If you’ve never sailed along London’s waterways with nothing but 10″ of foam between you and the water…
…it’s time to take a stand.
Yes, stand-up paddle boarding is no longer something you can only do at Centre Parcs. It’s catching on in the capital, and aside from being a truly serene way to see some of London’s most beautiful pockets, it’s also, secretly, really good exercise.
Dominating both Google search results and the city’s SUP scene: Paddleboarding London. Catering both to total novices and those brave enough to take their own pooch on board, they run regular sessions at two London locations.
Hop aboard in Hackney at the eastern end of Regent’s Canal and you’ll pass canal boats, Victorian gas holders and converted warehouses along this industrial stretch, heading either towards Victoria Park or Islington. Or you can join them in Camden, and not only will you get to embark from somewhere called The Pirate Castle, you’ll also get to glide along a leafy stretch of the canal that passes Regent’s Park, London Zoo, and the Feng Shang Princess floating Chinese restaurant.
Total newbies will want to start either with their Learn 2 SUP sessions (a thorough introduction that’s taken at a gentle pace) or their Lessons & Tours (which fast-track the learning process a bit to get you out on the water as quickly as possible). There’s also the option to book a private session if you’re really keen on that 1:1 feedback. And once you’re a seasoned pro? You can hire paddle boards to set off on your own adventures, join SUP yoga classes, or attend their Full Moon events, where you’ll join a convoy of other paddlers gliding along the waterways by moonlight.
The dozen-strong team are unfailingly kind, patient and passionate – between them, they’ve paddled everywhere from Loch Ness to Nicaragua.
So whoever you end up getting as an instructor, you can be assured they’ll be a stand-up guy.
NOTE: Paddle Boarding London runs regular sessions across London. You can find out more, and make a booking, on the Paddle Boarding London website.
Want to make the most of the great outdoors? Check out all these excellent things to do outside in London