I learnt to paddle in the middle of London, perhaps not where most people consider the most auspicious start to a career in whitewater… The youth club I started at, Islington Boat Club, was based in the middle of town, on the Regents Canal. It was there I spent a long time just messing about in boats, and also started my coaching career, teaching younger paddlers.
They have recently had a kayak kicker ramp installed, and I saw the launch party as an ideal opportunity to head back down south and see how the club was getting along (and to have a few goes on the ramp!).
What a cool feature to find in the centre of London, 5 minutes from the Angel tube station, looking more like it belonged at the start of the Sickline course. Pyranha were kind enough to provide a few prizes so we had an impromptu slopejam, with various categories (after the local mayor had declared the kicker ramp open).
A big up to all those who have worked so hard to keep the club going, and who are developing the next generation of paddlers!