Race Training Launches at Southmere

Your next challenge starts here

After a season of growing success at paddlesport competitions, increasing confidence on the water, and Southmere paddlers travelling further afield to race under The Sharks banner, one thing has become clear.

Southmere is stepping up a gear

People want more.

More opportunities; More racing; More experiences More chances to push themselves and see what they’re capable of.

So… we’re bringing race training to Southmere.

Starting every Monday from 5:00pm onwards, from 1st June, we’ll begin dedicated race training sessions at Southmere Water Sports Centre. As the programme grows, we hope to expand the available days and times to create even more opportunities for our paddlers.

📍 Southmere Water Sports Centre, 4 Bazalgette Way, London, SE2 9AN

Why Race Training?

Over the last year, Southmere has become more than just a place to paddle.

Athletes have been exploring different disciplines, taking on new challenges, and discovering what competitive paddlesport can offer — from Marathon to Slalom, Wild Water Racing and soon… Sprint.

Now it’s time to build on that momentum.

Our long-term ambition is to bring more competition opportunities directly into Thamesmead — from entry-level events through to larger regional opportunities.

That means developing:

Slalom.

Yes — a slalom course is coming to Southmere.

But to make these ambitions happen, we need paddlers who are curious enough to try something new, motivated enough to challenge themselves, and open enough to enjoy the process.

Who is this for?

This isn’t just for elite athletes.

Race Training is designed for anybody who wants to develop — whatever that means to them.

Whether you:

  • want to become fitter and stronger,
  • want to try the occasional competition,
  • want to test yourself and see where the journey leads,
  • or dream of representing your club, travelling, competing nationally, or even aiming higher…

This is for you.

And equally — if competition isn’t your end goal, that’s absolutely fine too.

Progress looks different for everyone.

At The Sharks, our aim is simple: create opportunities for young people and the not-quite-so-young to enjoy paddlesport and reach their potential while having fun doing it.

What will training look like?

We’ll be using race boats kindly donated to support our paddlesport development programme by: Falcon Boat Club, Richmond Canoe Club, Wey Kayak Club.As well as some very nice boats we have purchased.

You’ll start in stable entry-level racing boats before progressing into faster, more refined designs as confidence grows.

Race boats reward good posture and relaxed movement.

Sit tall. Stay confident. Keep looking ahead.

Lean too much, slouch, or overthink it… and there’s a decent chance you’ll be testing the water temperature.

So yes — bring spare clothes.

Sessions may also include:

  • Paddle machine warm-ups
  • Technique refinement
  • Trying different boat types
  • Strength and conditioning circuits
  • Race-focused sessions as the group develops

Bring:

  • Water bottle
  • Spare clothes and towel
  • Clothing suitable for the weather
  • Footwear that can get wet (neoprene is ideal)

Please avoid jeans or heavy clothing and restrictive footwear.

Where could this lead?

This year we’re hoping to support paddlers at events including:

20th June — Intro to racing at Cardington (Slalom + Wild Water)
21st June — Falcon Marathon
4–5th July — Inter Club Sprint Regatta, Nottingham
16th August — Hurley Marathon – Fight the Thames
19–20th September — Langham Farm Division 3/4/Open Slalom

Some will stay local.
Some will travel.
Some may discover a discipline they never expected to enjoy.

And who knows where it leads after that. We have been to some amazing places.

Ready to give it a go?

You don’t need experience.
You don’t need to know what discipline suits you.
You just need to be willing to try.

If you’re interested in joining Race Training at Southmere, drop us a message:

📧 thamesmead@thesharks.org.uk

Your next challenge could start on a Monday evening!

The Sharks are operating sessions at Southmere Lake in Thamesmead in Partnership with Peabody Housing Trust.

The Sharks are proud to be affiliated to Paddle UK

Published 21st May 2026