From the Wikipedia article [1]
The River Thames in England is a very popular river for kayakers and canoeists,[citation needed] and is home to several canoe clubs, including the Royal Canoe Club which is the oldest canoe club in the world.
The tidal section is used by sea kayakers and experienced tourers. Above Teddington Lock in London the Thames is freshwater, with levels controlled by a series of weirs which are managed by the Environment Agency.