The world's oldest Skiff Club, based in Teddington, is set to launch its beginner courses this spring encouraging locals to enjoy the thrill of rowing on the Thames in traditional boats dating back as far as the late 1800s.

Teddington's Skiff Club was founded in 1895 and is based on the bank of the River Thames, on the non-tidal waters between Teddington Lock and Kingston.

The Skiff Club was initially based at the Albany Club in Kingston and was the first of its kind to be devoted to skiff racing. Skiffing refers to the sporting and leisure activity of rowing (or more correctly 'sculling') a Thames skiff. 

A Thames skiff is a traditional hand crafted, clinker-built wooden craft of a design, based on Thames wherries, which were operated by 'Watermen' as a water taxi service in London, and have been seen on the River Thames and other waterways in England and other countries for nearly 200 years. 

The historic Teddington-based club will be launching its beginner courses from Saturday April 15th where six lessons can be purchased for just £60.

Regular club activities include rowing on Saturday and Sunday mornings (the latter often including a pub stop) and on spring and summer evenings. The friendly bar is open on Thursdays for well-earned refreshments.

The Skiff Club also organises occasional expeditions to other inland waters and offers free taster sessions.

For those wanting to test themselves in a competitive manner, there are also opportunities to join the team for local regattas.

For more information on the Skiff Club and how you can get involved, visit their website HERE or email [email protected] to arrange a free taster session.