Region: London
Type: Regional
Format: Sprint
Other Details:
Distance: Approx. 500m
River Grade & Hazards: The course is held on flat, still water (Grade 0), with a centrally placed water fountain that paddlers must race around as part of the course but should avoid getting too close or holding onto.
Suitable for Novice: Yes
Safety Cover: Yes
Safety Officer: Aaron Nolan
Start: Cygnet Square
Finish: Southmere Watersports Centre
Race Start: 18:00
Check-in Time: 16:00
Briefing Time: 17:30
Additional Info: Location: Southmere Watersports Centre, Bazalgette Way, Thamesmead, SE2 9AN
Distance: Approx. 500m (Estimated 5 – 8 minutes racing time)
Sprint Fromat: Fastest time wins – Multiple runs welcome!

What’s Happening?
For the first time ever, Southmere Lake is hosting a paddlesport race – and it’s going to be bold, fast, and full of energy. The Thamesmead Wild Water Race 2025 is a flatwater wild water sprint, open to paddlers of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re chasing your first race or your next personal best, this is your invitation to take part in something new, exciting, and unforgettable.

This isn’t just about speed. It’s about energy, confidence, and connection — pushing your own boundaries, trying different disciplines, and becoming part of a growing paddling community in the heart of Thamesmead.

What to Expect:
At the centre of the action is a short, thrilling 500m sprint course: paddlers will loop anti-clockwise around the iconic Southmere Water Fountain, charge past the café, and power through to a fast finish at Southmere Watersports Centre.

You can take multiple runs throughout the evening — and your fastest time counts.

You don’t need your own boat or prior experience. In fact, we encourage you to try something new. Wild water racers, wavehoppers, slalom boats, general-purpose kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are all welcome. Equipment can be borrowed on the day, so all you really need is enthusiasm and a willingness to paddle.

One entry fee covers everything. Want to jump in a K1, then hop on a SUP, and finish the night with a C2 team sprint? Go for it. This is your chance to challenge yourself across multiple craft, compare times, and discover new favourites.

Team Runs – Assemble Your Dream Team of Three!
Grab two mates — or three C2s — and take on the Team Sprint Challenge. It’s fast. It’s wild. And it’s seriously good fun.

To qualify, all three paddlers or boats must finish within 15 seconds of each other. Your team’s time is based on the last paddler across the line — so it’s all about coordination and teamwork.

Not in a team? Don’t worry. Talk to one of our coaches on the day — we’ll help you join or form a team, pairing beginners, developing paddlers, and experienced racers so everyone gets a chance to shine.

Win the Team Trophy – or just enjoy the ride and soak up the cheers.

On the Day:
Facilities include changing rooms, showers, toilets, and secure areas for bags. The Thamesmead Social café, just next door, will be open for drinks, snacks, and warm food — all served with a lakeside view of the action.

Coaches and volunteers will be on hand throughout, offering support, encouragement, and water safety cover.

Become the Legacy!
This isn’t just the start line of a race — it’s the beginning of a paddling future in Thamesmead.

By taking part in this first event, you’re helping to shape a new local hub for paddlesport. A place where newcomers and athletes, families and clubs, can come together on the water — year after year.

So come along. Try something new. Be part of something big.

Be bold. Shape the story. Become the legacy.
Fees: Senior (£): 6 U18 (£): 6
Entries On The Day: Late entries on the day are accepted
Late Entry Surcharge (£): 0
Single Event Membership: Yes, Single Event Membership entry is accepted
Payment Details: Entry Fee: £6 per paddler (includes all classes – enter as many as you like!)
Payment: Cash or Direct Debit on the day
Pre-registration & Questions: thamesmead@thesharks.org.uk
Online Entries Close: 17/09/2025 23:00