Saturday 14th March 2026
The Sharks are pleased to announce an amazing project, working in partnership with Paddle UK’s Wild Water Racing Committee, The Sharks are launching the Lee Valley Legacy Project, on Saturday 14th March 2026, and this is just the beginning.
What is it?
A day of fun White Water training and practice, with a Wild Water Race at the end. The plane is to build on this event and create something special ands to help Wild Water Racing and paddlers develop together in a fun, friendly, and safe environment at the: Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross, EN9 1AB.
Full details in PDF available here.
Combining a day of White Water Development with Wild Water Racing, offering a supportive and progressive introduction to racing on moving water, alongside high-quality sprint competition.
Event Schedule
14:30 – 16:30 White Water Development & Confidence Building.
A coached, supportive session focusing on understanding moving water (lines, waves, stoppers), building confidence and control, and developing transferable skills for Wild Water Racing and slalom.
This session is aimed at grassroots paddlers and those new to white water or Wild Water Racing, as well as paddlers looking to build confidence stepping into faster, more dynamic flow.
16:30 – 17:30 Break & Community Time
Late lunch/afternoon tea and an informal opportunity for clubs to mix, share experience, and connect. Bring your own food. Tea and coffee may be available at the café in the Centre.
17:15 | Race specific briefing for those only attending the race
17:30 – 19:30 | Wild Water Race
Fun, uninterrupted sprint racing, paddlers racing against the clock. Multiple runs, using different boats (K1, C1, and C2) where numbers allow, with the fastest time counting.
Click here for full details and documentation, as well as entry system.
Fees:Senior (£): £25 U18 (£): £25
Entries On The Day: Late entries on the day are accepted
Late Entry Surcharge (£): £10
Single Event Membership: Yes, Single Event Membership entry is accepted
Payment Details: Entry Fee: £25 per paddler
(Includes access to development session and racing; multiple race runs where numbers allow.)
Please sign up on line, The Sharks want to make this a regular event and are looking at running another event in October and then again next year, however, we need your support to do this as we hiring this iconic facility costs money. We are investing in the future of Wild Water Racing, please join us and together Let’s Begin the Legacy
Let’s Begin the Legacy
The Lee Valley Legacy Project is the start of something bigger.
Together, we’re creating a space where newcomers, families, athletes, clubs, and communities can come together to learn, race, and grow on white water, year after year.
By taking part, you’re not just entering a race.You’re helping shape the future of white water paddling and Wild Water Racing in London and the South East, and well beyond.
Whether you’re racing to win, trying something new, or cheering from the bank this is your moment. Be bold – Shape the story – Become the legacy.
Do you want to help?
The more people and clubs involved the easier and better the event will be and the easier it will be for us to repeat it regularly, so if you can help please get in touch, email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.
We will need people to help:
In Control, Marshalling the Escalator, at Start and Finish, Water Safety crews on the bank, taking pictures, and probably anything else you want to help with
Published 10th February 2026