AN INTRODUCTION TO DITTONS PADDLE BOARDING CLUB

We were established on April 7th, 2017 at Ditton Beach in Thames Ditton, Surrey. Our founders were a group of adventure-seeking beginners to paddle-boarding who had acquired a few secondhand, unstable and bendy boards.

Since then, we have become a fully formed affiliated club under Paddle UK formerly British Canoeing, with four paddle bases locally and weekly groups exploring the nearby waterways. During the summer months, we embark on safaris to discover new stretches of water that we haven’t explored before.

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PADDLE BOARDING LESSONS

We offer paddle-boarding lessons from our training bases in Surrey, in small groups with high coach-to-student ratio. Generally, four students to a coach and a ‘wrangler’ who helps with relaying the coaching and makes sure everyone is safe. ‘Safety’ and ‘fun’ are the watchwords for our sessions. We want you to go away from out sessions having learnt to control a paddle board, stand-up and learn the rules of the river and how to keep yourself safe.

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COACHES

All our coaches are either International Surfing Association (ISA) trained which is governing body for all elite Olympic paddle-boarding events or Paddle UK trained. The rescue and first aid training for our coaches is provided by the Surf Live Saving GB club. The same club that helps look after our beaches here and in Australia. Our coach is Andy Joyce a former National Champion, who trains us all to a high standard and keeps us there.

Brett Scillitoe

I first paddle boarded in Turkey, on holiday, in 2013. But it wasn't until 2016 that I tried it again. This time I was hooked. In April 2017 I set up Dittons Paddle Boarding (DPB) as a Facebook and WhatsApp Group. Then in 2018, with the help of members, we became a British Canoeing (now Paddle UK) Affiliated Club. Then in 2021, I founded Aqua Paddle, The Paddle Charity, which offers free timed 5km events around the country. Currently at over 33 locations.

I have had some great times on my board, met some fantastic people and made some great friends. Paddling is freedom at any time of the year. Autumn and Winter paddling can be very rewarding, with many waterways empty and it is just you, your board and nature. It really is a wonderful sport.

Jacky Fenton

I am a Pilates Instructor and Personal Trainer and have been a coach for Dittons for nearly two years. I became aware of paddle boarding during lock down in 2020 when all we could do was walk, so as soon as lockdown ended I was booked on a paddle board lesson and haven't looked back since. I absolutely love it! It is great being in nature, and paddling on the water just gives me that euphoric feeling. This is why I became a coach, to pass my passion onto others. Every spare moment I get I am on the water, so you could say I am a little obsessed.

Helen Smith

I started paddle boarding as a family and friend activity and decided to join Dittons Paddle Boarding so I could paddle with other like minded people who enjoyed the sport. Since then I have joined the Sup Polo Team and trained to be a Sup Coach. I enjoy the relaxed and social paddles which take in lovely scenery and good company and gives me the social aspect of meeting new people. I love to watch someone who is afraid to stand, get up and paddle - the smile on their faces makes it all worthwhile. I like paddling as everyone from young to old can take part have fun.

Favourite paddle spot: West Wittering at Sunset.

Claire Esoffer

I bought a paddleboard on a whim after seeing somebody paddle past me whilst I was walking down the towpath in 2020 and have been addicted ever since! I love to paddle socially, mostly on the local rivers and canals but I also enjoy sea paddling and love nothing more than being out on my board all day long and exploring smaller, less paddled waterways or ditches! I've made some of the best friends I've ever had through paddleboarding. I qualified as a sup Instructor and Paddlesport Leader in 2023. My highlights have been sup holidays to Sweden & Croatia and this year I'm looking forward to paddling a Norwegian Fjord.

Alex Bottoms

I am currently a teacher at Reed’s School. I got into paddling through Kayak and Canoeing when I was a child with the scouts. In my teens I became an outdoor activity instructor at Stubbers Adventure Centre where I would teach Kayaking, Canoeing and finally converted to coaching Stand Up Paddleboarding. I never looked back after falling in love with it! It is a fantastic sport brilliant for both the body and the mind and can be incredibly therapeutic! I joined Dittons Paddleboarding 4 years ago as a social member and soon became a coach as well.

