Athlete Abbey started paddling in 2025 as The Sharks opens our facility in Thamesmead, it was not long before she was racing for us.
Athlete Moemen started paddling through Harlesden Primary Schools’ After-School Club with us.
Saturday 31st January The first Cedric Avery Mini-Marathon of 2026, takes place on Saturday 31st January at Troy Lake, Harefield. Control open from 10am, racing starts at 11am.
What is happening in January These are the events going on in January, let us know what you want to do?
Mini-Marathon – Sunday 1st February Two distances 10k for adults and more experienced paddlers, 5k for under 14 (unless you want a challenge) and less experienced paddlers.
Saturday February 7th Put that date in your diary now! Come and join us for a morning of fun at the Barrow-upon-Soar race, ideal for all standards from beginners to the experienced. It is a 3k race, which you can do in Any boat.
Winter Slaloms, get ready for 2026 The annual Stone Mini Slaloms take place on the Sundays of January 25th, February 8th, and February 22nd, including a slalom cross event on January 25th.
Where are you going in February, why not join us for some paddling fun at events?
Next Race 7th February The Legendary Barrow Wild Water Race series next race on Saturday February 7th with the series final on Saturday 7th March 2026.
Monthly Mini-Marathons The next race takes place on Saturday 31st January 2026. The last Saturday of each month. Full details are here, with Risk Assessment here.
Time to step up and start getting more active, as we head towards Spring
Our annual Sprint challenge in Harlesden. We have introduced a new challenge at our base in Harlesden, NW10, a monthly Sprint race on the canal with distances of 200m, 500m and 1,000m. Next race is Wednesday April 15th 2026.
Our annual challenge in Southall We have set up a series of Sprint evenings in Southall, running in the Summer moths to give everyone the chance to see how they are progressing, to have some fun and enjoy racing. Great for spectators too.
The Final of the 2025 Series Summer paddling at Harlesden draws in and we hosted our final Sprint races of the season, including a race with and for Harlesden Primary School youngsters attending the after school club.
A new event with a difference A small group of Shark Paddlers tried out an event with a difference, it was more about time on the water and learning new skills, in preparation for competition, although there were some non-ranking races to help.
The Charity Race of the year The second Great Harlesden Charity Canoe Race took part on Wednesday 24th September, raising money for local charities, the Brent Food Bank and Queens Park Rangers Community Trust. Both these charities support local people.
Preparing for Marathon The Sharks have introduced the Harlesden GS Series, the races are 3.5k long and are aimed at preparing youngsters for the Geoff Sanders Races at ranking marathons. However, we also run races for seniors.
Get Involved and Help us Grow The Sharks are committed to helping to grow Slalom Canoeing and playing our part in this great community. We are joining the Slalom Starts Programme, which aims to bring more people into the discipline.
We are looking for staff The Sharks are looking for people to teach and coach canoeing at all of our sites. We maybe able to help you get the relevant qualifications, whilst you work for us. Get in touch email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk, or call: 07951 770241.
What Can we Achieve in 2026? Each yer we set some targets related to the Year number, so what can we don in 2026. If you have any ideas to add to this list, please get in touch by email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk or call/text 07951 770241.