Thames rib-run

[Simon666]

Hi
im thinking of a run up the Thames next weekend (weather permitting). Having never been there before i'm clueless so can anyone suggest a good slipway with plentyful safe parking a non 4x4 will cope with?
Also any good stop off points/pubs etc on the river.
I recently moved Tonbridge kent so a slip somewhere dartford(ish) way would be good.
I gather there is a speed limit above wandsworth bridge, but apart from that is there anythin else i should know about Thames ribbing?
Also if anyone else is up that way at the weekend let me know if your up for a blast.

[Richard B]

Simon, there are three distinctly different sections to the Thames, the section above Teddington Lock, the section between Teddington Lock and Wandsworth Bridge, and the river below Wandsworth Bridge out to the sea.

Which of these three sections are you interested in?

[Swifty]

There is a bit in the FAQ about the Thames.

Check it here

We have launched from Johnson Drawdock on the Isle of Dogs next to Island Gardens DLR. Although there is a lump of shingle on the slip which will usually need a 4x4 or a long rope to negotiate. For launch details goto boatlaunch.co.uk

ATB.

Tim'mers.

[Simon666]

Originally Posted by Richard B

Simon, there are three distinctly different sections to the Thames, the section above Teddington Lock, the section between Teddington Lock and Wandsworth Bridge, and the river below Wandsworth Bridge out to the sea.

Which of these three sections are you interested in?

Lower section, up to wandsworth bridge Richard B

I hear in theroy there is no speed limit, but you can be done for creating wash??
can you get away with cruising on the plane up to wandsworth bridge?
(traffic permitting obviously)

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by Simon666

can you get away with cruising on the plane up to wandsworth bridge? (traffic permitting obviously)

Shouldn't be any problem.

I'd suggest that you take it easy-ish between Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge where the passenger boats are busiest, but other than that you'll hardly see any traffic.

You should also expect to have a friendly chat with the Police who will probably pull you over to find out what you're doing. They won't hassle you though.

John

[Daniel TD5]

went up to tower bridge on monday for a blast

it was like B&Q car park with sight seeing boats all over the place and in the end i turned back down past greenwich where it was much better

just be carefull of the sight seeing boats as they will just turn round in front of you and watch your prop on the floating rubbish

dan

[Nick Hearne]

Agree with Daniel keep a very good look out for floating logs, beer kegs, the list goes on! Have fun

[timw]

One of the better slip ways into the Thames is at Putney. It's very large, and plently of boats launch there, plus you can leave the trailer on the road.

If you need assistance, Chas Newens Marine will give an assisted launch with their landrover (for a fee)

I keep my rib on a jetty a few hundred yards from there, and some of the best parts of the river in my opinion is from Putney up to Westminster.

It can be a bit lumpy and busy Westminster to Tower, but the sights make it worth it.

As for speed, as long as you don't pull donuts outside Westminster, and are safe distance from other river users, you can certainly open it up.

[keytouch]

Just watch out for the odd canoeist (ie me) who might be out there, we're not too keen on waves, well not until i get around to buying a rib.
Another bonus of Putney is that on the weekend there is often and ice-cream van on the embankment.