Public Paddling & Assessments

To paddle our Lake, Legacy or Olympic Course in a canoe or kayak you’ll need to have successfully completed one, or both of our Paddlesport Competency Assessments. 

In order to book on to our Lake, Legacy or Olympic assessment, you must know how to use a spray deck during a capsize. Please note, this assessment is for experienced paddlers who want to paddle on our Lake, Legacy or Olympic Course. During the assessment you’ll be required to demonstrate safety and competency in all areas of your paddling.

If instead you're looking for an initial kayaking experience, please try out our Explore Kayaking sessions.

Public Paddling

Whether you want to paddle on our lake or master the drop and eddies of our white water courses you won’t find water quite like it so close to London!

To paddle on the Lake, Legacy Channel or Olympic Channel you must've completed the corresponding assessment. Once this has been checked and verified by our team of instructors you will be free to book yourself on the next available session and paddle!

  • Legacy Channel
  • Olympic Channel (no rafts)
  • Olympic Channel(with rafts) – subject to raft bookings, these sessions will be released seven days prior
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Lake and Legacy assessment

To book onto our Legacy Assessment, you’ll need to be confident using a spray deck during a capsize.

This assessment is designed for experienced paddlers aiming to take on our Legacy Course. You’ll be asked to demonstrate both safety and competence across all aspects of your paddling.

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Olympic assessment

Before booking this assessment, you must have successfully completed our Legacy Assessment.

To take part, you’ll need to be able to perform a reliable white water roll.

Once you pass, you’ll be qualified to paddle independently during our public sessions on the Olympic Course.

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Lee Valley White Water Centre - Public Paddling - FAQ's

How do I book a session?

Click 'Book Activity' at the top of this page, where you can log into your membership profile to check availability and make your booking.

I don’t know my membership number?  

If you don’t know your membership number, please email us with your full name and postcode and a member of our staff will respond as soon as possible.

My membership has expired?

Our kayaking membership does not expire but our booking system does! We just need to renew this so please email us with your membership number and a member of our staff will respond as soon as possible.

I have a paddling booking on hold, can I use this to book?

If you have a paddling session on hold, email us with your preferred date and time. If available, we'll confirm your booking. If additional payment is needed, we’ll call you to process it—your booking isn’t secured until confirmed.

I am not a member or signed off on the course, can I still book?

To access the facilities, you need a Lee Valley White Water Centre membership and a passed assessment for your chosen water (Lake, Legacy, or Olympic Course).

  • Legacy course: Requires spray deck paddling, exit, and self rescue skills
  • Olympic course: Requires a completed Legacy assessment linked to your membership account

Please note, assessments have limited availability.

What sessions can I book?

Please log in online with your membership number to see available session times for paddling.

Can I book on behalf of someone else?

Bookings are only for yourself under your membership ID—check-ins under different names aren't allowed. You can reschedule until 16:00 the day before but cannot transfer bookings. Released slots become available to all eligible members.

I can’t book a session?

If a session is unavailable, it's fully booked. Cancellations may open spots, so check back online for updates.

How do I get my bib?

Bring your phone to scan the QR code and complete the safety declaration when collecting your bib at reception.

Where do I enter the water?

Activity customers can access the lake via the designated zone near reception. Please note, the pontoon is unavailable during Water Wipe Out sessions.

Enter and exit quickly to avoid delays. Additional access is via the steps below the conveyor—please be considerate of others on the water.

I would like to coach on the white water courses and I am qualified to do so?

We are in the process of reviewing how external coaches operate at the centre and on public sessions which means external coaching will not be able to resume at the moment. We will contact all coaches registered with us with more information once we have it.

​If you would like to discuss an exclusive hire of our courses, please contact us.

Can I rent equipment?

Yes, equipment hire is available, please ask at reception when you check in for your activity. When you’ve finished with your equipment please ask the staff member in the kit distribution room and they’ll direct you. Before returning wet suits please turn them inside out. 

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