Join the London Kayakathon 2015
On 19 April 2015 a group of over one hundred sea kayakers will paddle 26.2 miles of the river Thames. Starting beneath Tower Bridge, the kayakers will paddle the distance in a group with the aim of raising in excess of £30,000 for a wide variety of good causes.
Event route
The London Kayakathon 2015 will start at Shadwell Basin and paddle up river with the flood tide to Chiswick Bridge (13.1miles). The group will then paddle back to Shadwell with the ebb tide. You will paddle right trough the city centre with great views of the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and much more. The City centre from Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge is a very busy area and so kayakers will paddle together as a group guided by safety boats.
Registration fee
The £50 registration fee (£90 for a tandem), is to cover the costs of the support boats, Notice to Mariners and administration.
Experience required
For the London Kayakathon 2015 we are asking for experienced paddlers that have the appropriate skills and experience to paddle on the river as part of a group. If you have any concerns about your ability please feel free to contact us.
Equipment:
Only suitable sea kayaks that are capable of maintaining 3kn pace over the period of the event shall be allowed to enter. The minimum length of kayak is 15ft. Sea kayaks require deck lines and sealed bulkheads front and rear. You should wear suitable clothing for the prevailing conditions on the day. The organisers recommend the use of drinking bladders over water bottles as this allows kayakers to drink while maintaining speed.
Charities:
The main purpose of the event is to raise money for charity. You can easily create your own donation site with www.virginmoneygiving.com. You are welcome to raise money for a charity of your choice or for Shadwell Basin. You can link to the London Kayakathon 2015 event on your Virgin fund raising page. Between all of us we hope to raise over £30,000 for different charities. You can download a form, to take into work or show friends, off the website.
Accommodation:
If you are travelling from outside London you are welcome to stay on the floor at the Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre on the Saturday night in return for a £15 donation to the centre. Please let the organisers know in advance if you require this. You will need to bring a sleeping mat and bag. There are showers in the building. There is secure parking organised across the road for overnight and during the day.
Car parking and road access:
There is parking opposite the centre for cars to park during the day on Sunday.
More information and booking:
For more information see http://kayakathons.com/
