Plan Your Visit to Lee Valley White Water Centre

It’s your responsibility to enter your full vehicle registration details into the terminals on site correctly and note when your eight hours free parking period expires.

Please remember to do this on every visit to avoid receiving a fixed  Penalty Charge Notice. Please also ensure you follow the T&Cs displayed within the car park.

The current locations of these terminals are:

• The Reception
• Brew Street Kitchen and Bar

What if I want to stay longer than four hours?

If you’re taking part in an activity and wish to stay past eight hours you’ll need to pay for the additional time you spend at the venue.

Will my friends and family who are coming to watch me take part in an activity, but arrived in a separate vehicle, have to pay for parking?

Yes, but they can get free eight hours parking if they spend more than £5 in the café.

What if I have more than one activity session booked at the venue which will take me over the four hour limit?

If taking part in more than one session you can revalidate your parking prior to the second session when checking in for that session.

Once I have registered for parking, can I leave the venue in my vehicle and return later to use any remaining parking time?

On departing the venue in your vehicle, the period that you have registered your parking for automatically ends. If you return, you will have to register for parking again.

I am having a problems registering for parking

During the venue opening times, there are staff available to assist visitors with any venue related queries.

How do I appeal if I have received a Penalty Charge Notice?

Appeals can be submitted online at www.geminiparkingsolutions.com or in writing to Gemini Parking Solutions, PO Box 2525, Buckhurst Hill, IG8 1HR

Do you have electric car charging points?

Yes - we have 4x Type 2 sockets which are 25p kw/h up to 22kw. You will need to download the VendElectric app to use these points. You will need to pay the relevant parking tariff as stated above.

• If you’ve booked an activity with us, your booked time is the check-in at our reception. Please do not arrive at reception before this; additional time has been allocated within this check-in to allow for potential queues at our reception and changing rooms
• Unless stated, all kit and equipment is provided – you’ll just need to bring your swim wear and a towel. If you’re taking part in a flat water activity where kit isn't provided and don't wish to hire a wetsuit, you’ll need to wear a minimum of shorts and a t-shirt whilst on the activity
• Before your experience, you’ll need to remove jewellery and any items of value. To avoid risk of loss or damage, please leave valuables at home
• Any participants aged 18 or under, participating in a Rodeo Rafting, Rafting Unleashed, Family Rafting, Hydrospeeding or Hot Dog experience must have our Parental Consent Form signed by their legal parent/guardian before being able to do the activity
• Before you arrive at the venue for your activity, please ensure you’ve completed the relevant safety declaration form online for each participant:
  • Rodeo Rafting, Rafting Unleashed, Family Rafting, Hydrospeeding or Hot Dogs 
  • Water Wipeout, Explore Kayaking and Explore Paddleboarding
• Before booking onto our water based and corporate activities, you must agree to our Venue Terms and Conditions
• Your safety is important to us so please read our the safety for water users section of this page, below.
• Participants aged 8-17 must have a responsible adult (over the age of 21 unless legal parent/guardian) who remains on site at Lee Valley White Water Centre for the duration of their activity.
• Participants that have any additional requirements or have any questions regarding the suitability of the activity please read our Participation Requirements. If you still have any questions please get in touch with our customer services team who will be happy to help

• Participants must be at least:
  • 12 years of age for Rafting Unleashed, Hydrospeeding and Hotdogs
  • 14 years of age for Rodeo Rafting
  • 8 years of age for Family Rafting 
• All participants must individually weigh under 18 stone
• Please read what will be involved in our Participation Requirements (found below), which must be successfully completed before being able to raft the course.
• Please ensure all participants complete our Moving Water Declaration before your experience.
• Each participant under the age of 18 must hand in our Parental Consent Form signed by their legal parent/guardian before being able to partake
• White water activities are an extreme sport, while navigating the Olympic course you could well take a tumble into grade 4 rapids or the Legacy course our grade 3 rapids, so be prepared. Our bank safety team will be on hand to rescue you and safely help you out of the water before helping you get back to your activity
• If you’ve booked Hydrospeeding, please note this activity is spent in the water, holding on to a board whilst wearing flippers on your feet
• Hot Dogs requires two participants; each participant must individually weigh under 18 stone and be at least 12 years of age
• We always aim to keep groups together, however the only way to ensure your group will not be split up is to book a whole raft
• Participants aged 8-17 must have a responsible adult (over the age of 21 unless legal parent/guardian) who remains on site at Lee Valley White Water Centre for the duration of their activity with one responsible adult to every four children (max)

