Chelsea Kayak Club: What It Is and How to Join Its Sea Kayaking Sessions in London

Updated

Chelsea Kayak Club (CKC) is a sea kayaking and touring club based on the River Thames in West London, paddling from Kew Bridge. It suits adults who can already swim 50m in light clothing and want regular Thames paddles, weekend sea trips, and longer expeditions — but note that the club states some experience is needed before joining Thames sessions because of the tides. Membership is open to anyone over 18.

What the club is

CKC describes itself as West London's friendly sea kayaking club, and as London's only paddlesport club devoted to sea kayaking and touring. Its regular paddling happens on the River Thames from Kew Bridge, with sea kayaking on weekends and organised expeditions further afield.

Regular paddling: Thames sessions

  • Weekly night paddles: every Thursday from 7pm, running throughout the year.
  • Typical routes: Richmond, Chiswick or Hammersmith, chosen depending on the tide.
  • After-paddle habit: usually a drink at a local pub.
  • Experience requirement: the club notes that Thames tides mean a little experience is needed before members can join Thames sessions.

Sea trips and expeditions

Weekend sea kayaking is part of the club's regular programme, alongside longer expeditions to locations such as Wales, Scotland, Devon and Dorset, as well as abroad. The events calendar shows examples of this mix, including:

Date (as listed) Event Notes
Sun 11 Oct Chichester Harbour, Itchenor Using the tide to go from Itchenor to Dell Quay and back, all day
17 Oct Solent Crossing to Wooton Creek Lepe to Wooton Creek, all day
31 Oct Tanners Lane to Lepe All day
Sat 24 Oct Teddington Pub lunch, all day
6 Nov Fireworks Paddle —

Weekly Thames paddles also appear on the calendar at 6:30pm on several dates.

Training and progression

Socials and training courses are organised regularly, and the club says it is closely aligned with the Paddle UK personal performance awards in its training. There is a dedicated Paddler Progression section on the site for members working on their skills.

How to join and take part

  1. Check you meet the basics: you must be over 18 and able to swim 50m in light clothing.
  2. Look at the Events Calendar: each event shows a "grade" so you can pick one matching your experience, fitness and appetite for adventure.
  3. Watch for details by email: event details go out by email to all members, and the calendar is the public view of what is coming up.
  4. Build Thames experience first: because of the tides, expect to gain some paddling experience before joining the Thursday Thames sessions.

Practical notes

  • Location: River Thames, from Kew Bridge, West London.
  • Timing: Thursday night paddles from 7pm year-round; calendar listings also show 6:30pm Thames weekly paddles on some dates.
  • Kit: the site has a "Use of Club Kit" section, useful if you don't own a sea kayak and gear yet.
  • Notices: the club links to PLA Notices to Mariners (NTMs) for the Upper Thames, which is worth checking before paddling on the tidal river.

If you're an adult swimmer in or near West London who wants structured sea kayaking rather than one-off rentals, CKC's combination of weekly Thames paddles, graded weekend sea trips and Paddle UK-aligned training is the main draw. Start with the Events Calendar and the membership FAQs, then expect to build river experience before the tidal Thames sessions.