Islington Boat Club

Islington Boat Club offers a range of activities and courses for adults and young people. We are situated in the City Road Basin, entered via Graham Street, London N1 8JX.

An RYA approved training centre and staffed with Canoe England registered instructors, we offer many accredited courses for all ages over nine years.

We currently have an open access Youth Club on Saturdays (11am to 4pm).
 Please check out our events calendar or Facebook page for updates and news of events.

We can also offer narrow boat hire and event space hire for birthdays, receptions, private parties, corporate events and much more.

<h2>Please refer to the programme for the specific activity.</h2>If the weather is bad we will organise activities inside or a narrowboat trip if possible.The programme will be emailed out at the start of each half term, there are also printed copies available via the club. <h2>General Instructions</h2>We strongly advise that mobile phones and electronic gadgets are not taken out on the water, we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage if this advice is disregarded. <h2>What to bring</h2><ul><li>Water bottle -We have an external water fountain available where necessary. For ease, please bring a personal bottle of water for drinking before and after the session.</li><li>Sunscreen and a hat for hot weather or dress warmly in multiple thin layers if cold and bring a woolly hat.</li><li>On-water clothing: shorts or leggings/joggers and T-shirt during warmer months or a jumper and lightweight warm trousers for colder weather conditions. Avoid heavy cotton materials if possible as this encourages the lowering of body temperature.</li><li>Wet shoes or old trainers. No crocs or flip flops. Inadequate footwear will result in participant/s being unable to take part in activities</li><li>Towel, body wash products and full change of clothes including socks and underwear.</li><li>A plastic bag to keep wet clothes after the session</li></ul>

CONCESSION

The activity:An adult only kayaking session on Regents Canal, starting in the City Road Basin.All levels are welcome, if you are a non-swimmer please let your instructor know. Please complete a registration form here:https://app.plinth.org.uk/schema-form/D8NrkdAJQQjqKF57nstE? All equipment is provided, it's best to arrive wearing your paddling gear (if possible). Loose, light layers. Covered, old shoes, no crocs, flip-flops or open toe sandals!Bring a full change of clothes, including some dry shoes and a towel. We have a water fountain but please bring your own bottle. Any questions, please email darren@islingtonboatclub.com

Upperdecker

Adult return

Islington Resident

Thank you for booking. All subscriptions help towards the youth club.If you have any questions please email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:darren@islingtonboatclub.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(35, 102, 132); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">darren@islingtonboatclub.com</a>

A full day with British Canoeing qualified instructors. Un-supervised lunch at 1pm to 1pm - please note this is an Open Access session which means the young people can go off site if they choose. All equipment is provided.Suggested paddling gear - loose layers -shorts/leggingst-shirt/sweatshirtclosed in shoes (trainers, deck shoes) NO crocs, flip-flops or open toed sandals. Bring a full change of clothes, including shoes and a towel..

FREE

By booking with us you are helping to keep our youth club open to young people in Islington!Thank you.

<h2>Course description</h2>The one-day, RYA Diesel Engine course is perfect for beginners, taking you through ways to prevent and solve diesel engine failure.Most engine problems can be solved by taking simple precautions, and you don’t need a detailed mechanical knowledge. Find out how your engine works, how to keep it healthy by doing basic checks and maintenance procedures, and how to get it started again in the event of a breakdown.<h2> </h2>Course length1 dayCourse format and contentThis course is based in a classroom.<ul><li>The four stroke cycle</li><li>Fuel</li><li>Cooling and air systems</li><li>Engine electrical systems</li><li>Spares and tool requirements</li><li>Winterisation</li><li>Servicing&nbsp;</li></ul> Required experienceNoneMinimum age16

RYA multiple discount

Thanks so much for booking the litterpick. Pls turn up approx 5 mins before the event (we are often offsite so don't come too early). PLEASE wear old clothes and trainers or beach shoes. It is recommended that you do not wear jeans. It is essential that you bring some spare clothes to change into just in case you are unlucky and get damp on the session. Looking forward to seeing you, Nicola

Come and help us litterpick from a paddleboard or on foot from the towpath. This is a great way to help clean up City Road Basin and the Regent's Canal. It's also an amazing way to have a free paddleboard session (beginners and experts are all welcome). If you are a beginner please let us know on the booking form. We prefer to keep this for adults only (18+), but if you want to accompany a child please email Nicola in advance of booking on sup@islingtonboatclub.com Litterpicking is strangely addictive, great fun and a wonderful way to give back to nature and the community. Please wear old clothes suitable for paddling (eg, layers). You must wear shoes - old trainers or beach shoes are ideal. Please also bring a spare set of clothing just in case you get wet. If you are an influencer or cannot be parted from your phone ideally buy or borrow a waterproof phone case before the session. We do supply buoyancy aids if you are on the water as well as litterpicks, gloves and trugs (bag) so you don’t need to touch any nasties. We have a changing room with showers, toilets etc but we don't recommend you bring valuables on site. If you do we can lock them away. Thank you to Active Thames for funding our community litterpicks from January to July. Any Qs send to sup@islingtonboatclub.com

