Kayaking
The Centre has a varied fleet of kayaks suitable for general purpose use, as well as white water playboats and sea kayaks. The majority of our boats are single person craft, but we do also have a small fleet of double kayaks. Our main water area is the sheltered water of Shadwell Basin, where participants can learn the basics in a safe, enclosed, flat water environment. We also use the River Thames for more experienced paddlers and this challenging piece of tidal water offers a unique view of the city from a kayak. Our instructors will help you to get the most from this activity and have a great time out on the water.
Canoeing
We have a large number of open canoes, suitable for 2 to 3 people. These versatile craft can be used on many different types of water, from flat lakes to fast flowing white water rivers. They are a great boat for getting people working together as a team and we can also organise canoe raft building and canoe sailing sessions for your group.
Climbing
Our purpose built outdoor climbing wall is suitable for groups of up to 10 people. It offers an exciting way for teams of young people and adults to try out this activity. The wall has climbs of varying difficulty to introduce those taking their first steps upwards and challenge more experienced groups. Groups will be introduced to rope belaying and safety techniques, as well as getting the opportunity to try and reach the top of the wall.
High Ropes
This is the only course of its kind in central London and offers fantastic opportunities for school groups, youth clubs and corporate teambuilding activities. The course is designed to encourage both teamwork and individual achievements through fun, challenging and exciting activities.The ten metre high course is sited on Shadwell Pierhead, overlooking the River Thames and offers challenging activities for groups and individuals. The challenges are adaptable for both young people and adults and are great fun for everyone.
The elements of the course include a vertical Playpen, with tyres and scramble net, an inclined beam to test confidence and balance and tightrope walks with rope vines or gladiator rings to help you on your way.
There is also a tyrolean traverse, which links the course with our climbing wall, and an abseil tower.
The highlight of the course is a climb up the high all aboard pole and a leap of faith from an airy platform onto a trapeze with an incredible view out over the river.
For those who prefer to keep their feet closer to the ground, there are also challenges to be had at lower levels, with team activities including our rope swing and problem solving challenges.
Sailing
The Centre uses both the River Thames and the enclosed water of Shadwell Basin for sailing sessions. Sessions on the Basin take place in our Laser Picos and Bosun dinghies, whilst on the river we use Wayfarers, Bosuns and our Drascombe "Vicky J". Sailing is included in our Youth Activities programme at evenings and weekends and for adults through RYA courses and Shadwell Sailing Club.
Bell Boats
We have two Bell Boats, which are like large open canoes linked with a walkway down the middle, to make a very stable catamaran like boat that is paddled by up to 10 people. They are great for groups who may not feel confident enough to go in open canoes or kayaks for their first time on the water or mixed ability groups who may need additional support. We also use these boats for race tournaments with larger groups.
Dragon Boats
The Centre was the first in London to use these traditional Chinese boats. With a colourful head and tail, Dragon Boats are 40 feet long and are paddled by up to 18 people, with a drummer at the front to help the team keep in time and a helm at the back to steer the boat. Dragon Boat Racing is a growing sport throughout the world and provides a fun way to get on the water for larger groups, especially if some friendly competition is thrown in. The Centre can organise large race events for up to 200 people or a single training session for teams training for races.
Dedicated to providing affordable facilities, equipment and instruction, encouraging people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy themselves while developing skills on, in and beside the water.