Is previous paddleboarding experience required?

Yes, participants must be competent paddlers able to self-rescue and handle 10KM with multiple lock portages.

Where is the meeting point and what time do we start?

Meet at Hackney Wick by 10:30am on the grass towpath near the location W3W///just.normal.pound, with paddling starting at about 11am.

Is equipment provided?

No, participants must bring their own paddleboard, paddle, pump, leash, and buoyancy aid.

Are there age restrictions?

Yes, the activity is suitable for people aged 14 and over, with those under 18 requiring a parent or guardian.

Bring quick-dry clothes, water, snacks, appropriate footwear for portages, and a change of clothes and towel.

Is parking available at the meeting point?

Parking is not recommended; the nearest car park is 10 minutes away by paddle at St Marks Gate car park, E3 2NB.

Explore London’s Urban Waterways on the Limehouse Loop SUP Safari | City Tour | Guided Tour

London's waterways offer a vibrant, unexpected escape from the city's fast pace, and the Limehouse Loop SUP Safari invites you to experience this hidden side firsthand. Starting from Hackney Wick, this distinctive stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) adventure covers 10 kilometers across five interconnected canals that carve through East London’s historic and contemporary landscapes. This trip is a refreshing blend of urban culture, natural movement, and waterfront views, perfect for paddlers aged 14 and up who can handle moderate distances with portages.

Launching from the leafy setting by Hackney Wick’s towpath, paddlers navigate the Lee Navigation, Bow Back Rivers, Limehouse Cut, Regent's Canal, and Hertford Union Canal over roughly three hours. Along the way, paddlers pass under iconic railway bridges, alongside towering gas holders and vibrant street art murals that tell the area's industrial and creative history. The course offers panoramic glimpses of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the modern skyline of Canary Wharf, enriching the route with striking contrasts between old and new.

The trip’s rhythm is broken by a well-earned coffee pause at e5 Poplar Bakehouse, where you can savor fresh brews while soaking in waterside scenes. The safari involves eight lock portages—those short stretches where you’ll step off and carry your board, adding variety and challenge to the journey. Bringing some quick-dry gear and footwear suitable for these portages helps ensure comfort throughout.

Supported by Paddle UK-qualified guides, you'll receive informal coaching and safety advice throughout the journey, making this more than just a paddle; it's an immersive London river experience. Bring your own equipment—SUP board, paddle, pump, leash, and buoyancy aid are all essentials—and prepare for changing East London weather with layered clothing options. Arrive early to pump your board and get ready to glide through one of the capital’s most textured water routes.

Near Thames Ditton, this tour highlights a surprisingly peaceful side to one of the world's busiest cities, offering an invigorating way to connect with London’s waterways and urban heritage. Whether you’re an experienced paddler seeking a unique city tour or an adventurous newcomer eager to explore local waterways, the Limehouse Loop SUP Safari offers a blend of fitness, culture, and riverside charm that sets it apart from conventional London excursions.