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Kayaking and Canoeing

Try something new today. We run both sessions and courses from beginner to advanced in canoeing and kayaking.

Westminster Boating Base issues certificates for the Paddle UK Awards - Paddle Discover, Paddle Explore and personal performance awards.

Westminster Boating Base is a Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) Delivery Partner.

Go-Kayak tuition & taster sessions

These taster sessions are suitable for both adults and children (age 10yrs+) who want to give kayaking a try or progress their skills.

Suitable for all abilities and ages - beginners welcome. These sessions focus on having fun in a group with a qualified instructor.

Must be booked in advance. Typically on Sundays 

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Paddle UK Courses

BCAB Discover Kayaking course

A one day (10:00-17:30) certificated course for novices

An exciting award from Paddle UK, the Paddle Discover Award teaches practical skills and knowledge, creating a foundation for a fun and safe time on the water.

Under the guidance of our instructors you will learn how to choose and use equipment effectively, develop practical skills including self-rescue and gain an understanding of the environment and other factors which will affect your paddling.

At the end of this course you will be competent at manoevering your craft having gained the confidence to take to the water during our recreational sessions or further your personal development with the Paddle Explore award.

2026 Dates:

Sunday 19 April

Sunday 17 May

Sunday 14 June

 

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Adult kayaking sessions

Pay as you go or membership

 

Intermediates

Monday evenings 18.00-20.30 (starting 13th April 2026)

This runs alongside the Go-kayak session for beginners.

 

Sundays 10.00-13.00

Kayaking for experienced paddlers. Sessions for intermediates (all year round, subject to winter clothing regulations from Nov-March).

Sundays are geared up for those that have got to grips with the basic skills and are typically longer journeys. To come along to these you will need to have:

  • attended one of our British Canoeing Discover courses.
  • attended Go-kayak taster sessions or our tuition evening sessions.
  • or have sufficient experience to consider yourself a reasonably competent paddler.

   

 

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You will need to bring

You will need to bring: 

  • A full change of clothes (appropriate for the weather) including soft-soled shoes. Flipflops and sliders not permitted.
  • Towel
  • A small padlock to secure your valuables in one of our lockers.

Nobody will be allowed on the water without these.

 

Winter Clothing, 1st Nov-31st March: For kayaking you will need a 3mm wetsuit and waterproof top at a minimum. We have hire clothing available for £5 per session. You will still need to bring shoes, warm under-layers, towel, etc.

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What We Offer keyboard_arrow_down
  • Leisure Centres
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What We Offer keyboard_arrow_down
  • Leisure Centres
  • Lessons and Courses
  • Libraries
  • Spa Experience
  • Venue Hire
  • Children's Centres
Contact & Support keyboard_arrow_down
  • Help Centre
  • Contact Us
  • Media Enquiries
  • Terms and Policies
  • Sitemap
About Us keyboard_arrow_down
  • Our Story
  • Being a Charitable Social Enterprise
  • News
  • Careers
  • GLL Corporate Website
  • GLL Sport Foundation

Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398.

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