Overview
Richmond Canoe Club was founded in 1944 and paddles on the Thames just upstream of Richmond Bridge. With over 450 members it is one of the UK's biggest canoe clubs. It focuses on racing kayaks, both marathon and sprint, with a high-performance pathway that has produced Great Britain paddlers. It also runs adult learn-to-kayak courses and junior open days. The club publishes river-flow guidance using the Kingston Bridge gauge, and in 2026 it hosted the national Hasler Finals marathon races at Hurst Park, West Molesey.
- Founded
- 1944
- Members
- about 450 (club figure)
- Federation
- British Canoeing
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreThe app finds the rescue centre for where you are, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Hasler Finals 2026national marathon finals, 18 October 2026 at Hurst Park, West Molesey
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingCourses
History and achievements
- 1944The club is founded at a meeting in October
- 1945First AGM; membership passes 100 by December
- 1946The club takes a boathouse in Richmond and sails a surplus tank landing craft from Lowestoft to the Thames as a planned clubhouse
- 1948A racing section starts with three K1s and the club holds its first regatta
Location
- Position
- 51°27.24′ N 0°18.18′ W
51.45408, -0.30301 - Address
- 81–83 Petersham Road
Frequently asked
Does Richmond Canoe Club run courses?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Adult Learn to Kayak (racing kayaks), Junior open days and High performance pathway.
When was Richmond Canoe Club founded?
In 1944.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Hasler Finals 2026.