Description:
Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre - Outdoor Activities in the heart of London at Shadwell Basin

The Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre provides watersports and adventurous activities for the whole of the community in Tower Hamlets. The Centre is a Registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. The Centre was started by local parents and community leaders in 1976 and since that time Shadwell Basin has been transformed from a derelict dock into a dynamic inner city watersports centre.

The activities provided by the Centre include: canoeing; kayaking; sailing; high ropes; climbing; mountain biking; residential trips and expeditions.

Shadwell Basin itself is seven acres of safe, sheltered water, making it ideal for beginners and improvers. The Centre also has direct access to the River Thames at all states of the tide, a unique feature of special interest to more experienced watersports enthusiasts looking for a challenge and a constantly changing environment.

Our Programme

Youth Club:
Providing activities for young people in their leisure time was the reason the Centre was established and therefore is the foundation of the Centre. Outdoor activity encourages self development, personal and social skills. The programmes are designed to promote confidence, self esteem and achievement in addition to the development of skills. Regular trips and expeditions are organised enabling young people to widen their horizons, broaden their experiences and test themselves in more challenging environments.

Schools:
On average over 250 school pupils per week participate in programmes in curricula time at the Centre as part of key stages 3 & 4 of the National Curriculum. More advanced work is provided for pupils taking their GCSE in Physical Education, with about 150 pupils per year following these programmes. The Centre also offers one off taster sessions and shorter courses appropriate to various stages of the National Curriculum.

Adults:
The Centre provides a variety of National Governing Body Awards through its course programme each year in kayaking, sailing and powerboating. The Docklands Dive School who also meets on the site is able to offer training and courses in diving and sub aqua. Clubs are active at the Centre to enable adults to extend the experience gained in courses and also to provide more challenging trips and activities at weekends.

Corporate Events:
The Centre runs team building and adventure days for corporate and adult groups and will create tailor made solutions to individual requirements. Dragon Boat Racing, Team Building and Come n Try It watersports can be arranged – backed up, if necessary, by barbecues, jazz bands, marquees and just about anything else clients may care to name.

Safety:
Is at the heart of everything the Centre does and we are proud of our safety record. The Centre, its activities and equipment are all regularly inspected by the National Authorities governing canoeing, dragon boating, powerboating and sailing. In addition the Centre holds a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority.