FAQ’s
How do I book an adventure?
Use the BOOK NOW button on each page and the scroll to your chosen adventure and click on it. You will be able to view the available dates and time for our adventures.
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 24 people in canoes, up to 24 people kayaks, up to 31 people on stand up paddleboards annd we also offer rowing activities for groups of 6 to 60, so have regularly organised events for groups of 120 people plus. Simply get in touch to discuss your adventure!
Do you have two person kayaks?
Yes, we currently have two person kayaks available for Self Guided Adventures at River Lane, Simply choose the Self Guided Tandem Kayak Adventure.
Can we have our child as a third person in a canoe?
Yes! Our open canoes, can easily cope with 3 people plus a picnic. You should book for 2 people and then add on an additional seat for your child under 12 years as the third person.
Do you rent or hire by the hour?
Here at Back of Beyond we provide adventures and experiences. We’ll outfit you with the boats, boards, PFDs and dry bags that you need to create an adventure to remember. All you need to bring is a picnic, blanket, towel and a sense of wonder!
In short, no, we do not rent or hire canoes by the hour.
Do I need to sign anything?
Self Guided Adventures - Yes. When you book, you will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging your responsibilities whilst on the water and also to complete a question pack before inviting your fellow paddlers by email to complete theirs.
Guided Adventures & Lessons - Yes. When you book, you will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging your responsibilities whilst on the water and also to complete a question pack before inviting any fellow paddlers by email to complete theirs.
Here you will need to disclose any Health Information, that your Guide 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 on the river bank at least 20 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 for Self Guided Adventures may have to wait for other parties before receiving their briefing. Paddlers late for a guided adventure, will forfeit their session.
Is there an age limit for your adventures?
All under 18s must be accompanied by a a paying adult.
We do not set an age limit, but would ask you to consider if your child is both physically and emotionally strong enough to join your Canoe, Kayak or SUP Adventure for 2.5 hours.
Our solo touring kayaks are 14’0 long and so we would recommend that families with smaller children choose the Self Guided Canoe Adventure
What should I wear?
Canoeing
The beauty of open canoeing on this part of the river is that you can wear what you would normally wear for a walk in the country (except denim jeans). Most people wear shorts and a t-shirt, whatever the weather, and bring layers and a waterproof jacket in case it is cooler or raining. You must have footwear with you that you don’t mind getting wet. We provide a PFD (personal floatation device) for each of you.
Kayaking and Tandem Kayaking
Most people wear shorts, running tights or leggings and a t-shirt and bring layers and a waterproof jacket in case it is cooler or raining. You must have footwear with you that you don’t mind getting wet. Wetsuit shoes are ideal, but trainers also work. We provide a PFD (personal floatation device) for each of you.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Most people wear shorts, running tights or leggings and a t-shirt. We provide a PFD (personal floatation device) for each of you. You must have footwear with you that you don’t mind getting wet. Wetsuit shoes are ideal, flip flops can also work (wear them to carry the board into the water and then tuck them under the elastic on the board or clip them to your leash).
If it is particularly sunny, it is recommended that you wear sun-cream and a hat. Sunglasses are also good, but be aware that can they sink quickly.
What should I bring with me?
Self Guided Adventures - Most people pack a picnic for their Adventure and bring a blanket or towel with them so that they can find a nice place to stop along the way. We advise a bottle of water, telephone and some money at the very least.
Guided Adventures and Lessons - It is a good idea to bring a bottle of drinking water to take with you, as well as some money if you have booked an adventure that aims to stop at a riverside cafe or pub.
Spare clothes and a towel are also recommended as is a change of footwear because your feet are very likely to get wet.
What facilities are available at River Lane?
Toilets and Changing facilities - Please note that there are no toilets or changing facilities at River Lane. The nearest toilet is at the Petersham Nurseries if they are open or in Buccleuch Gardens.
Parking for cars - Parking is available and free on River Lane. Be aware that the lane has become very busy throughout the week. Allow enough time to find alternative parking, and to walk back to River Lane.
Bicycles - We encourage all paddlers to walk or cycle to our adventures if possible. People have been locking up their bikes against the wooden fences on River Lane. We can lock bicycle helmets and bags in our vehicle for the duration of your adventure.
Storage - You may leave small bags and spare clothing with us at River Lane during the session if you wish. This will be at your own risk.
Is it ok to take my phone with me?
Dry bags are available for anything that you’d like to take with you on your canoe or kayak trip. Be aware that no dry bag is 100% dry. You may leave your bags and spare clothing with us at River Lane during the session if you wish. This will be at your own risk.
If you take any pictures on your phone, don’t forget to tag us! @backofbeyonduk on Instagram
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes! You should be able to swim 50 metres and be confident around the water. It is unlikely that you will end up in the river...although it can happen!
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.
What is involved?
Fun, adventure, paddling, great people, fun. Did I mention fun?
Starting with a warm up and briefing on the basic paddling strokes you will then head onto the Thames to start your experience. Challenges are set along the way as you journey up-river towards Eel Pie Island.
Having explored this beautiful part of the river, you’ll paddle back to River Lane, where you started.