• Participants must be at least 8 years of age
• All participants must individually weigh under 18 stone
• Participants aged 8-17 must have a responsible adult (over the age of 21 unless legal parent/guardian) who remains on site at Lee Valley White Water Centre for the duration of their activity with one responsible adult to every four children (max)
• Please ensure all participants complete the Flat Water Declaration before your experience. If under 18, a parent can complete on their behalf

Before participating in our water activities, you’ll be provided with the equipment required for the activity and be taken through a safety brief with an instructor. Be sure to take note of the instructions you're given to prepare you for the activity.

To be able to participate in our water activities you must: 

• Receive and understand a safety briefing
• Have all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the activity correctly fitted
• Be able to maintain the body positioning required for the activity
• Be able to use any equipment required to move the craft you are using
• Be able to assist in own rescue from the water by holding onto the craft and either pulling yourself back in or onto the craft you are using
• Be alert and able to respond to simple visual or verbal commands from the instructors
• Be able to receive and hold a throw rope to support your exit from the water area if required
• Be able to exit the course unassisted via the stepped access

Moving water activities (Rodeo Rafting, Rafting Unleashed, Hydrospeeding, Hot Dogs and Family Rafting) require participants to be able to also perform the following:

• Be able to manoeuvre into positions required for the activity;
  • Rafting requires participants to adopt the “down” position (sit on the floor of the raft and support body without the assistance of others).
  • Hydrospeeding requires the use of flippers
• Be able to move body position to the left and right when instructed.
• Be able to adopt and maintain the Defensive Swim position and orientated body position away from danger (lying on back, feet down stream, with legs kept up on/near the water’s surface).

Your safety is important to us so please read our the safety for water users section of this page, below.

If you have any physical limitations or additional requirements, please contact us so we can go through how this activity can be adapted to suit your needs.

Your safety is important to us, so please be read:

Stay safe and healthy around water

While taking part in any watersport activity always remember to:

• avoid swallowing the water
• cover minor scratches or cuts with a waterproof plaster
• wash or shower as soon as possible after taking part in watersports and before eating or drinking
• wear footwear to protect your feet
• rinse equipment with clean water after use

What to look out for

While it is extremely rare, there is a potential risk of contracting infections from treated water. Potential symptoms to watch out for are:

• mild tummy upset
• diarrhoea and vomiting
• loss of appetite
• fever
• abdominal discomfort
• headache
• chills
• jaundice
• anaemia
• rash

If you experience several of the symptoms listed above within 19 days of visiting, we would advise you to visit your doctor and advise them of your recent watersport activity. Your health and safety is extremely important to us, so please also tell us about any illness.

What should I expect?

We’ll take good care of you from the moment you arrive. Please arrive at your booked time as this is the check-in time at our reception. Please do not arrive at reception before this; additional time has been allocated within this check-in to allow for potential queues at our reception and changing rooms. One of our qualified members of staff will kit you out with all the equipment and clothing you’ll need and introduce you to your instructor and group for the relevant session you have booked.

Your instructor will run through a full safety briefing and demonstrate the basics of your activity before taking you onto the lake. For white water activities you’ll also take part in an activity assessment which includes a swim assessment. During this we’ll cover rescue techniques, paddling techniques and how to protect yourself in moving water. From this point on its action all the way!​

Is there a minimum age to take part in the activities?

Each activity has a minimum age restriction, please check this information before booking.

• Rodeo Rafting the minimum age is 14 years
• Rafting Unleashed the minimum age is 12 years
• Family Rafting the minimum age is 8 years
• Hydrospeeding and Hot Dog sessions the minimum age is 12 years
• For all other activities, participants will need to be a minimum of 8 years of age​

Participants under the age of 16 will also need a parent or legal guardian accompanying them whilst at the venue.

All participants under 18 years of age will need a completed parental consent form to take part in any moving water based activity on the Legacy Course or the Olympic Course.

Is there a weight limit?

To take part in all activities you must be under 18 stone.

What do I need to bring?

