London, England

Chelsea Kayak Club

Chelsea Kayak Club is an adult sea-kayaking and touring club based beneath Kew Bridge. It runs graded Thames sessions, coastal trips and skills training for members who want to build experience in tidal and open-water paddling.

Sea kayaking
Touring
Flatwater kayaking

Visit official joining page Club website

Information checked 25 September 2026View sources

Before you join

Adult beginners: Members must be over 18 and complete a 50-metre swim while wearing light clothes. Current annual fees are £115 full, £58 basic or £165 with Discover Award training. From 1 September 2026 the two full rates fall to £65 and £115. Experienced guests can pre-book up to three £15 Thames sessions.
Junior paddlers: Chelsea Kayak Club describes itself as an adult community club and requires members to be over 18. It does not publish a junior route. Families looking for children's coaching should use the national finder rather than booking a Chelsea session for someone under 18.
Equipment: The club owns sea kayaks, paddles, buoyancy aids, spraydecks, cags, helmets, VHF radios and safety equipment. Full members use club kit during organised sessions and trips without an extra hire charge. Basic members pay when they use club boats or attend Thames sessions.
Accessibility: The club describes Brentford Boating Arch as fully accessible and lists changing rooms, toilets and a classroom. Its information stops at those indoor facilities. It does not document the waterside route or what practical help and specialist equipment are available. Ask before joining or booking.
Where the club paddles: The main base is Brentford Boating Arch beneath Kew Bridge. The club runs regular Thames sessions and coastal trips, with each event graded for experience, fitness and conditions. Tide, weather and leader availability affect the plan, so guests must secure a place before attending.