Planning A Kayak Trip Along The Thames
Discussion
The route is now planned, Lechlade to Teddington lock, covering the non tidal section of the Thames.
Just planning the overnight stops, looks like the first night stop will be between Oxford/Abbingdon, putting us at 35-40miles on the first day.Need to find somewhere near to the river to stay.
Just planning the overnight stops, looks like the first night stop will be between Oxford/Abbingdon, putting us at 35-40miles on the first day.Need to find somewhere near to the river to stay.
Edited by R500POP on Tuesday 1st November 09:27
The locks on the first section are very close together, so rather than waiting for the locks to be opened you will be much quicker getting out of the canoes and carrying them round ( portage) it is also quite likely that because of 'cut-backs ' many of the locks generally will be on self-service which means simply that!
So make sure you hone your skills in getting in and out of the boats safely and quickly.
One more piece of advice , do not paddle for a couple of hours and attempt re-hydration at the Trout Inn by Tadpole Bridge you are likely to stay for hours ...
Rower
So make sure you hone your skills in getting in and out of the boats safely and quickly.
One more piece of advice , do not paddle for a couple of hours and attempt re-hydration at the Trout Inn by Tadpole Bridge you are likely to stay for hours ...
Rower
R500POP said:
Looking like second & third night stay will be in Reading area & Staines area.
Staines is an easy paddle to Teddington , suggest Oxford ( or above ) then Reading then Maidenhead or Windsor , Or stop at Bray and enjoy a little refreshment at the Fat Duck or the Waterside Inn !Rower
Hi, just seen this thread....... its a big challenge
Back in April 2005 I was part of a team (I was logistic) to row from Letchlade to Southend
It was managed on the 3rd attempt
1st failure stopped by weather at Wapping (nr Docklands)
2nd Failure started to sink nr Gravesend
3rd attempt completed we covered the 186 miles in 28hours and 58 minutes
a Guinness World Record was achieved. scan of cert
I look forward to hear the events of your journey
as Bulldong has mentioned it is a great river, picturesque but dont forget its a major river
with that comes risks, especially past Teddington / Richmond when it comes fully tidal.
Safety must be your first priority.
our attempts were in March / April because
1) the river will be flowing faster due to winter rain
2) low river Traffic
3) not to hot to row
as we were chasing the clock our departure time from Letchlade
was set to allow crossing Richmond Lock at High Tide
so we could maximise the out going tide and limit the time rowing against the tide when in the estuary.
the challenge was to row the whole distance without getting the boat out of the water
or getting out of the boat.... Locks were operated by dedicated synchronised teams
PM me via my profile if you need any further info ....... I'll be glad to help
Good luck
Rich
Back in April 2005 I was part of a team (I was logistic) to row from Letchlade to Southend
It was managed on the 3rd attempt
1st failure stopped by weather at Wapping (nr Docklands)
2nd Failure started to sink nr Gravesend
3rd attempt completed we covered the 186 miles in 28hours and 58 minutes
a Guinness World Record was achieved. scan of cert
I look forward to hear the events of your journey
as Bulldong has mentioned it is a great river, picturesque but dont forget its a major river
with that comes risks, especially past Teddington / Richmond when it comes fully tidal.
Safety must be your first priority.
our attempts were in March / April because
1) the river will be flowing faster due to winter rain
2) low river Traffic
3) not to hot to row
as we were chasing the clock our departure time from Letchlade
was set to allow crossing Richmond Lock at High Tide
so we could maximise the out going tide and limit the time rowing against the tide when in the estuary.
the challenge was to row the whole distance without getting the boat out of the water
or getting out of the boat.... Locks were operated by dedicated synchronised teams
PM me via my profile if you need any further info ....... I'll be glad to help
Good luck
Rich
Edited by Rich K on Thursday 3rd November 21:38
R500POP said:
Gear starting to arrive now, been a case of keeping an wyw on Ebay for low start price new/nearly new gear.
Still need helmet, gloves & decent waterproofs.
Don't skimp on the waterproof.Still need helmet, gloves & decent waterproofs.
Nothing worse than paddling all day piss wet through because you didn't spend that extra £20-30 on a decent waterproof.
A decent time spent on the water beforehand will make a huge difference come the challenge even if its just a few hours a week.
Also cycling and rowing machine to get the anarobic fitness.
Sounds an excellent trip.
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