Public paddling sessions at Lee Valley White Water Centre

What distance is the course?

There are two courses at the centre:

• the 300m Olympic Standard Competition with a nerve jangling drop of 5.5m from the start pool to the finish.
• a 160m Legacy Loop with a gentler drop of 1.6m from the start pool to the lake.

Conveyors will carry your raft/canoe back up to the start pool - so there's no need to get out and carry it back.

Why are there two courses?

• Between the two courses and the lake, the centre has a full range of white water grades from one to four. This allows opportunities for all levels of paddler to access the facility with opportunities to develop their skills.

I'm new to kayaking what should I wear?

• If you don't already have a wetsuit you can hire a wetsuit one at reception so you only need to bring a towel and swimwear. If you have your own kayak specific waterproofs you may bring them to.

How do I become a paddler?

• You'll need to prove your ability by taking our Competency Assessment where you will demonstrate the key skills necessary to navigate the White Water safely. Upon successful completion you'll become a paddler at Lee Valley White Water Centre and will be able to book future kayaking sessions online.

I hold a paddle sports qualification. Am I able to use a white water course?

• You'll need to prove your ability by taking our Competency Assessment where you will demonstrate the key skills necessary to navigate the White Water safely. Upon successful completion you'll become a paddler at Lee Valley White Water Centre and will be able to book future kayaking sessions online.

What can you do on the lake?

• People will be able to use the lake to get used to the canoes and kayaks, perfecting important techniques and strokes required on the courses, or they can simply have a relaxing paddle.
• If you'd like to paddle our lake outside of our standard sessions you'll need to have passed our Lake Assessment.

Does the centre offer instructor led Paddlesport sessions?

• We offer a full Paddlesport development programme designed to take people at every level from complete beginner all the way through to taking on the Olympic rapids. We also offer bespoke tuition for individuals and groups and sessions can be fully tailored to your specific requirements.

If I book onto the Paddlesport Development Programme (including junior) and feel it isn't the right one for me, can I move to a different programme?

• We'll do our best to accommodate each individual's needs, however each stage has a set coach to client ratio which we can't exceed, so a place needs to become available before we are able to move anyone.

Does the course have a freestyle surf wave?

• Yes the course has a full range of features.

Can I bring my own kayak?

• Yes you can, but it will need to be in appropriate condition for use on the white water channels. We also ask that it's clear of any objects such as rescue equipment and throw ropes so as not to cause any problems with the centre's pumping system.

Would I ever need to re-validate my assessment?

• We have no periodic re-validation process, however if your standard drops below the required level, we would ask you to re-take your assessment at a convenient time to ensure yours and others safely.

I can't see Legacy or Olympics paddling times on the website?

• Login to your customer account, using the Better UK App is very user friendly.
• Here you'll be able to see all the relevant courses and paddling sessions available for your level of kayaking