All necessary equipment is provided unless otherwise stated – just bring your swimsuit and a towel. However, if you’d prefer to bring your own wet boots and/or wetsuit, our instructors will check they’re suitable for the activity. Wetsuits must be full length and wet boots must cover your ankle). Free lockers are available for you to store all your belongings.​

What time do I need to arrive at the centre and how long should I allow for my experience?

Your booked time is the check-in at our reception. Please do not arrive at reception before this; additional time has been allocated within this check-in to allow for potential queues at our reception and changing rooms. Please refer to information of the activity you’re taking part in for session lengths by choosing the activity from our activities page.

I have a disability, can I take part?

Yes, wherever possible we offer equal access to all people. Please contact the centre to discuss your individual disabilities and requirements.

I'm bringing a group of children to take part in an activity at your centre. Can I sign the parent consent form for children that I am not the parent/legal guardian of?

No. You can download the parental consent form and have it completed by each child’s parent/legal guardian prior to your visit and hand it into reception on the day of the activity.

​If I require medication can I still take part?

We advise that you check with your GP before taking part in any of our activities. Please bring any medication that you may need with you on the day (for example inhalers and epi pens).​

Do I need to be able to swim?

For all white water activities you’ll need to be able to adopt and maintain the Defensive Swim Position, an orientated body position away from danger (lying on back, feet down stream, with legs kept up on/near the water’s surface). To see what this entails please see our video on our participation requirements found in the essential information section. For lake activities water confidence is required with the use of a buoyancy aid.

Do I need to be fit?

A reasonable level of fitness is required to take part in any physical activity.

​Can I wear my glasses?

If glasses are a necessity for the participant of the activity plastic lenses or contact lenses are preferred for your safety. The venue cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. Prescription goggles can be worn.

What happens if I fall out?

Dependant on your activity you could well take a tumble into our rapids, so be prepared. Our bank safety team will be on hand to rescue you and safely help you out of the water before helping you back to join your group. You’ll have been taught the safe swimming position and how to get out of the water in your earlier activity assessment.

​Can I bring a camera or 'Go Pro'?

For safety reasons we don’t allow anyone to attach anything to themselves as this could increase the risk of entrapment or collision with other participants. Therefore chest harnesses and helmet mounts are not allowed. The best option is to give the camera to your support crew.

What is the difference between Rafting Unleashed and Rodeo Rafting?

Both rafting experiences are awesome and you'll have a great time in the hands of our experienced instructors. Rafting Unleashed is all about the speed of the course, you will loop the olympic course as many times as you can handle navigating the waves as you go around. If you're the ultimate adrenaline junkie then Rodeo Rafting it is! You'll be dipping and diving around the rapids, surfing the waves and holding on tight!

How many times will I go down the course?

This will be tailored to meet your needs but if you are looking to go around the course as many times as you can rather than surf the rapids, then Rafting Unleashed is the activity for you.

My friends have rafted before, can I still go in the same raft as them?

Yes absolutely, our activity instructors will cater the session to ensure everyone has the best possible experience. Everyone will be encouraged to participant to ensure you individually get the most from this experience.

How many people go in a raft? Will I be with strangers?

A raft contains up to nine people. Unless you book a whole raft, you'll be teamed up with other individuals for the duration of your session. Unfortunately we're unable to guarantee your group will be kept together unless you book to charter a whole raft.

Is rafting a suitable experience for a Stag or Hen do?

Yes, both our rafting activities are the perfect way to celebrate yours or your friends' upcoming stag do or hen party with loads of fun to be had. Click here to find out more information about your celebration.

What distance is the course?

There are two courses at the centre:

• the 300m Olympic Standard Competition Course with a nerve jangling drop of 5.5m from the start pool to the finish
• a 160m Legacy Loop with a gentler drop of 1.6m from the start pool to the lake.

Conveyors will carry your raft/canoe back up to the start pool - so there's no need to get out and carry it back.

Why are there two courses?

Between the two courses and the lake, the centre has a full range of white water grades from one to four. This allows opportunities for all levels of paddler to access the facility with opportunities to develop their skills.

I’m new to kayaking what should I wear?

If you don't already have a wetsuit you can hire a wetsuit one at reception so you only need to bring a towel and swimwear. If you have your own kayak specific waterproofs you may bring these too.

How do I become a paddler?

