Watersports encompasses a wide range of activities from white-water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and water-skiing to stand up paddleboarding and jetski racing as well as many more in-between. Here’s a rundown of our top five places to do watersports in London. 

Royal Docks Watersports

This watersports venue is owned by a charitable trust and offers taster sessions in a great variety of watersports from canoeing to sailing at reasonable rates. They are understandably one of the most popular watersports destinations in London. Head along to the Prince Albert docks and have a go at some of the watersports on offer. 

We are sure that the kids will love the opportunity to try lots of different watersports and the aim of the centre is to encourage young people to take up watersports for fun, fitness and personal development. They run courses and activities aimed at all ages and abilities and around 60,000 young people per year take the opportunity to learn from their expertise, enjoy the outdoors and have fun.

Wakeup Dockland

Describing itself as “London’s Inner City Watersports Oasis”, Wakeup Docklands offers the chance to try Wakeboarding, which is perhaps best thought of as a cross between skateboarding and water skiing. Like in water skiing, the participant gets towed behind a motor boat, or in this case a cable system, and they are standing on a wakeboard, which is similar to a surfboard. 

Stand Up Paddleboarding is also offered at Wakeup Docklands and this ranges from beginner lessons all the way through to seasoned paddle board enthusiasts. An ideal place in the heart of the city to learn some very fun activities.  

Wimbledon Park Watersports and Outdoors Centre

Set in beautiful Wimbledon Park, this centre runs sailing, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and canoeing / kayaking classes for all ages and abilities. An idyllic outdoor haven in the heart of London, they cater to groups of all sizes including school trips and birthday parties. A birthday party on the water could make for a very memorable experience for your child and their friends.  

Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre

The Docklands area of London is certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to top rated watersports facilities. The DSWC facility offers sailing qualifications, windsurfing and canoeing classes and paddleboard hire, among other activities. A brilliant place to find something fun for all of the family. Private tuition is also offered in many activities to help your child progress.

Surrey Docks Fitness and Water Sports Centre 

There is a 1km sports dock at this facility and they offer a wide range of activities including sailing, kayaking, power boating, wind surfing and canoeing. This is a local council run facility and if you live in the local area, you are entitled to a free swim and gym session at certain times throughout the week here. 

It is important to make sure that your children are strong swimmers if they are to develop an interest in water sports, so the free swimming offer makes that a more accessible goal if you live locally to Surrey Docks.