Frequently Asked Questions

Thames River Adventures Ltd is licensed with British Waterways.

1. Are we going to get wet?

Yes, you can get wet from splashes but we provide spray decks keeping this to a minimal.

2. What do we wear?

a. Comfortable clothes suitable for a physical day to wear in the kayak
b. avoid jeans if possible
c. a rain jacket
d. a fleece jacket/sweater on colder days
e. a change of clothes in case you get wet or grubby
f. wear trainers or similar in the kayak

3. A) What do we bring?

Comfortable clothes suitable for a physical day to wear in the kayak

a. avoid jeans if possible
b. a rain jacket
c. a change of clothes in case you get wet or grubby.
d. Wear trainers or similar in the kayak- shoes must be soft soled.

• Avoid open toe shoes/slip off shoes/flip-flops to avoid slips
• Sun hat & sun cream
• Bottled water
• Wet suit in cold weather if appropriate
• Recommend fingerless gloves
• Long hair must be tied back
• Waists should be covered
• Body-piercings removed or taped over for comfort

Any open wounds or cuts should be covered with waterproof plasters.

3. B) Is there somewhere for us to change our clothes or use the toilet or shower?
There are toilets within 5 minutes walking distance from all our tours which enable you to change your clothes and use the facilities if necessary.
For the Regents Canal Tour, there is a place called "The Hub" which provides shower, toilets, lockers and a cafe/restaurant within 5 minutes walking distance from our starting and finishing point.

4. Do you have kayaks or canoes?

Yes we have both.

5. What is the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

A kayak is where the person is enclosed in a small space with a spray skirt and a canoe is open often allowing 2 people to paddle, not enclosed.

6. What type of kayaks do you use?

We use Recreational Touring kayaks.

7. Do we have to wear wet suits?

No, a wetsuit is not required but if you prefer to wear one that is fine.

8. Can we wear flip-flops?

No, not advised by Thames River Adventures due to the risk of slips etc. We recommend wearing trainers or similar in the kayak.

9. Do you provide ‘life jackets’?

Buoyancy aids (life jackets) are provided, and it is obligatory that they are worn at all times throughout your Tour.

10. How do I train/ practice for kayaking tours?

We recommend practicing with a broom handle, using rotation movements as you would with a paddle.

11. How fit do I need to be?

You must be able to endure moderate exercise for the duration of your tour, be able to swim 20 metres and have a reasonable level of balance.

12. What happens if you injure yourself?

All our instructors are qualified First Aiders and carry First Aid equipment.

13. Is it dangerous?

No but you must follow the guidance given by the Instructor. As a company, we provide fully qualified Instructors who have expert knowledge of the waterways. Safety induction prior to commencing your Tour is provided. All the necessary safety equipment is given including buoyancy aids.

14a). What sort of history do we get close to?

i.e. (What landmarks do we see?)

This depends on the Tour chosen. Kayaking with Thames River Adventures enables you to see London from a Unique angle passing by World renowned landmarks such as Hampton Court Palace, Tower Bridge, Westminster, the London Eye, The Tate Modern, the Magna Carta Island, etc

14. b) Do we start and finish at the same point on the Tours?
Yes, on all our Tours, we start and finish at the same location

15. Do I need to know how to roll out of a kayak?

No. The aim of the Tours is that inexperienced kayakers can enjoy the tour without the need to have any previous kayaking skills. Our qualified instructor guides you throughout the Tour.

16. Will my hands get sore?

It is possible that you may get slight friction blisters, and if you are worried about getting blisters, it is recommended that you wear/bring gloves such as cycling/gym gloves.

17. What if it rains on the day of the Tour?

If it is only light rain the Tour will go ahead but if  it is heavy rain, thunder and lightning or very high winds you will be issued with a voucher that allows you to rebook within the following twelve months.

18. Can I still Kayak if I cannot swim?

No, as we recommend that you must be able to swim 20 metres.

19. Do you hire out the kayak equipment for trips (outside the tour format) and what’s required in terms of licenses for this trip?

Our insurance does not allow just the hire of the kayaks that is why all the tours are accompanied by a qualified instructor. If you want a tailor made tour, either single day or a multi-day tour please contact us to arrange.

To paddle from the source to Tower Bridge is a constant 7 days without time to have a look around. It can be done comfortably in 8-9. Finishing at Tower Bridge incurs an added cost due to transport, whereas finishing at Putney Bridge does not.

All craft on the non tidal Thames need to be licensed with the Environmental Agency (as all of ours are) or via the British Canoe Union. On the tidal Thames they need to be inspected by the Port of London Authority, all our craft /kayaks have been inspected.

20. Are there any restrictions on taking children?

• The minimum approximate ages for the Tours are:
• 9 years old for all tours.
• A parent must accompany a child under 12 years old. They also need a basic ability to swim at least 20 meters.
• On the canals parents can walk along the towpath if they do not wish to travel in a kayak.
• Our British Canoe Union Instructor is CRB checked.

21. I want to buy a gift voucher? Can vouchers be bought for Christmas presents and used when it suits the recipients?

• Gift vouchers are available for all of our tours. Please see our website for tour details and prices via this link:

• Vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase and prices start at £50 up to £150.

22. What if my tour is cancelled?

Weather patterns are unpredictable with heavy rain affecting water height and speed. In these conditions, we may be required to cancel your tour to ensure your safety at all times. Following such cancellations, we will contact you to arrange a new tour date. You will not be required to pay any more money for your choice of a lunchtime, sunrise or sunset Tour. Alternatively you could choose to have a voucher for the equivalent, which is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

23. What are the prices of the tours?

Price details of our kayak tours at Hampton Court or Regents Canal are per person and are as follows:

• 1 hour Tuition/Lesson per person - £49.99 weekdays and weekends available at Regents Canal Location only.

• Week day  and weekend Tours which include Sunrise/ Sunset and lunchtime/day tours at Hampton Court- £59 per person.

• Family Groups(based on 4 in the family) available to go on any tour during the week or weekend -£199

• Children’s Birthday Parties with a group of 6 -10 (minimum requirement)- £349

• Corporate/Team Building are priced at £69 +VAT  per and we can accommodate groups of 12-15.

• Tower Bridge Specialist Tour: must have previous kayaking experience, available times based on the tides-£89.99 per person.

• Regents Canal Tours weekday and weekends £74.99 per person.

24. Are refreshments provided on the Tours?

No but we recommend that you bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated as kayaking is active.

25. What sights do we pass?

This is all explained on our “Tours” page of the website.

26. Do we have a tour guide?

Yes, a British Canoe Union Instructor accompanies the Tour and provides historical information about the sites we pass.

27. Can we store our valuables: camera and phones etc safely without getting them wet?

Yes, we provide dry bags where we can store valuables and electronic equipment ensuring nothing is damaged. We also have a van that is locked whilst on Tours which all valuables can be stored and secured in.