Learn new skills with SUP coaching near you
Welcome to Thames Skills & Knowledge and Coach Training with Active360
The Thames in London – right up to Teddington Lock is tidal with on of the biggest tidal ranges in the world. This means strong currents affected by varied weather conditions and specific risks to manage. The Tidal Thames (called Thames Tideway) is also a busy stretch of river with commercial traffic, pleasure boats and lots of rowers.
The Thames Skills and Knowledge (TSK) Course is designed to prepare you for safe and confident independent SUP paddling on the Thames Tideway. Active360 designed this course in cooperation with the Port of London Authority (PLA) in 2014 and we have run it many times since. TSK 1 is a PLA requirement for night paddling on the Tideway and you will need to complete it to paddle downriver of Putney Pier. TSK 1 is delivered in a blended mode of 3 interactive Zoom Sessions (total time around 4 hrs) and an on-water practical session.
You will learn about Thames Tideway navigation rules, tides, weather conditions affecting SUP paddling, SUP equipment best suited for the river, positioning, risks and how to reduce, night paddling and trip planning using the tides. We discuss the PLA’s Code of Practice for Paddling on The Tideway in depth on the TSK 1 course.
TSK 2 is required to paddle downriver of Chelsea Bridge. TSK 2 is only available to very experienced paddlers and we don’t run it often. Going through Central London on a SUP should not be taken lightly. It requires permissions and usually an LKE qualified kayaker to guide SUPs through. There are also strict time limitations to entering Central London on SUPs.
Quite a few of our experienced SUP paddlers who completed TSK 1 training went on to completing their SUP Coach training with us. If you are also interested in becoming a SUP coach, check out or Coach Training page and Get in Touch!
‘I’ve just completed the TSK1 course (adapted for Zoom) and now feel more confident going out on the river both with the club and independently. Thanks Active360!’
Anna Richardson
Gain Tidal River knowledge in Thames Skills and Knowledge Courses with Active360
Competency and safety is a priority!
TSK 1 Online
Learn about the Thames tides, how weather and tide conditions interact and have a direct bearing on safety, navigation rules on the Tidal Thames including the Upper Tide Code Area and ‘Working the Slacks’, specific river hazards and how to avoid them, trip preparation and planning, essential safety equipment and paddling skills to ensure you are staying safe while paddling independently or with friends on the Tideway.
- Experience necessary
- Thames tides and weather
- Navigation rules
- River traffic
- Risks and hazards
- SUP safety equipment
- Essential SUP skills
- Essential river safety skills
- Trip planning
- 3 online sessions
TSK 1 Practical
In this practical TSK 1 session you will be able to put your theoretical knowledge from the online sessions into practice. Under the guidance of a very experienced coach you will go against the tide and work the slacks with the rowers. You will be required to show understanding of the navigation rules and discuss the right positioning on the river. You will have a chance to ask questions and clarify anything you are unsure of. Talk about equipment and try more challenging boards.
- Experience necessary
- TSK 1 Online completed
- Equipment is provided
- Own equipment by arrangement
- Small groups only
TSK 1 trained paddlers only
TSK 1 Trips
Longer trips for paddlers who completed TSK 1 only.
- Strictly TSK 1 paddlers only
- Age 18+
- Coach Led
- Own equipment by arrangement
TSK & Training
Rough SUP Confidence Building Workshop
How it works
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Enjoy your day!
TSK & Coach Training
Welcome to Thames Skills & Knowledge and Coach Training with Active360
The Thames in London – right up to Teddington Lock is tidal with on of the biggest tidal ranges in the world. This means strong currents affected by varied weather conditions and specific risks to manage. The Tidal Thames (called Thames Tideway) is also a busy stretch of river with commercial traffic, pleasure boats and lots of rowers.
The Thames Skills and Knowledge (TSK) Course is designed to prepare you for safe and confident independent SUP paddling on the Thames Tideway. Active360 designed this course in cooperation with the Port of London Authority (PLA) in 2014 and we have run it many times since. TSK 1 is a PLA requirement for night paddling on the Tideway and you will need to complete it to paddle downriver of Putney Pier. TSK 1 is delivered in a blended mode of 3 interactive Zoom Sessions (total time around 4 hrs) and an on-water practical session.
You will learn about Thames Tideway navigation rules, tides, weather conditions affecting SUP paddling, SUP equipment best suited for the river, positioning, risks and how to reduce, night paddling and trip planning using the tides. We discuss the PLA’s Code of Practice for Paddling on The Tideway in depth on the TSK 1 course.
TSK 2 is required to paddle downriver of Chelsea Bridge. TSK 2 is only available to very experienced paddlers and we don’t run it often. Going through Central London on a SUP should not be taken lightly. It requires permissions and usually an LKE qualified kayaker to guide SUPs through. There are also strict time limitations to entering Central London on SUPs.
Quite a few of our experienced SUP paddlers who completed TSK 1 training went on to completing their SUP Coach training with us. If you are also interested in becoming a SUP coach, check out or Coach Training page and Get in Touch!
‘I’ve just completed the TSK1 course (adapted for Zoom) and now feel more confident going out on the river both with the club and independently. Thanks Active360!’
Anna Richardson