My SUP Stories

I cheated this winter. I completely neglected my relationship with SUP and had an intense affair with the gym. It was all physical. In the warm embrace of the indoors, I was swept away by the allure of the barbell, kettlebell and sorry, the ski erg! More about my gym Barch in a separate post soon… But now I’m back, reigniting my old flame.

In February, I felt the pull of the water once again. Our first date had to be easy and casual. The tides were favorable for launching from Richmond riverside on a Sunday morning. We agreed on a leisurely one-way paddle to Hampton Court Palace.

It was perfect! The gentle curves of the Thames and the hazy light on the Richmond-Petersham-Twickenham stretch were Turneresque. The colours were still muted, after winter’s chill and grey. Paddling upstream, the steady rhythm of our paddles hitting the water was like a heartbeat. The spell was temporarily broken at Teddington Lock, when we had to get off our boards. The portage took us onto the non-tidal Thames.

We escaped the main channel and took to the backwaters of Trowlock Island on the Middlesex side. The tiny island is a peaceful and tranquil oasis, a hidden gem, which I only share with my loved ones. The contrast was stark to the final stretch of our journey. Kingston was buzzing with riverside activity. How I had missed this sense of freedom of being on the water!

Seeing the majestic Hampton Court Palace from the the river, I knew for sure. My heart belongs on the water. I am excited to see where this renewed love affair takes me.

Weird & wonderful

• Experiencing the stunning scenery painted in J. M. W. Turner’s “The Thames from Richmond Hill” (c. 1815) on the water – it’s like stepping into a piece of art and immersing myself in history.
• Watching and hearing the lively parakeets along the riverside, with their colourful plumage and unique squawks, they’re like the party animals of the bird world.
• Spotting the quirky statue “The Naked Ladies” in Twickenham York House Gardens from the river – perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of cheeky art. If I was into beer, I’d want to try Twickenham Brewery’s golden ale named after “The Naked Ladies” statue. Any drink inspired by art must be good.
• Seeing the Trowlock Island hand-wound chain ferry in action – what a whimsical way to cross the water.

Need to know

• Waterway: The River Thames flows 346 km through southern England, including London. It’s tidal downstream of Teddington Lock.
• Entry: Slipway by The White Cross, Richmond
• Exit: Hampton Court Bridge, Hampton Court
• Distance: 13 km (one-way), can be shorter or longer
• More details: Locks – Teddington Lock, Portages – 1, Authority – Port of London Authority (Tideway) & Environment Agency (non-tidal), License – Yes (non-tidal)

If you liked this story, check these out for the same stretch: Rower Central (Putney-Richmond) & Checklist for Safe Adventures (Richmond)