London Kayak School Ltd. Registered in England with company number: 14648084
All participants must complete an electronic consent form in advance of joining the course via the link within the booking confirmation email. Detailed joining instructions will be sent via email to candidates including a checklist of “What to bring” – please read this in advance of attending!
It must be recognised that paddlesports is by their nature unpredictable sports and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. By taking part in any paddlesports provided by London Kayak School, you agree and acknowledge that:
(i) You are aware of the inherent element of risk involved in the sport and you accept responsibility for exposing yourself / your child to such inherent risk whilst taking part in the activity.
(ii) You will comply at all times with the instructions of LKS Instructors particularly with regard to handling of boats, wearing of buoyancy aids and the wearing of suitable clothing for the conditions.
(iii) You accept responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to the extent caused by your own negligence.
(iv) You will not participate in the Course if your ability to participate is impaired by alcohol, drugs or if you are otherwise unfit to participate.
You understand that the Head Coach may cancel or postpone the Course / Activity at any stage in the event of bad weather, equipment failure, illness or otherwise.
Candidates with places on a course / activity cancelled by the Head Coach will be offered the choice of a full refund, or exchange for alternative course dates (subject to availability).
You understand that the Course / activity lead coach or Head Coach may exclude anyone from a particular session and evict anyone from the premises who refuses to comply with these Booking Terms or who misconducts themselves in any way or who causes damage or annoyance to staff, other participants or third parties.
We are committed to ensuring that our activities are carried out in a safe way. As part of this commitment, we recognise that alcohol and other substances can affect judgement and performance and must, therefore, be seen as a potential threat to the safety of individual instructing staff, participants, and – in some situations – with consequent risk to others.
Any course participant who is considered to be unfit for participation in training activities due to alcohol or drugs (whether illegal or not) or to substance abuse will be liable to be removed immediately from that course and their place shall be forfeited on any remaining session(s). Whether or not a course participant is fit to participate in activities is a matter for the reasonable opinion of the lead instructor.
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the possession, use or supply of illegal drugs is a criminal offence. When it is suspected that such an offence has been committed, the Head Coach shall consider whether it is appropriate to contact the police.
No participant should attend when unfit to participate due to alcohol or drugs (whether illegal or not) or to substance abuse.
We operate a strict NO SMOKING policy across all locations, including the use of vapes and e-cigarettes. This includes all indoor and outdoor teaching spaces, including the public pontoon and when engaged in paddlesports.
Course / activity participants and instructors are only permitted to smoke during breaks when off-site. Smoking is not permitted whilst wearing buoyancy aids.
With the exception of 1-to-1 (Solo) course bookings, all standard and group courses require a minimum of two candidates in order to run. In the event that you book onto a standard or group course as a single candidate: if, within 24 hours of advertised course start, no further candidates have booked, you will be offered the choice of either alternative course dates (subject to availability) or a full refund.
Course places are extremely limited and there is currently very high demand upon our services. As such, if you book a course place with us, we offer a cancellation policy as detailed below:
You can cancel your course place(s) within 14 days of booking and receive a full refund, as long as the course is not due to start within 14 days at the time of cancellation.
If your course is due to start within the next 14-days, the course fee(s) are 100% non-refundable unless we can sell your place(s), in which case we will refund your course fee(s) in full, less a £25 administration fee.
If you request a cancellation more than 14 days after booking and more than 14 days before the start of the course, we will re-advertise your place(s). If we can find candidate(s) to fill your course place(s) more than 14 days before the course begins, we will issue you with a full refund, less a £25 administration fee. If we cannot find an alternative candidate(s) to fill your place(s) within 14 days of the course start date, we will offer you the option of either a 50% refund or the option to re-book with us on an alternative date (subject to availability).
Please ensure that you leave enough time to arrive in advance of the start time for each session, We cannot accommodate late entry to our sessions, either virtually or face-to-face, as this causes significant disruption to other candidates.
Any candidates who are not present in attendance at the advertised start time for each session (as indicated in the course joining instructions) will need to re-book to attend that session (and any subsequent sessions) at a later date, at additional cost and subject to availability.
The information you provide when booking will be used solely to process your booking and to attend to your safety for the duration of the course. London Kayak School has a Data Privacy Policy which can be found at www.ondonkayakschool.com/privacy
Your information will be stored by London Kayak School and used in accordance with this policy.
On completion of British Canoeing courses your name, contact details, date of birth, certificate number and date of issue will be shared with British Canoeing through a secure web portal on www.britishcanoeing.org.uk. The data will be stored on the BC’s central database. This information allows BC to record your qualification, to update any records they may hold for you, and to verify or replace your certificate if required. For further information on how BC will deal with your data, please see the BC’s privacy policy at www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/about/privacy-centre#overview
We are very keen to work with our customers to resolve any issues, and so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns around your course booking. We are here to help!
Speak to one of our team:
Call us on: 07876 342 851
Or Email: info@londonkayakschool.com
Not sure where to start, or have a question? Drop us a message!
We’d love to hear from you.
