I‘m looking into the idea of spending a couple of days canoeing or kayaking on the upper Thames, with a nights camping. I have some experience paddling, but don’t (currently) have a canoe or Kayak (I’ll buy, hire or borrow one). Has anyone done anything similar and do you have any tips, advice or words of warning? Thanks.

Read "Three Men in a Boat" 🙂

Canoed down the Wye once. I doubt there's rapids on the upper Thames, but if there is, aim for the dead water line.

Used to do a lot of paddling on the Thames in and around Oxford City and worked as an instructor for the Riverside Centre by Donnington Bridge.

My advice would be go in there and see what they can sort you out with, haven't done any paddling for about ten years but I'm pretty certain they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

Awesome idea by the way! I'm feeling slightly inspired.

My friend Tom and his friend Robin still hold the under-16 record for tandem kayak in the Devises to Westminster Race. Tom was 14, He's now 31, works in IT and doesn't do much exercise.

Hope this helps.

What do you want to do now?

He got a real pretty mouth ain't he?

That's the truth

You gonna do some prayin' for me, boy. And you better pray good.

will you be going uphill or downhill?

you get more beer in a canoe.

problem solved 🙂

Woolwich Ferry 😉

For a trip like that, a canoe.

And head over to SoTP

All jokes aside there is a Kayakin centre in the Victoria Docks
if that helps.
Regarding Camping in central London I would'nt do it.
But there is a camp site in Epping Forest, just a short
trip on the Central Line.

do you have any tips, advice or words of warning

DO be extra careful of weirs and take notice of all signs.

Do NOT paddle up to the edge of a weir to investigate whats on the other side. Get out in advance & walk around (portage).

This is Sunbury weir, in case you were wondering.

Regarding Camping in central London I would'nt do it.

But thousands do it every night. No? You could have a campfire and everything.

Sounds like a nice idea, i'd quite like to do the River Lea sometime.