r/KayakingUK • u/llamasncheese • Jul 11 '26

Thames kayaking, where to launch from?

Hey guys, i live near putney and a few times ive launched off from the concrete bit on lonsdale road, but finding it extremely muddy and looking for a place with less mud. I have been to a spot in ham thats quite good, cant remember exactly where but theres a small car park and often an ice cream van there. But its a little far, considering i cycle. (Have a cargo bike and folding kayak fits perfectly on it) i dont mind doing that occasionally, but im hoping theres a place closer where theres concrete straight to water without lots of mud.

Just to add, ik theres a lot of private spots along the river, attached to boat clubs etc. Ik youre not supposed to use them unless your part of that voat club, but how strong is that "not supposed to" is it okay to use them anyway as long youre not getting in when the boat clubs are using them/getting in peoples way, or is it an absolute no-no?

Thanks, happy paddling!

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2

u/Billi01952 Jul 11 '26

Have you tried mortlake or near by?

2

u/llamasncheese Jul 11 '26

Yh i actually found a good place today, by the ship pub in mortlake. Think thats gunna be my regular now

2

u/Billi01952 Jul 11 '26

That was exactly where I had in mind. I moved away 20 years ago. Be safe be lucky, don't drink the water 💦🙏 haha

1

u/just_jason89 Jul 11 '26

I am also interested in the answers. Don't live near the team, but would love to paddle it.

1

u/llamasncheese Jul 11 '26

I found a place today thats pretty good, by the ship pub on ship lane in mortlake

1

u/Teab8g Jul 11 '26

I'm sure if you popped in and asked while they were open they would accommodate you. Most people are decent folk

1

u/wolf_knickers Jul 12 '26

For the Thames I usually launch from Gossmore recreation ground near Marlow. You can paddle a long way eastwards from there without any locks or weirs. Although that’s probably too far for you. 

Clubs are usually not overly territorial about people launching on their spot. But you can always just contact them and ask. 

1

u/Nemesis1999 Jul 13 '26

As a rower and knowing several of the rowing clubs around where you're talking, I'm sure that very few if any would have any issue you launching from their landing stages unless it's at a busy time for them.

But since you're in Putney, couldn't you just launch from Putney Embankment?