On the board at Thames paddle company... Sport offers new way to mess about on river

 
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A sport loved by Jennifer Aniston and Cindy Crawford for its toning and cardio vascular qualities is now taking off on the Thames.

Paddleboarding is being enjoyed by enthusiasts aged from eight to 80.

Paddlers balance on giant boards while propelling themselves through the water with a single, long paddle.

Coaches at Active360, based under Kew Bridge, take groups for two-hour trips on the river. Company director Paul Hyman said: “It is great fun and anyone can do it — I think the oldest lady we’ve trained here was in her eighties, and the youngest person was around eight.

“It’s not like other water sports where you need a high level of fitness, a confidence in the water and quite intensive training. You can go as fast or as slow as you like. Most people pick it up very quickly and are soon paddling like professionals.”

The waters sports fanatic from Chiswick, who co-founded the company in 2011, added: “It’s not a dangerous sport although many think it is. When you start paddleboarding, a coach who knows the river and its tides will travel with you and make sure you are safe.”

For a £50 taster session, Active360, provides boards, wetsuits and training. Groups can either go downstream to Chelsea Bridge, or in the opposite direction towards Twickenham, depending on the tides. Mr Hyman said that now spring has arrived, they were receiving more group bookings from those keen to see the Thames from a different perspective. “Groups come and give it a go for a couple of hours, then go to the pub afterwards. It’s a different and memorable thing to do for a hen or birthday party.”

Sessions run most days in the morning but the more adventurous can try a paddle that finishes after sunset. Those confident enough to sail on their own can hire boards from £10 for the two-hour sessions.

Active360 is involved in several charity paddles including a marathon from Shepperton to Putney in June. Around 60 beginners will travel the 26-mile route to raise money for cancer charity Momentum and the Canal and River Trust. In August, a group of 10 will go to Greenland for a “Polar Bears and Paddleboards” trip.

‘I expected to end up with the eels’

When told I was going paddleboarding I assumed that most of my time would be spent swimming with eels lurking in murky waters. I would then, of course, get a terrible disease.

Luckily nothing so dramatic occurred. Once in a wetsuit, I was taught how to row while kneeling, and then stand on the 14ft boards. After several wobbly Bambi moments, I was surfing the waves like a professional.

Because of the tides and my shaky start, the return trip to Hammersmith took three-and-a-half hours but it was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

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