Young people kayaking on the River Thames in Reading with Neptune Sea Scouts

Caversham, Reading • Ages 14–18

Water Sports for Young People in Reading

Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, dragon boating and powerboating on the River Thames — for teenagers across Reading, Caversham and Berkshire. No experience needed.

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Water sports in Reading

A different kind of Thursday night for your teenager

If you are looking for water sports or outdoor activities for your teenager in Reading, Neptune Explorer Sea Scouts offer something genuinely different. From our boathouse on the River Thames in Caversham, young people aged 14 to 18 get out on the water every week — learning real skills, earning nationally recognised awards, and making friends from across Reading, Caversham and the wider Berkshire area.

Neptune is a Royal Navy affiliated unit (RN 83), part of 1st Reading Scout Group, which has served the area since 1908. That heritage means a serious approach to safety and skills alongside the fun: every session is led by qualified, DBS-checked volunteer instructors, and all wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and boats are provided. Most members join with no previous experience on the water at all.

Sessions run every Thursday evening, 7:30pm to 9:30pm. The best way to see if it suits your teenager is simply to come along — the first two weeks are completely free, with no commitment, after which membership is just £22 a month.

On and off the water

The water sports we offer

Kayaking

Agile single-person paddling, from first strokes to British Canoeing Paddle Power awards.

Open Canoeing

Canadian-style canoeing — stable, sociable and perfect for journeying on the Thames.

Paddleboarding (SUP)

Stand-up paddleboarding that builds balance, core strength and calm river confidence.

Dragon Boating

Fast, team-powered racing to the beat of the drum — one of our signature water sports.

Bell Boating

Wide, stable twin-hulled boats — the ideal confident first step onto the water.

Powerboating

RYA-aligned boat handling, safety and emergency skills under qualified instruction.

Gig Rowing

Traditional Cornish pilot gig rowing — teamwork, rhythm and real endurance.

Raft Building

Design, build and pilot your own raft — teamwork and problem-solving afloat.

Beyond the water, members also take on expeditions, camps and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award — all run from our waterside boathouse in Caversham.

For parents in Reading & Caversham

Safe hands on and off the water

  • All leaders are DBS-checked volunteers
  • Scout Association safeguarding standards
  • Qualified instruction & all equipment provided
  • British Canoeing & RYA-aligned awards
  • On-site parking & accessible facilities
  • First 2 weeks free, then £22/month — no hidden costs

Common questions

Water sports in Reading — FAQ

Where can teenagers do water sports in Reading?
Neptune Explorer Sea Scouts run water sports for young people aged 14–18 from Wychotes Waterside Activity Centre on the River Thames in Caversham, Reading. Sessions cover kayaking, open canoeing, paddleboarding, dragon boating, powerboating, gig rowing, bell boating and raft building.
Does my child need experience or their own equipment?
No. Most members start with no experience on the water, and we provide all wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and craft. Qualified instructors teach everything from basic water safety through to nationally recognised British Canoeing and RYA-aligned awards.
How much does it cost to try water sports with Neptune?
Your first two weeks are completely free, so your teenager can try it with no commitment. After that, membership is £22 a month, which covers weekly Thursday sessions, equipment use and most activities.
When and where do sessions run?
We meet every Thursday evening from 7:30pm to 9:30pm at Wychotes, The Warren, Caversham, Reading RG4 7TH, on the banks of the River Thames. There is on-site parking and direct Thames Path access.
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