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Kayaking Deptford Creek and the River Ravensbourne
The River Ravensbourne enters the Thames at Deptford Creek, giving kayakers an opportunity to paddle the lower, tidal sections of this Thames tributary. To access Deptford Creek we set off from the Ferry Street slipway on the Isle of Dogs, before kayaking across the Thames. On-street parking is free here at weekends, and the slipway […]
Sea kayaking around Canvey Island in the Thames Estuary
A circumnavigation of Canvey Island by sea kayak, enjoying a contrasting landscape of wildlife, boatyards & oil refineries. Canvey Island lays to the east of London, separated from the Essex mainland by tidal creeks. Low-lying and walled against tidal surges, much of the island is divorced from the waters which flow around it. The seawalls […]
Fulham to Westminster, kayaking London with the Thames tides
The first challenge for kayaking the tidal Thames is getting on the river. Public slipways are rare. Public slipways with nearby parking are even rarer. Thankfully, there is free on-street parking at Carnwath Road SW6 on Sundays, close to Broomhouse slipway. This allows easy and welcome access to the River Thames. The Broomhouse slipway at Fulham. […]
Kayaking Dartford Creek & Crayford Creek, a Thames Estuary adventure
Dartford Creek is the final stretch of the River Darent, which flows from near Sevenoaks to Dartford, before continuing to the Thames. The Creek meanders between the Cray and Dartford Marshes, where the Darent is joined by its final tributary, the Crayford Creek. This once busy river marks the border of Greater London and Kent, […]
Kayaking the Thames from Rainham to the Thames Barrier and back
This trip from Rainham explores the wild, industrial nature of the Thames. As we paddle, oyster catchers call from broken wharves and huge cargo ships slide past, their holds laden with Tate & Lyle sugar and Dagenham diesel engines. The concrete barges at Rainham provide a good access point to the Thames, as long as […]
Homemade kayaking animation is great #stayathome entertainment
With London under coronavirus lockdown, the capital’s kayaking clubs have been coming up with creative ways to entertain and motivate their members. Regents Canoe Club, a whitewater club usually based on the Regents Canal, came up with a special movie night. The Regents Academy of Film & Television Awards, otherwise known as the RAFTAs. Club […]