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Timmy grew up paddling alongside Mike and has quickly developed into a talented freestyle kayaker. A junior medalist in freestyle in 2023, he is now working towards his coaching qualifications, eager to share his passion and growing expertise with others.
Known for his friendly and welcoming nature, Timmy brings a positive energy to every session. His enthusiasm for the sport is contagious, making him a fantastic role model for aspiring paddlers. Whether supporting beginners or refining his own skills, he is always ready to encourage others and help them build confidence on the water.
As he continues his journey toward becoming a qualified coach, Timmy is already a valued member of the London Kayak School team, bringing both skill and an infectious love for the sport to every paddling session.
Sam is a highly skilled paddler with expertise across multiple disciplines, including freestyle, K1, C1, and squirt boating. His technical knowledge and versatility make him a valuable coach for paddlers looking to refine their skills across different styles of kayaking.
Known for his boundless enthusiasm and ever-present smile, Sam brings an infectious energy to every session. His passion for the sport is evident in his dynamic coaching style, ensuring that every paddler feels engaged, motivated, and excited to push their limits.
Whether helping students master freestyle tricks, develop precise control in K1 and C1, or explore the finesse of squirt boating, Sam’s ability to create a fun and supportive learning environment makes him a standout member of the London Kayak School coaching team. His combination of expertise and positivity ensures that every session is both rewarding and packed with excitement.
Alan is a GB Freestyle Team member and a Junior World Champion, bringing elite-level experience to his coaching at London Kayak School. With a deep technical understanding of both freestyle and white water kayaking, he is dedicated to helping paddlers refine their skills and push their limits on the water.
As a coach on our freestyle and white water weekends, Alan shares his expertise with aspiring paddlers, breaking down advanced techniques in a way that is both accessible and inspiring. His competitive background gives him a unique insight into high-performance paddling, while his approachable and supportive teaching style ensures that students of all levels feel encouraged to progress.
With a passion for developing the next generation of freestyle and white water kayakers, Alan’s coaching combines world-class knowledge with a genuine enthusiasm for the sport, making him a valued and inspiring mentor at London Kayak School.
Gav is a highly accomplished paddler who has represented Great Britain for many years, excelling in both white water and freestyle kayaking. With a wealth of experience on challenging rivers and in high-level competition, he brings a deep technical understanding of the sport to his coaching.
Renowned for his calm, attentive, and confident coaching style, Gav creates an environment where paddlers feel supported and encouraged to progress at their own pace. His top-tier guiding skills ensure that students not only develop their technique but also gain the confidence to navigate dynamic water safely and effectively.
Whether helping paddlers master freestyle moves or refine their white water skills, Gav’s experience and steady leadership make him an invaluable part of the London Kayak School coaching team. His ability to instil confidence and inspire improvement ensures that every student leaves the water with new skills and a greater passion for the sport.
Tom discovered his passion for kayaking in London, where he developed a love for both freestyle and white water paddling. His enthusiasm for the sport is matched by his hands-on coaching style—he leads by example and is never afraid to get wet, ensuring his students feel supported and motivated to push their limits.
With a focus on progression and enjoyment, Tom creates an environment where paddlers can develop their skills with confidence while having fun on the water. His energetic approach and ability to break down techniques make him an inspiring coach for those looking to improve their freestyle tricks or tackle the challenges of white water.
Tom’s dedication to his students, combined with his technical expertise and infectious enthusiasm, makes him a valued member of the London Kayak School coaching team, helping paddlers of all levels grow their abilities and passion for the sport.
Hassla began her kayaking journey on the tidal waters of the Thames in central London, developing a deep connection to the sport in an urban setting. Her passion for paddling quickly grew, and she now dedicates her time to giving back by volunteering with Downside Fisher Youth Club, one of London Kayak School’s key project partners.
Known for her ever-present smile and warm, encouraging nature, Hassla is deeply committed to supporting young paddlers as they develop their confidence and skills on the water. Her patience and enthusiasm make her a fantastic mentor, ensuring that every session is both fun and rewarding.
Through her dedication to coaching and community engagement, Hassla plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation of paddlers, helping them build a lifelong love for the sport.
Kadeem discovered his love for kayaking on the Tidal Thames in central London, where he began his journey under the guidance of Mike. Over the years, he honed his skills through annual white water trips, developing a passion for the thrill of running rapids, surfing waves, and executing freestyle tricks—especially when the sun is shining!
Deeply committed to giving back to the sport that has shaped him, Kadeem volunteers his time with Downside Fisher Youth Club, a project partner of London Kayak School. Through his mentorship, he inspires the next generation of paddlers, fostering a love for the water and a sense of adventure among young people.
Kadeem is also a regular supporter of the Adult White Water Progression Camps, where his infectious enthusiasm, big grin, and laid-back attitude create a welcoming and motivating atmosphere for paddlers. His dedication to both coaching and community work makes him a valued member of the LKS team, helping others to thrive both on and off the water.
