Water Sports in Reading • Ages 14–18
Kayaking for Teenagers on the River Thames in Reading & Caversham
Fast, agile and brilliant fun, kayaking puts a teenager in a single paddler's seat to explore the River Thames from Caversham with Neptune Explorer Sea Scouts.
Kayaking is the nimble end of paddlesport: one person, a sit-in or sit-on kayak, and a double-bladed paddle. At Neptune, teenagers learn the core strokes that make a kayak turn, stop and track straight, then build edging and bracing so they can read the river's flow with confidence. As skills grow, paddlers progress towards eskimo rolls and moving-water handling on the Thames at Caversham.
Sessions follow the British Canoeing Paddle Power and Paddle Start, Discover and Explore pathway, so young people earn recognised awards as they improve. No experience is needed to begin. Every kayaker is fitted with a buoyancy aid, helmet and wetsuit where required, and all craft are provided. Our DBS-checked, qualified volunteer instructors run every session to Scout Association safeguarding standards, with safety cover always on the water.
Kayaking suits active, independent teenagers who enjoy a personal challenge as much as paddling alongside friends. Based at Wychotes on The Warren in Caversham, we serve families across Reading, Caversham and the wider Berkshire area. We meet on Thursday evenings from 19:30 to 21:30, and your first two weeks are completely free, after which membership is just £22 a month.
What your teenager will do
- Master forward, sweep and stopping strokes in your own kayak
- Build edging, bracing and progress towards your first roll
- Earn British Canoeing Paddle Power awards as you improve
- Explore the Thames at Caversham with qualified instructors
Try Kayaking free for two weeks
Neptune Explorer Sea Scouts meet every Thursday, 19:30–21:30, at our boathouse on the River Thames in Caversham, Reading. No experience needed — all equipment provided.
Questions parents ask
Kayaking — FAQ
Does my child need to be able to swim to go kayaking?
Do we need to buy a kayak or any equipment?
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