You’ll need to prove your ability by taking our Competency Assessment where you will demonstrate the key skills necessary to navigate the white water safely. Upon successful completion you’ll become a paddler at Lee Valley White Water Centre and will be able to book future kayaking sessions online.

I hold a paddle sports qualification. Am I able to use the white water course?

You’ll need to prove your ability by taking our Competency Assessment where you will demonstrate the key skills necessary to navigate the white water safely. Upon successful completion you’ll become a member of Lee Valley White Water Centre and will be able to book future kayaking sessions online.

What can you do on the lake?

People will be able to use the lake to get used to the canoes and kayaks, perfecting important techniques and strokes required on the courses, or they can simply have a relaxing paddle. 

If you'd like to paddle our lake outside of our standard sessions you'll need to have passed our Lake Assessment. 

Does the centre offer instructor lead Paddlesport sessions?

We offer a full paddlesport development programme designed to take people at every level from complete beginner all the way through to taking on the Olympic rapids. We also offer bespoke tuition for individuals and groups and sessions can be fully tailored to your specific requirements.

If I book onto the Paddlesport Development Programme (including junior) and feel it isn’t the right one for me, can I move to a different programme?

We’ll do our best to accommodate each individual’s needs, however each stage has a set coach to client ratio which we can’t exceed, so a place needs to become available before we are able to move anyone.

Does the course have a freestyle surf wave?

Yes, the course has a full range of features. 

Can I bring my own kayak?

Yes you can, but it will need to be in appropriate condition for use on the white water channels. We also ask that it's clear of any objects such as rescue equipment and throw ropes so as not to cause any problems with the centre's pumping system.

Would I ever need to re-validate my assessment?

We have no periodic re-validation process, however if your standard drops below the required level, we would ask you to re-take your assessment at a convenient time to ensure yours and others safety. 

I can’t see Legacy or Olympic paddling times on the website?

Log in to your customer account, using the Better UK App is very user friendly.

Here you'll be able to see all the relevant courses and paddling sessions available for your level of kayaking. 

Where can I walk my dog?

Dogs are permitted in the grounds of the centre however they must be on a lead at all times. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed in the building with the exception of assistance dogs.

Can I hire the centre for a party?

Yes there are private rooms that can be hired out for functions, events and corporate training or away days. For enquiries please contact us.

Is there a café? Can anybody use it?

Yes, the café is open for both visitors who are taking part in an activity or just visiting the venue to watch the action on the centre's terrace whilst enjoying hot or cold food and beverages. Please check our café opening times before your visit.

Are there showering facilities available?

Yes, showers are located within the changing rooms and there are hair dryers available to use too.

Can I bring in external catering onto site?

We don't allow any external caterers on site. You can arrange catering with us or alternatively you can order food on the day from The Terrace Bar & Café onsite. You can bring a picnic to be consumed in our non-catering areas.

How will I receive my gift voucher?

You will automatically receive an e-voucher to your specified email address. 

How long will it take for my gift voucher to be delivered?

You will automatically receive an e-voucher to your specified email address once your transaction has been completed. 

How do I redeem my gift voucher?

To redeem your gift voucher select the activity for which you have receive your gift voucher for and click book now. Choose the date and time you'd like to visit us, enter your voucher code when promoted and press ‘apply’.

If you purchased a gift voucher prior to 7 March 2023, you must enter your voucher code into the box <Discount code>

If you have received a White Water Activity Gift Voucher for Two and wish to book Hydrospeeding, please select Hydrospeeding for Two instead of just Hydrospeeding or Rafting Unleashed for Two instead of Rafting Unleashed.

When will my gift voucher expire?

Our gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. You can find the expiry date on the front of your voucher.

I have a voucher from a third party company - how do I book this?

If you have third party gift voucher, you will need to book your activity in with our reception team as you cannot redeem this online. Please take a look at the relevant activity for your voucher and see our availability. Once you know what date and time you would like to book, please email us with the following details:

• Voucher Reference number
• How many people you are booking for
• Date and time of booking
• Full name
• Postcode and first line of address
• Contact telephone number
• Confirm that all participants are over the age of 12
• Confirm that all participants weigh under 18 stone
• Confirm any medical / additional information we would need to know beforehand

Once we receive these details, and assuming availability, we'll redeem your voucher against your activity and send you a confirmation email.