Isobel holds a PhD in ecology and is deeply passionate about both kayaking and environmental conservation. She brings a unique perspective to London Kayak School, blending her academic expertise with her love for the outdoors to inspire both students and fellow paddlers.
Her deep understanding of ecosystems and waterways enhances her coaching, offering paddlers a broader appreciation of the natural environments they explore. Whether she’s guiding students through technical skills on the water or sharing insights into river conservation, Isobel’s knowledge and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of the LKS team.
With a keen interest in sustainability and outdoor education, she is dedicated to promoting responsible paddling practices and fostering a connection between sport and environmental stewardship. Isobel’s ability to combine science with adventure makes her a truly inspiring coach, helping others develop their skills while gaining a greater appreciation for the world around them.
Amelia is a highly skilled white water and freestyle kayaker with a deep passion for helping others develop their confidence and technique on the water. With a patient and encouraging coaching style, she ensures that every paddler progresses at their own pace, creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment.
Her expertise spans both white water and freestyle disciplines, allowing her to tailor her coaching to meet the needs of each individual, whether they are new to the sport or looking to refine advanced skills. Amelia’s calm, positive approach makes her an excellent mentor, helping paddlers push their limits while feeling secure and motivated.
Dedicated to fostering a love for kayaking in others, Amelia is a valued member of the London Kayak School coaching team, known for her ability to bring out the best in every paddler she works with.
John is a passionate outdoor enthusiast with a love for water sports and climbing. As a key coach for London Kayak School’s regular youth group, he plays a vital role in inspiring and developing the next generation of paddlers. His energetic and engaging teaching style helps young paddlers build confidence on the water while ensuring every session is fun, educational, and rewarding.
With a natural ability to connect with students, John creates an encouraging environment where young paddlers feel supported in developing their skills. His enthusiasm for adventure extends beyond kayaking, making him a fantastic role model both on and off the water.
John’s dedication to coaching and his ability to make learning enjoyable have made him a firm favourite among the youth paddling community, helping them grow in ability and passion for the sport.
Shahid is a highly experienced and dedicated coach across multiple paddlesport disciplines, with a background as a qualified school teacher who has taught in diverse environments around the world. His passion for white water kayaking was refined on the challenging rivers of South America, where he developed his technical expertise and deep appreciation for the sport. In addition to kayaking, he is an enthusiastic stand-up paddleboarder (SUP) and enjoys escaping into nature for quiet weekends of wild camping.
As a British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) national trainer, Shahid plays a key role in delivering a wide range of BCAB qualifications, setting the highest standards in coaching and instruction. His calm, measured teaching style ensures that every student feels supported, making him an outstanding mentor for those looking to advance their skills.
With a reputation for excellence, Shahid brings clarity, professionalism, and a passion for outdoor learning to every session. His ability to break down complex concepts with precision and ease makes him one of the best in the field, setting the A1 Gold standard for coaching and certification delivery.
Fiona’s passion for the water began in her childhood, paddling along the canals of Edinburgh. With a strong foundation in kayaking and canoeing, she specialises in coaching beginner and intermediate paddlers, helping them build confidence and refine their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. Her patient and approachable teaching style ensures that every student feels comfortable and empowered as they progress.
Beyond her expertise in paddlesports, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge from her work at Kew Gardens, where her deep understanding of plant life adds another dimension to her love for the outdoors. She is also an accomplished sprint canoe paddler, an active Scout leader, and an avid climber, embodying a true spirit of adventure both on and off the water.
Fiona’s diverse skill set, combined with her enthusiasm for teaching and the natural world, makes her a valued and inspiring member of the London Kayak School coaching team.
Mike is the founder and head coach of London Kayak School, bringing over 25 years of experience in kayaking and a lifelong passion for the sport. His journey began in scouting, where he first discovered his love for paddling, which soon evolved into a deep commitment to white water and freestyle kayaking.
As the head coach of LKS and a coach for the GB Freestyle Team, Mike combines his extensive technical knowledge with a coaching style that is both inspiring and approachable. His ability to break down complex skills into clear, practical steps ensures that paddlers of all levels can progress confidently under his guidance.
Mike is dedicated to fostering a strong paddling community, helping students not only develop their abilities on the water but also build confidence and a love for adventure. His enthusiasm, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the sport make him an invaluable leader at London Kayak School.
Matt is a highly accomplished canoeist, boasting multiple world medals in C1 freestyle and representing Great Britain at the highest level of competition. With a deep-rooted passion for canoeing and white water sports, he brings a wealth of experience and technical expertise to his coaching role.
As a lead coach on the Adult White Water Programme, Matt is dedicated to helping paddlers of all abilities refine their skills and build confidence on the water. His coaching approach combines expert knowledge with an engaging and supportive teaching style, ensuring every participant feels encouraged and challenged.
Beyond his technical abilities, Matt is known for his infectious enthusiasm, warm and approachable personality, and genuine love for the outdoors. His ability to create a fun and inclusive learning environment makes him a firm favourite among students, inspiring them to push their limits while enjoying every moment on the water.
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