A river status board is used at Reading Canoe Club to show members the state of the river as assessed by club coaches. It is loosely based on Environment Agency river conditions information, but is updated using local knowledge and conditions, including factors such as wind chill and water temperature.
Current river conditions for the Thames at Reading can be found on the Environment Agency website.
Environment Agency – River Thames conditions
The club board is located at the top of the inside stairs. It may not be updated daily, so use it with caution and common sense, and always check it alongside the Environment Agency website and local conditions.
The River Thames is not generally considered a fast-flowing river and is usually classed as ‘sheltered water’. However, when the river is in spate, extra care is needed to avoid capsize or other problems, especially near the tops and bottoms of islands, bridges and weirs.
These conditions are more common between late October and late March. The combination of cold weather, cold water, faster flow and potential flood conditions can make the river much more dangerous than in summer.
GREEN Board
When the green board is up, the river is at its safest.
- The weather is likely to be mild or warm
- The flow is likely to be slow
- This is when novices are least at risk
- Novices should always wear buoyancy aids
AMBER Board
The amber board is used when the river starts to flow faster and/or weather conditions deteriorate.
- Club boats may still be used
- Club sessions may be cancelled
- Those using club boats must paddle in groups of at least three boats
- This is also recommended for those using their own boats
- Paddling at night is not recommended
- Buoyancy aids are recommended for all paddlers, and are compulsory for novices
- RCC coaches may advise individuals not to paddle
RED Board
The red board is used when river and/or weather conditions deteriorate further, as determined by senior club coaches.
- Club boats may only be used under the supervision of an RCC-approved coach
- Minimum group sizes apply
- No paddler, regardless of ability, should paddle solo
- Club sessions may be cancelled
- All paddlers should wear buoyancy aids
- Paddling at night is not recommended
- RCC coaches may instruct individuals not to paddle
Remember – always paddle within your ability and experience and only on stretches of river you are very familiar with in any given conditions.
See also Club Rules