water special.

Locations