Art & Culture
At the Docks – London’s destination for watersports this summer
From yoga on a paddleboard to wake boarding and open water swimming, At the Docks provides the opportunity to try out watersports in a unique inner-city location.
Take the plunge
Have you ever been tempted by open water swimming? Then why not take the plunge right here in the Royal Docks!
Spanning nearly a square kilometre, the Royal Docks is one of London’s prime spots for outdoor swimming, combining iconic views with a historic backdrop. With the full 250 metre course available for hardy swimmers and a ‘dip’ option for those who prefer a quick plunge, it can be an exhilarating experience.
The Royals Dock site is operated by Love Open Water, who ensure the water is regularly tested and reaches the high levels of cleanliness required by EU Bathing Standards. Every session is lifeguarded and is open to competent swimmers over the age of 10. This is the only official lifeguarded area of the docks for open swimming, so please do not take a dip elsewhere.
Before you dive in, you’ll need to become a member and complete a Cold Water Induction course with Love Open Water.
Their Dock2Dock is also not to be missed! Now in its 9th year, it has become one of London’s most popular swimming events but has maintained its fun and friendly atmosphere, offering a challenging swim for all ages and abilities.
For a post-swim refreshment, head to Perky Blenders for a seriously good coffee or a well-deserved slice of cake!
To find out more about open water swimming in the Royal Docks and to book visit: https://loveopenwater.co.uk/swimming-london-royal-docks/
Ride the Docks
If you’re looking for a novel fitness option or just curious about giving the world’s fastest-growing watersports a try, then head to WakeUp Docklands. It is London’s number one venue for experiencing the exhilaration of wakeboarding, the more peaceful pursuit of paddleboarding or if you already know your stuff, hydrofoiling!
All paddleboard sessions are delivered by professionally certified instructors and there are sessions for all levels and interests including tours of historic Royal Victoria Dock, 'ready to ride' courses, and paddleboard ‘yogalates’ (yoga+pilates), with more classes added all the time.
If you’re looking for a thrill on the water, then you could give wakeboarding a go - described by WakeUp Dockland’s founder, Jon Byrne, as like ‘snowboarding on water’. Similar to waterskiing but without the boat, you are pulled by two straight-line cables – one suited to beginners and the other for more advanced riders, offering jumps and slides. They have all the equipment to get you from zero to hero!
After all the excitement on the water, head for a relaxing drink at the Oiler Bar - a dockside drinking experience like no other!
To find out more about either paddleboarding or wakeboarding and to book visit: https://wakeupdocklands.com/
