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EnglishHow to Get in Touch With Dittons Skiff and Punting Club to Try Skiffing or Punting
Updated
Dittons Skiff and Punting Club welcomes new members of all ages, and the club's website is the starting point for anyone who wants to try skiffing or punting. The site has an "Interested In Trying" entry point and a "Learn More" section for each sport, and the club says you can enquire through the website — including about the Learn to Row course. If you simply want to see what is on offer before committing, the club invites you to "come and see what we have to offer."
What the club offers before you join
Dittons Skiff and Punting Club is a friendly local club at Thames Ditton, run by members for members, offering the traditional river sports of skiffing and punting. It describes itself as a sociable and low cost sport suited to all ages and abilities.
| Activity | What it involves | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Skiffing | Hand-crafted traditional wooden sculling (rowing) boats, built as singles or doubles and steered by a cox | Social rowing, longer distance trips, and regatta racing through the summer |
| Punting | Flat-bottomed, square-ended craft moved with a pole against the river bed, raced as singles and doubles | A traditional Thames summer sport; described as a challenging mix of balance, competition and tactics |
| Juniors | Sunday morning sessions from 9.45 am for children aged 10 and upwards, taught in traditional Thames skiffs, including coxing and river safety | Children from age 10; punting offered in summer months when river conditions permit |
The club also has a gym with rowing machines (ergos), a multi gym and free weights, plus a club house with its own bar, a kitchen suitable for mass catering, a large club room, and a balcony with a river view. The club house is available for private use by members, and there is a busy social calendar through the year.
How to make contact
The website is the route the club itself points to:
- Go to the club website and look for the "Interested In Trying" entry point.
- Use the "Learn More" links under Skiffing, Punting, Juniors or Regattas to see which activity fits you.
- Enquire through the website — the club specifically says the Learn to Row course can be enquired about this way.
The club's own notice reads: "Interested in trying? Come and see what we have to offer. We welcome new members of all ages. Get in touch to com[e]…" — so a general enquiry is enough to start, whether you are an adult beginner, a parent asking about the junior section, or someone curious about racing.
What to ask about when you get in touch
- Learn to Row course — the club advertises a course and directs enquiries through the website.
- Junior section — Sunday mornings from 9.45 am, children aged 10 and upwards, with coxing and river safety taught alongside rowing.
- Regattas — the club competes against other local skiff and punting clubs at regattas throughout the season, and lists events such as the Dittons Club Regatta on Saturday 19th September.
- Membership and social use — the club house, bar and social calendar are member facilities, so it is worth asking what membership involves.
Practical notes
The club describes skiffing as low cost and suited to all ages and abilities, which makes a first enquiry low-risk if you are unsure whether the sport is for you. Junior punting is offered only over the summer months and only when river conditions permit, so if that is your interest, ask about timing when you make contact. No prices, joining fees or booking requirements are stated on the page, so confirm those details directly with the club rather than assuming.