Joining a social paddle in Tonbridge
This summer, I’ve made it my mission to try as many of the outdoor sports and activities in Tonbridge as possible. And, to tell the Tonbridge Bean readers all about it – what to expect, how much it costs and local tips.
This evening, I opted for something a little more adventurous – a sunset stand-up paddle (SUP) session with local paddle instructor Ana and four lovely ladies on the River Medway.
The Who, What, How
The who? Ana – our calm and friendly guide – leads small group paddles in and around Tonbridge. She’s passionate about safety (you’ll need to have a buoyancy aid, a waist leash and have completed a river-based lesson before joining one of her social paddles) and about creating a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
A small group gathered at the busy slipway near Tonbridge Swimming Pool, boards at the ready. After a short briefing from Ana, we launched ourselves into the water at 18:30 and began paddling towards the castle.
The Experience
Paddling past familiar places like the castle and Verdigris always feels different from the water – quieter, more relaxed and you get a chance to see different things. After leaving the centre of town, we headed towards the first lock.
Once through the lock, the river felt much more peaceful. The sound of traffic and town faded away, replaced by the occasional splash of a paddle. Lily pads floated across the surface with lovely little yellow flowers, fish were actually jumping out of the water (almost as if they were feeling the joys of summer), and at one point, a casual terrapin popped its head up before slipping back under.
After a while, we paused for a break – a chance to float for a bit, have a drink or snack, and enjoy the evening light as the sun started to set.
We’d hoped to spot the Buck Moon, but we were a bit too early. Still, paddling back as the light faded was a really nice way to end the evening. People chatted, shared a few stories, and we picked up some tips about paddleboarding too.
It was a simple, relaxed evening. And a reminder of how lucky we are in Tonbridge to be able to enjoy our trusty river!
Where + How
Practical info for anyone who wants to try it:
- 📍 River Medway – launching near Tonbridge Swimming Pool (but locations do change)
- 💰 £5 (if you have your own board, buoyancy aid, and waist leash)
- 📆 Weekly options – Ladies Who Launch on Fridays, longer paddles, and even overseas adventures! Check out Ana’s website for the full details.
- 🕒 3.5 hours, covering around 7–8km
My Takeaway
I have been a SUP convert for some time, so this wasn’t a new activity for me. But I was new to the group. The paddle was a perfect mix of relaxed and energising, with a great bunch of fellow paddlers to share plenty of laughs with.
There’s something about being on the water that clears your head. And I always feel pretty blissful afterwards. It’s a different way to see Tonbridge – and I can’t recommend it enough. If you normally paddle alone, give one of the social sessions a go – what have you got to lose?
Ratings
Here’s my quick rating of this outdoor activity in Tonbridge:
- 🌿 Fresh Air Factor: 5
- 🧘 Zen Level: 5
- 🥵 Sweat Factor: 2
- 😅 Out of Comfort Zone?: A little, I’ve paddled before but was new to this group.
- ⭐ Would I Do It Again? 100% yes
My Local Tips
SUP sessions with Ana in Tonbridge are super popular, so booking ahead is a must. Bring a snack for longer paddles, and if you don’t have your own gear, she also rents boards and runs lessons with kit included.
Keep an eye out for some wonderful one-off events, like SUP and wild swimming, or the magical sounding “SUP and Sound Bath.”
Full details are posted to social media and to Ana’s website – SUP with Ana.
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