British Open returns: Champions to be crowned at Lee Valley White Water Centre

If you’re looking for an action packed day out this autumn, head to Lee Valley White Water Centre on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October for the British Open - the grand finale of the UK’s Premier Slalom season.

Across two full days of competition (10:00 - 16:00), you’ll see the very best of British canoeing and kayaking talent battling it out for the title of 2025 British Champion.

Events span junior, open and veteran categories in both men’s and women’s kayak and canoe, so there’s plenty of racing to enjoy. Better still, spectator entry is completely free and the on site café Brew Street Kitchen will be serving up great food and drinks all weekend.

This isn’t just a domestic competition, as an ICF world ranking race, the British Open is drawing paddlers from Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and Spain.

It’s also a chance to watch world class athletes up close, including GB Olympic stars Kimberley Woods, Joe Clarke and Adam Burgess, tackling what’s widely regarded as the world’s best slalom course.

With the World Championships in Australia finishing just weeks before, you may even spot newly crowned world medallists on the start line.

The weekend promises non-stop excitement:

• On Saturday, the season’s final slalom race will decide the British Open winners in a nail biting hour of competition across four classes.
• On Sunday, the pace ramps up with adrenalin fuelled Kayak Cross racing, finishing in the men’s and women’s finals.

Whether you’re a paddling fan or simply after a free family day out with plenty of thrills, the British Open at Lee Valley is not to be missed.