There are a surprising amount of canoe clubs in London which welcomes both experienced and non experienced canoeists and kayakers as members, catering for those who want to have a more active life. As London is a sprawling metropolis it can feel a little land locked at times, but it seems more and more people are turning to urban boating as a release from busy office jobs. The ability of being on the water in one of the world’s most exciting cities is a great way to get away from the daily stress of everyday life and really enhance your experience of England’s capital city.
Not too surprisingly, canoeing in London is particularly popular in the Summer months and if you are a resident or a tourists it a great way to get an unusual tour of some of London’s hidden attractions.
Below is a list of canoe clubs in the London area that are open to members and kayakers of any levels, you can find more details about the clubs and where and when they meet up on their websites:
1. Regents canoe club – www.regentscanoeclub.co.uk
2. East London Boats – www.eastlondonboats.com
3. The Westminster Boating Base – www.westminsterboatingbase.co.uk
4. Castle Canoe Club – http://www.castlecanoeclub.co.uk
5. Battersea Canoe Club – http://www.batterseacc.org
6. Surrey Docks Watersport Centre – www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/Surrey_Docks_Watersports_Centre
The canoe clubs will all offer the necessary safety tips and will be governed by strict guidelines.
Many of the canoe clubs will be a British Canoe Union approved centre, where training and qualifications issued range from the most basic through to the essential requirements for instructor assessment, introduction to whitewater, sea paddling, slalom competition and freestyle, so there will be lots for all abilities.
To find the opening times, please go to the individual websites, but many are open from the spring to the autumn.
Medical health insurance is an important part of any active lifestyle and is essential if you are partaking in potentially hazardous activities such as canoeing or kayaking. Private health insurance can be found from a variety of providers, even there even is one specifically for civil service members
If you are new to canoeing and would like to find out more, check out Song of the Paddle, the UK Rivers Guide Book and the club forum for more details.
Sue is a keen sportswoman and loves to explore the London waters
