Local kayaking legends return to Lee Valley White Water Centre this Sunday

Two familiar faces are returning to Lee Valley White Water Centre on Sunday 15 November 2026 for a special day celebrating kayaking and the local paddling community!

Professional kayakers Sam Wilson and Heidi Walsh will be heading back to the venue where they both spent many years working, giving paddlers the opportunity to get together, enjoy time on the water and hear about their incredible experiences.

The event will bring together the Lee Valley paddling community for a relaxed day of kayaking, sharing stories and celebrating a shared passion for white water.

Meet our local legends

Sam Wilson has gone from working at Lee Valley White Water Centre to becoming a world champion and establishing his own kayaking coaching business.

In 2025, Sam claimed gold in the squirt boating category at the ICF Freestyle World Championships, setting three world records along the way.

Heidi Walsh has taken her kayaking adventures around the globe, tackling some of the world's most challenging white water rivers.

Named Paddler of the Year by Kayak Session magazine in 2024, Heidi is now supported by leading kayaking brands including Palm Equipment and Pyranha Kayaks.

Both paddlers will be returning to share their experiences, reconnect with the community and celebrate the sport that has taken them around the world.

What's happening on the day?

The event will feature paddling sessions across both the Legacy and Olympic courses, followed by an afternoon of talks, stories and prizes donated by Palm Equipment.

Sunday 15 November timetable:

10:30–12:00: Legacy Course paddling
12:00–13:00: Olympic Course paddling
13:00–14:00: Olympic Course paddling
14:30–15:30: Talks with Sam Wilson and Heidi Walsh, alongside prizes donated by Palm Equipment
The venue will remain open until 16:00, with the café open until 15:00.

Celebrating our paddling community

More than just a day on the water, this event is an opportunity to bring together the people who make Lee Valley's paddling community so special.

Whether you're catching up with familiar faces, sharing kayaking experiences or hearing from two athletes who began their journeys at the centre, the day promises plenty of inspiration, conversation and memorable moments.

We look forward to welcoming Sam and Heidi back on Sunday 15 November for a fantastic day on the water!