Paddlesport Assessments

To paddle our Legacy or Olympic Course in a canoe or kayak you’ll need to have successfully completed one, or both of our Paddlesport Competency Assessments.

We have three types of Paddlesport Competency Assessments, the Lake, Legacy and the Olympic Assessment. Completing these assessments determine which course you can paddle on our public sessions.

If you’re not a paddler, don’t forget you can still tackle the courses with one of our white water activities.

Lake Assessment

Price: £10 per person 

Please note, in order to book on to our Lake assessment, you must be over 8 years old and know how to use and must paddle using a spray deck. 

This assessment is for experienced paddlers who are looking to paddle on our sheltered lake.

You’ll need some experience on the flat water to take this assessment as you’ll be required to demonstrate safety and competency in all areas of your paddling. You’ll need to have taken this assessment before booking on to the Introduction to White Water Kayaking course of our Paddlesport Development Programme.

Equipment is not included in your assessment, however you can hire full kit (including wetsuits) from the centre for £20 or just a boat for £15.

Book now

Legacy Assessment

Price: £10 per person 

Please note, in order to book on to our Legacy assessment, you must be over 8 years old and know how to use and must paddle using a spray deck.

This assessment is for experienced paddlers who are looking to take to the water during our public paddling sessions on the Legacy. This assessment begins on our lake and you’ll progress on to the Legacy.

You’ll need some experience on the water to take this assessment as you’ll be required to demonstrate safety and competency in all areas of your paddling. We recommend taking this assessment after successfully completing our Developing White Water Kayaking course of our Paddlesport Development Programme or if you have experience paddling on Grade 2 rivers.

Equipment is not included in your assessment however you can hire full kit (including wetsuits) from the centre for £20 or just a boat for £15.

Book now

Olympic Assessment

Price: from £15 per person 

You’ll start with a brief paddle on our lake to warm up and then progress on to the Olympic Course. On successfully completing this assessment you’ll be able to paddle during our public sessions on the Olympic Course.

You’ll need to have completed our Legacy Assessment before being able to book this assessment and must be over 8 years old. Log in using the app to book online.

Equipment is not included in your assessment however you can hire full kit (including wetsuits) from the centre for £20 or just a boat for £15.

Book now

Paddler Frequently Asked Questions

Paddler FAQS

How do I book a session?

Click 'Book Activity' at the top of this page, where you can log into your membership profile to check availability and make your booking.

I don’t know my membership number?  

If you don’t know your membership number, please email us with your full name and postcode and a member of our staff will respond as soon as possible.

My membership has expired?

Our kayaking membership does not expire but our booking system does! We just need to renew this so please email us with your membership number and a member of our staff will respond as soon as possible.

I have a paddling booking on hold, can I use this to book?

If you have a paddling session on hold, please email us with the date and time of the session you’d like to book and explain you have a session on hold. A member of staff will book you on assuming availability and respond with confirmation. If your paddling on hold does not cover the full cost, we’ll need to call you to process the remaining payment and your booking will not be secured until that has been confirmed. 

I am not a member or signed off on the course, can I still book?

To use the facilities you must hold a Lee Valley White Water Centre membership and passed an assessment on the water you would like to use (Lake, Legacy, Olympic Course). 

  • Assessments are currently running on a limited schedule
  • To book on our Legacy assessment, you must know how to paddle using a spray deck as well as know how to exit the boat and self-rescue.
  • To book your Olympic assessment, you must have previously taken your Legacy assessment and have the relevant sign off linked to your membership.

What sessions can I book?

Please log in online with your membership number to see available session times for paddling.

Can I book on behalf of someone else?

To ensure the booking process is fair you’ll only be able to book sessions for yourself, under your membership ID. Customers will not be able to arrive at the venue and check in under different names. Bookings can be rescheduled up to 16:00 the day before your session but they cannot be transferred to other people. If your booking is released the space will be open for any eligible member to book.

I can’t book a session?

If our sessions are showing as unavailable, this means they are fully booked. We often have cancellations and spaces are reopened online so please check back to see if a space has opened up on your designated session.

What’s new when I visit the venue?

We’ve changed our safety declaration check in procedure so you’ll need to have your phone with you when you arrive to collect your bib to scan our QR code. 

Where do I enter the water?

We’ve assigned an activity zone area near reception where all activity customers can access the lake. NB: The pontoon will not be accessible when sessions on the Water Wipe Out assault course are running.

When entering/exiting the water please do so as quickly as possible to avoid holding up other water users. There’ll also be access via the steps below the conveyor on the white water course you’re using. Please be considerate to other water users.

I would like to coach on the white water courses and I am qualified to do so?

We are in the process of reviewing how external coaches operate at the centre and on public sessions which means external coaching will not be able to resume at the moment. We will contact all coaches registered with us with more information once we have it.

​If you would like to discuss an exclusive hire of our courses, please contact us.

Can I rent equipment?

Yes, equipment hire is available, please ask at reception when you check in for your activity. When you’ve finished with your equipment please ask the staff member in the kit distribution room and they’ll direct you. Before returning wet suits please turn them inside out. 

Can I paddle on the lake?

Lake sessions will be available during our Legacy and Olympic sessions only and must be pre-booked. You must be assessed by a Lee Valley activity staff member to use the lake.

Become a member

You can become a member of Lee Valley White Water Centre by participating in one of our Paddlesport assessments or by applying online. Once you’re at the level where you can take on the Legacy or Olympic Course, your membership will allow you to book public session times online for the relevant course.

Follow our step by step guide on how to apply for your free membership:

  • Sign up to our free membership online by applying here 

  • Select 'General Membership' and click next

  • Fill out your details and select next

  • Your membership will be added to your basket. You'll need to tick to accept the Terms and Conditions and click 'Proceed to checkout' for your membership to complete

  • You'll receive confirmation of your membership via email. This confirmation will also include your membership number which you'll need if you'd like to book any of our paddling sessions or courses both online and over the phone.

  • You'll have to fill out our membership form when you arrive at the venue and then you're done!