Our Club

Formed in 1923 to promote the sports of Skiff and Punt racing, Thames Valley Skiff and Punting Club currently has over 150 members both social and active. Membership ranges in experience from complete beginners to championship level and our age groups span from eight to eighty. It has several homes before moving to its current site in the early 1960s.

Skiffing

Skiffs are hand-crafted, traditional timber racing boats, with fixed wooden seats, designed for either one or two rowers. Skiffs were originally used in the times of Henry VIII as a water taxi.

By Victorian times the pleasure skiff was introduced; these skiffs came with a tent cover and movable seats and could be used to camp from whilst travelling up and down the Thames.

By 1901 the Skiff Racing Association (SRA) was set up and the racing skiff was introduced.

Here are website links to the other UK-based skiff clubs

Punting

Punts are also racing craft, varying from two feet to only one foot, and often over thirty feet in length. Punting therefore develops a good sense of balance and is not for those who don't like getting wet!

Racing

Both skiffs and punts are raced at regattas during the summer, culminating in the Skiff Championships at Henley and the Punt Championships at Maidenhead.

Racing skiffs come in two sizes, singles and doubles, the latter needing two crew members and a cox. Side by side sprint races are normally held over distances between 500 and 1000 meters and take between 3 and 6 minute – although during the race it seems a lot longer. Marathons are processional races over much longer courses.

Most regattas have events for all the family to join in after the serious racing is over. There is also usually a party or barbeque in the evening after the regatta in addition to a lively social calendar.

Tuition is always available, and after your exertions you will find our well-stocked bar and comfortable club house an ideal place to relax.

We are always pleased to see new members and you are welcome to drop in and try out the facilities. All you need are a T-shirt, shorts and trainers to get started. So why not give it a try?

We have regular outings:
  • Tuesday & Thursday: 7.00pm
  • Sunday: 11.00am-1.00pm (complete beginners please come down around mid-day)
  • Saturday: 2.00pm (during the winter)
Ring anytime for more information.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Membership

Membership rates are detailed on the Membership Rates page.