Favourite place to paddle - The River Wye as it has stunning views!

JOIN THE CLUB

If you want to take the plunge (hopefully not literally) and join the club, you will have to own your own board and a Paddle UK membership (formally British Canoeing) or equivalent EA boat license (we need to pay for and protect our playground). If you have, just fill in the questionnaire and pay the small membership fee.

If you want to know more please contact us via the contact form.

JOIN THE CLUB

Finally, if you would like to support our club, but not become a member, a donation to help our activities grow the sport and keep the costs down for users is always welcome, please click hereGive Tap.

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FAQS

General

What is involved?

Fun, adventure, paddling, great people, fun.

You will be given an on land safety briefing, then shown basic paddling strokes. We will then head onto the water where you will practise those strokes before starting your experience.

Finding Us

Training Bases

Thames Ditton

The Albany Pub, Queens Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7 0QY

Parking
Please park responsibly in the local area. There is parking available at The Albany pub. They would welcome you in afterwards for a post-paddle recovery drink.

What3words link – https://w3w.co/puts.civic.stages

Toilets and Changing
The Albany’s toilets are accessible through the pub. It would make them happy if you bought a beverage, by way of a thank you.

Hampton & Molesey

Hampton Sailing Club, Bens Alley, Thames Street, Hampton TW12 2EW

Parking
Molesey side – please use the ferry to get to Hampton Wharf.
Car park What3words link – https://w3w.co/safely.prom.spot
Ferry location What3words link – https://w3w.co/pies.moved.sooner

Hampton side – There is no parking on site. The nearest parking is at Hampton Railway Station (0.5 miles). The best way to come to Hampton Wharf is via Public Transport, either by Train or Bus. The Station is an 11 minute walk and a number of buses stop by the Bell Pub, across the road from the Wharf.

Toilets & Changing
There are no toilets or changing facilities on site at the moment due to Covid regulations. The nearest toilet is in The Bell Pub, on the hill behind Hampton Wharf.

Walton & Sunbury

TS Black Swan, Penny Ln, Walton-on-Thames, Shepperton TW17 8NQ

Parking
What3words link – https://w3w.co/jams.jacket.mice

The Training base is at TS Black Swan, the Sunbury and Walton Sea Cadets. It is at the end of Penny Lane, a private road. Donations would be most welcome to help maintain it.

Please use the above link with your SatNav to find the Training Base. What3words works with most SatNav systems.

Toilets & Changing
There are toilets or changing facilities on site.

Weybridge

D’Oyly Carte Gardens, Desborough Lodge, Walton Lane, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8LT

Parking
What3words link – https://w3w.co/love.spike.expert

Toilets & Changing
There are no toilets or changing facilities on site. The nearest toilet is by ferry to Shepperton Lock or one of the Pubs locally.

What other bases do we have

There are currently 4 Paddle Bases, Thames Ditton and Hurst Park, Weybridge and Walton, Woking and Ash, Guildford and Godalming.

Membership

Problems Registering

I’ve attended a Training Session?

If you have attended one of our training sessions, please contact us and we will send you an invite to be a member, direct from the system. This will save you from filling in some forms.

Booking

How do I book an adventure?

Use the BOOK A SESSION and then scroll to your chosen adventure and click on it. Or alternatively, use the READ MORE & BOOK button under the specific session. You will be able to view the available dates and time for our adventures.

Do I need to sign anything?

Yes, you will need to complete an online health questionnaire and when you arrive for the lesson/adventure you will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging your responsibilities whilst on the water. Here you will need to disclose any Health Information, that your coach needs whilst on the water with you, along with an emergency contact number for someone not on the water with you.

What time do I need to arrive?

