I am crazy...dingy on The Thames!

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Flyingdutchman10

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Hi Guys,

I'm new to the site so this is my first post. In fact, apart from a few speedboat outings on holidays I am a complete novice when it comes to anything to do with boating/rivers etc.

In light of the weather we've been having, I purchased a Intex Seahawk 2 dinghy. After inflation, it looks good, I am impressed.

I am planning to head out onto Hampstead Ponds or Stanborough Lakes which are nice quiet large lakes where we can get a feel for the dinghy and in a sense how to operate it. Moving forward, the ideal scenario would be to row on the Thames on a nice sunny day whilst overlooking Big Ben, Canary Wharf etc similar to the "Rib Voyage" we went on. I am aware that from what I have read, that part of the Thames is the tidal section which means it is not advised to go anywhere near it on a dinghy. I am not sure it is prohibited or illegal and from what I know which is basic, it appears you may well have an enjoyable time on a nice calm sunny day.

I know about the license, life jackets etc, but can any of you recommend any advisable sections of The Thames to start on? I live in Hertfordshire, so the closer the better. Ideally a section that is nice, and maybe even a nice bank/dock where we can stop to eat. I don't mind getting there by car and rowing back to the car come home time or using public transport (tube stations) and starting somewhere and finishing somewhere different and heading home from there.

Tips would be great.....and even as basic as an exact location to enter the river because I am guessing it's not advisable to just chuck the dinghy in from the side and jump in!
 
The reason I wondered about it being a Troll is because of the very thought of taking what amounts to a beach toy on to the tidal Thames is preposterous. The dangers are legion. The tide would sweep you away, the wash of Trippers could upset the boat, the underwater projections near the banks would rip it open. This and many more dangers abound.
You could use it on the non-tidal Thames and have some fun but don't expect too much from it.
 
That's what I suspected however part of me was struggling to see a difference between the two. Looks like its the non tidal part and lakes/ponds for me. Thanks.
 
A lot of single engine motor cruisers with single engines hesitate before going on the tidal thames, let alone a small inflatable. Whilst anything is theoretically possible, I would strongly advise against it. We used to RIB through central London quite frequently and it is a tricky place to navigate.

I would suggest you stick to the non-tidal section, the currents are very strong on the tidal part!
 
Pop down to Hertford or Ware, and try it on the River Lee. Nice and safe...

Now there are people who row silly little boats on the tidal Thames, without life jackets, these are usually from the rowing clubs dotted up and down. Sadly by the time you get down to Big Ben, it's very choppy even in a 30' motor cruiser.

Best not do that part...
 
Tips would be great.....

Not good idea at all.
These inflatables are little more than toys and should be treated as such.Having seen these things being used in quiet sheltered parts of the upper Medway they can be difficult to handle in even a light breeze and trying to paddle one of these against any tide would be pure folly,unfortunately it is only people who know the strength of the tidal flows and have seen the sort of conditions that are common on the tidal Thames would appreciate the seriousness of what you were proposing.
Very recently down at Gravesend a "presumably" experienced rowing crew had to be recovered from the river when their boat sunk.

2_person_raft__35388_zoom.jpg


Stick to lakes and the non tidal bit.
 
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Thanks for the guidance. I'm going to chill out on a lake/large ponds tomorrow.

Can anyone recommend where I start (postcode if possible) on the non tidal section? I've seen the non tidal part up close at Hampton and Bishams Abbey.....

The River Lea looks quite nice and local however I seem to remember from seeing it up close that the North London....Enfield, Edmonton sections weren't very nice...
 
Hampton is probably a little too busy. Bisham should be fine. Your best bet is to take a picnic find a nice quiet spot and just chill. Further up river is always quieter. RG8 0JL there's a slipway and river bank you can picnic on.
 
Thanks for all the help so far.

Does anyone have a link to an image or map of the tidal and non tidal part of the Thames? I'm basically trying to wok out the areas that it will be safe to operate it? I remember having a nice walk by St Katherines Dock...is that part tidal or non tidal?
 
Anything east of Teddington Lock is tidal, although it doesn't tend to get too rough until a bit further down, maybe around Hammersmith. That said you will see plenty of rowers out and about around Kew, but all the rowing clubs operate with a safety boat.

So in short St Kats is on the tidal section.

The PLA do a basic guide here:

http://www.boatingonthethames.co.uk/
 
vjmehra said:
Anything east of Teddington Lock is tidal, although it doesn't tend to get too rough until a bit further down, maybe around Hammersmith. That said you will see plenty of rowers out and about around Kew, but all the rowing clubs operate with a safety boat.

So in short St Kats is on the tidal section.

The PLA do a basic guide here:

http://www.boatingonthethames.co.uk/
Click to expand...

Thanks. So it could be safer to go from Chiswick for example in the direction towards Brentford/Richmond etc?
 
If you're intent on the tidal section then yes I guess going that way is the better option than the other way, however I'd personally be very wary about the tidal section full stop with the boat you have described.
 
I have to say , with all due respect that venturing onto the tide way with the boat you have indicated probably isn't the best idea.

Why not have a little play upstream somewhere to get the feel for it properly , somewhere there is no traffic to contend with , and somewhere with easy access and egress.

I have , with Richard Shead of this very forum taken a 6 foot inflatable with a 3hp outboard from Putney to Limehpuse and I can assure you without hesitation that it was one of the scariest things I have done in my entire life. Even on the upper tide way , you will encounter fast-ish moving traffic , rowers , lifeboats etc.
 
Seriously, you'll get about 800 yards before you get sick of rowing a £49 toy boat anywhere.

I know that because I have tried rowing £1400 inflatables, and they don't row very well!!

Get an outboard kit and 2hp outboard, at least you'll get a few miles, either way wear a good adult lifejacket, and don't take kids on it if you're foolish enough to take it on the tideway. Suicide is one thing, but Murder is frowned upon...
 
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