High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The River Thames in England is a very popular river for kayakers and canoeists, and has been practised for over a hundred years at clubs such as the Royal Canoe Club.The tidal section is popular for sea kayakers and experienced tourers. One of the few places you can paddle through a capital city directly to the sea in only a few hours.Starting from the Teddington Lock in London the Thames becomes freshwater as it snakes across England. A place many people learn to kayak and canoe. Fairly slow and very flat, absolute beginners can put in and admire Southern England's countryside.