Thames meetings

How and when to get there...

From Tuesday 18 May though to and including Tuesday 24 August we will be meeting at 6.30pm (for a 7.00pm launch). From Tuesday 31 August until the end of the season the meeting time will go back to 6pm (for 6.30pm).

Ideally, for 6.30pm for 7.00pm sessions, get the train that arrives at Barnes Bridge at about 6.15 pm and for 6.00pm for 6.30pm sessions get the one that arrives at about 5.45pm (we prefer not to have to wait for latecomers on the next one - it holds everyone up!).

We are based at the Civil Service Sports Ground, on Riverside Drive, Chiswick. Everyone is welcome, no matter how inexperienced or experienced - and there's no need for newcomers to contact us first: if you prefer to, just come along with suitable kit! In general, we finish by about 9-9.30. There is a charge of £1 to members for use of a Club boat (£4 for guests).

What do we do on Tuesdays?

Our usual aim is to paddle up or downriver for a mile or two (according to the tide) and - if the evening is fine - we often stop at a riverside pub before returning; but the agenda is by no means fixed. We try to include specific training or coaching opportunities whenever we can. Everyone's welcome, newcomers and complete beginners as much as experienced paddlers!

What kit do I need?

We provide boats, paddles, spraydecks and buoyancy aids. Most people paddle in tracksuit trousers/T-shirt etc, old gymshoes or wet suit boots (not huge trainers, please), and a light waterproof anorak or cagoule over the top (or taken with you). If in doubt, take an extra layer in the boat - it can often be chilly in the evening. Make sure you've a change of clothes; getting very wet may be unlikely, but getting damp is distinctly possible! The club has some lights for the occasional evening when we don't manage to get back before sunset, but if you have your own head torch please bring it.

Pool meetings

... will resume in the autumn.

Directions to Chiswick

The best way to get to Chiswick is by train to Barnes Bridge Station (from Waterloo, Vauxhall or Clapham Junction). From the station (see sketch map):

• Cross the footbridge alongside the railway and go down the steps at the far end;
• At the bottom of the steps turn left (not straight on along the river - if you come to the Civil Service Rowing Club boathouse, you've gone the wrong way).
• After about 100 yards, bear right, cross the road and walk along a narrow path (not the road) just before the wall of the private tennis centre - there's a large CSSC sign at the beginning of the path, pointing along the path to the Civil Service Sports Ground.
• As implied by the map, our building is part of the fenced-off groundsmen's compound, on the right hand side if you come in this way - there's a big sign on our wall.

If you're coming by car, Riverside Drive is a turning off the main A316 road. Coming from the A4 at Hammersmith/Chiswick, it's the second "real" traffic lights - if you get to Chiswick Bridge you've gone much too far. Coming northwards up the A316 from Richmond, turn right at the second traffic lights after you've crossed Chiswick Bridge. The Sports Ground is the last entrance on the right before you get to the Embankment. If you need any further directions, contact us!

For additional information and a better map (!) see www.cssc-london.co.uk/chiswick/index.htm