Please make sure that you are with us at The Albany pub, by the riverside at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. This is to ensure that you have time to be checked in and be ready to start promptly.

Ensure that you allow enough travelling time to accommodate this and, if you choose to drive, enough time to find a parking space and still be with us at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Late arrivals who miss the safety briefing for any session will forfeit their session.

I’d like to book a larger group of people. Is that possible?

We love hosting family celebrations, pre and post wedding adventures, birthdays, team away days and the like for groups of up to 20 people on stand up paddleboards . Simply get in touch to discuss your adventure!

Age restrictions

Can I bring my son/daughter on a paddle boarding lesson?

If your child is over 14 then they can join a lesson. Under 18’s must have a paying parent or guardian with them on the water. If you would like to book a private session then we can accommodate younger children from 12 years.

Is there an age limit for your adventures?

Yes, 14+ for lessons and under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult. Private sessions are available for children 12 years and above, please ask for more information. We would ask you to consider if your child is both physically and emotionally strong enough to join our SUP Adventures/lessons.

Logistics

Is there parking?

Yes, there is a car park at the Albany Pub. All we ask is that you buy a drink from them to say thank you for using their premises.

Where’s the nearest bus stop?

There is a bus stop at Queen’s Road. If you walk down to the end of the road you will find The Albany pub which is our base, we are at the back of the pub, riverside. It is a 2 minute walk.

I can’t find you at the Pub

We are situated at the back of the pub, riverside. You need to walk towards the far end of the car park and you will see a shed. This is us. We will be waiting for you.

What facilities are available at The Albany?

Toilets and Changing facilities – There are toilets that you can use if the pub is open. If not you are more than welcome to change in our storage shed (it is nice and clean!)
Parking for cars – Parking is available at the pub.
Bicycles – We encourage all paddlers to walk or cycle to our adventures if possible. You can keep your bike in our locked storage area which is very secure.
Storage – You may leave small bags and spare clothing with us in our storage shed during the session if you wish. This will be at your own risk.

Experience

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes! You should be able to swim 25 metres and be confident around the water. It is likely that you my end up in the river.

We provide PFD’s (personal floatation devices) that will keep you buoyant in the water if you do end up in it. These must be worn for the duration of your adventure. If you are a weak swimmer on a guided adventure, please do let your instructor know so that they are aware of it.

Equipment

Is all equipment supplied?

Yes but only for lessons and adventures, we supply you with a fantastic Red Paddle board, paddle, leash and buoyancy aid. The only thing not supplied is a wetsuit. You need your own equipment for the socials.

Can I bring my own board for lessons?

Yes, if you want to get experience on your own board by all means bring it along. Just allow enough time to inflate it before the lesson starts!

What should I wear?

Most people wear shorts, running tights or leggings, t-shirt and warm top depending on the weather. You must have footwear with you that you don’t mind getting wet. Wetsuit shoes are ideal, old trainers or flip-flops can also work (wear them to carry the board into the water and then tuck them under the elastic on the board). If it is particularly sunny, it is recommended that you wear sun-cream and a hat. Sunglasses are also good, but be aware that they can sink quickly so please attach a strap to them or bring an old pair.

Are wetsuits supplied?

No. You can either bring your own or find an outlet near by to hire.

What to bring

Do I need to bring water?

Definitely! Bring in a bottle that can be secured under the straps on the board.

Do I need money?

Yes. We do launch from a pub so you might want to get a drink or even come back for something to eat. On our guided adventures we may stop at a riverside cafe or pub for a drink if time permits.

Should I bring spare clothes?

Definitely! Spare clothes and a towel are also recommended in case you go in the water as is a change of footwear because your feet are very likely to get wet.

Is it ok to take my phone with me?

Yes if you have a dry bag or a waterproof phone pouch. The coach can also take your phone in their dry bag but it will be at your own risk.If you take any pictures on your phone, don’t forget to tag us! @dpb_club on Instagram and dittons paddle boarding on FB.