Shark Activities for Families
Half Term Holidays are coming and The Sharks are planning activities for all ages, across our sites.
Saturday 14th – Love Canoe: Paddle Through Valentine’s
Thamesmead Family paddling at Southmere Lake from 10am till noon, £10 for the two hour session. A relaxed and social paddling session to kick off Half Term.
Participants will explore Southmere Lake while learning the fundamentals of canoeing and kayaking. The session is suitable for families, friends, couples, and individuals, with activities adapted to support all experience levels.
The focus will be on building strong foundations, including manoeuvring the boat, paddling in a straight line, and understanding basic water safety. Learning is delivered through practical, engaging activities that encourage confidence and enjoyment on the water.
Following the session, participants are welcome to enjoy a warming meal or drink at The Thamesmead Social, overlooking the lake.
More details email: Thamesmead@thesharks.org.uk, or call 07481 564945 These sessions run every Saturday throughout the year.
Sunday 15th
Harefield Slalom Session at 10:30am – cost £7 per person, for more details email: slalom@thesharks.org.uk. This session runs every Sunday all year round.
This session introduces paddlers to moving water and the foundations of canoe slalom. Participants will explore the Grand Union Canal and Harefield’s iconic weir, learning how to read the water and understand how their boat responds in flow. The session includes work on ferry gliding across Grade 1 water, developing balance, stability, and control. Paddlers will also have the opportunity to negotiate their first slalom gate, providing an accessible and confidence-building introduction to slalom paddling.
After the session, participants can warm up with a hot drink or roast dinner at The Oaks Pub, located close to Rickmansworth Sailing Club.
Monday 16th February
Race Technique at Thamesmead- 10am to 3pm. £20 per paddler
A full-day development session designed for paddlers looking to progress their skills and understanding of paddlesport.
The day includes paddle machine sessions focused on developing an effective and efficient forward paddle, alongside workshops that support goal setting, managing challenges, and maintaining motivation throughout the season.
Participants will work on core strength, a key component of strong forward paddling and boat stability, before being introduced to race training on Southmere Lake. There will be opportunities to try K1s, C1s, and K2s, allowing paddlers to explore different racing pathways.
This session is suitable for those new to competition, returning paddlers, and anyone aiming to work towards Gold awards.
More details email: Thamesmead@thesharks.org.uk, or call 07481 564945
Tuesday 17th February
Southall Sessions 12 noon and 1pm, cost £7 per session, please let us know if you are coming, by texting/WhatsApp on 07951 770241 or email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.
Harlesden Racing Session at 3pm, £7 per person, please let us know if you are coming, by texting/WhatsApp on 07951 770241 or email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk.
Wednesday 18th February 10:00 12 noon – £10
A skill-building session designed to develop confidence and versatility on the water.
Participants will work on boat control, forward paddling, and water safety while exploring Southmere Lake. Paddlers can try both canoes and kayaks, paddle independently, or share the experience with friends and family.
Following the session, participants are welcome to enjoy hot food or drinks at The Thamesmead Social, located next to the lake.
Email: thamesmead@thesharks.org.uk
Phone: 07481 564945
Thursday 19 February
Paddling Forward: Enhanced Paddlesport
Location: Southmere Boat House, Bazalgette Way, SE2 9TX.
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
A progression-focused day for paddlers ready to take the next step.
The session builds on technical development, with an increased focus on efficiency and consistency. Participants will take part in circuits training and a workshop exploring race day preparation and why it plays a key role in performance.
The day also introduces Wild Water Racing, with opportunities to try C1, K1, and C2 boats. Paddlers will learn how to sit correctly, control the boat, and apply strong forward paddling while racing towards clearly defined goals.
Saturday 21st February
Thamesmead Family paddling at Southmere Lake from 10am till noon, £10 for the two hour session.
A session for paddlers looking to consolidate skills and build confidence across different craft.
Participants will focus on developing a strong forward paddle, improving control, and paddling independently or with others. The session includes a time trial around Southmere Lake, covering a 1.5 km course, offering a motivating challenge for those who wish to take part.
The session concludes with the option to enjoy a warming meal or drink at The Thamesmead Social.
Email: thamesmead@thesharks.org.uk
Phone: 07481 564945
These sessions run every Saturday throughout the year.
Sunday 22nd February
Harefield Slalom Session at 10:30am – cost £7 per person, for more details email: slalom@thesharks.org.uk.
This session supports paddlers progressing from introductory slalom skills towards Div 4 readiness.
Participants will continue to develop boat control, stability, and forward paddling confidence while working in faster water, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 2. The session encourages paddlers to work at their comfortable limit, building confidence in moving water.
Paddlers will design and complete their first full slalom course, gaining a clear understanding of the skills and preparation required for Div 4 racing.
Following the session, participants are welcome to enjoy a hot drink or roast dinner at The Oaks Pub near Rickmansworth Sailing Club.
This session runs every Sunday all year round.
Published 10th February 2026