Enjoy a chill 90mins from 6.30-8.00pm to unwind and relax on the water. WINTER (OCT-MARCH) Please only book if you know how to paddleboard and can stand up confidently. The air and water temperature is cold so please dress in layers (warmly) with waterproof footwear and please bring a change of warm clothes just in case you slip in. We supply a buoyancy aid and head torch, but you are welcome to bring your own lights too. FROM APRIL This is a chance to learn how to paddleboard and an opportunity to tune into nature on Regent’s Canal. Especially suitable for anyone wanting to destress. Maximum number 8 (at least 3 must book) Leaders: Nicola Baird

Thank you for booking. Your booking is supporting our youth club.

The activity:An adult only kayaking session on Regents Canal, starting in the City Road Basin.All levels are welcome, if you are a non-swimmer please let your instructor know. All equipment is provided, it's best to arrive wearing your paddling gear (if possible). Loose, light layers. Covered, old shoes, no crocs, flip-flops or open toe sandals!Bring a full change of clothes, including some dry shoes and a towel. We have a water fountain but please bring your own bottle. Any questions, please email darren@islingtonboatclub.com

Resident discount

Wednesday sessions are now reserved for training.For general youth club sessions please choose Tuesdays or Saturdays. All equipment is provided.Please make sure you have completed a Plinth registration form<a href="https://app.plinth.org.uk/schema-form/rohddBT0vNIy12cX76eZ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(41, 119, 153);">https://app.plinth.org.uk/schema-form/rohddBT0vNIy12cX76eZ</a>?You only need to do this once a year.The session is Open Access which means the young...&nbsp;<a href="https://islingtonbc.bookwhen.com/schedules/j8ic1peb83vs?options%5Bcalendar%5D=j8ic1peb83vs&amp;options%5Bcontext%5D=schedule&amp;options%5Bexpand_courses%5D=false&amp;options%5Blast_date%5D=2025-02-21&amp;options%5Boffset%5D=0&amp;options%5Bstart_time%5D=2025-01-01#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(41, 119, 153);">[Show more]</a>Level: Beginner, Intermediate &amp; AdvancedLeaders: darren@islingtonboatclub.com <h3>Instructions</h3>Wear loose layers - shorts/leggings; tshirt/jumper; flat shoesPlease bring a full change of clothes including shoes, towel and toiletries if you want to shower afterwards.In hot weather: sunhat, sunscreen and a water bottle.In cold weather: warm hat, extra layers, waterproofs if you have them.IBC will not accept liability for damage to or loss of personal property so please do not bring valuable items or wear expensive clothing to the club.

Wednesday sessions are now reserved for training. Only those with permission to attend the training sessions can book. For general youth club sessions please choose Tuesdays or Saturdays. All equipment is provided.Please make sure you have completed a Plinth registration form<a href="https://app.plinth.org.uk/schema-form/rohddBT0vNIy12cX76eZ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(41, 119, 153);">https://app.plinth.org.uk/schema-form/rohddBT0vNIy12cX76eZ</a>?You only need to do this once a year.The session is Open Access which means the young...&nbsp;<a href="https://islingtonbc.bookwhen.com/schedules/j8ic1peb83vs?options%5Bcalendar%5D=j8ic1peb83vs&amp;options%5Bcontext%5D=schedule&amp;options%5Bexpand_courses%5D=false&amp;options%5Blast_date%5D=2025-02-21&amp;options%5Boffset%5D=0&amp;options%5Bstart_time%5D=2025-01-01#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(41, 119, 153);">[Show more]</a>Level: Beginner, Intermediate &amp; AdvancedLeaders: darren@islingtonboatclub.com <h3>Instructions</h3>Wear loose layers - shorts/leggings; tshirt/jumper; flat shoesPlease bring a full change of clothes including shoes, towel and toiletries if you want to shower afterwards.In hot weather: sunhat, sunscreen and a water bottle.In cold weather: warm hat, extra layers, waterproofs if you have them.IBC will not accept liability for damage to or loss of personal property so please do not bring valuable items or wear expensive clothing to the club.

Thank you for supporting Islington Boat Club

The Inland Waterways Helm course is designed for those wanting to cruise the UK's and Europe's network of lakes, rivers and canals. It deals specifically with the requirements of the inland boater, whether they be a narrow boat owner or cruiser enthusiast. It assumes no prior knowledge and so is ideal for the first timer, yet the more seasoned boater will learn plenty of tricks of the trade and tips to make their boating safer and more enjoyable. Courses take place over two days and can be taken either on a centre's boat or your own.The minimum age to take this course is 12 years old, however, before you book a course check with the training centre that their boat is suitable.

RYA discount 10%

RYA Inland Waterways Helm Course (weekday)

Thank you for booking. See you on the water soon. This is the only reminder for our paddleboard and kayak Paddle Angel sessions so remember it's tuesday fortnightly on 21 April, 5 May, 19 May, 2 June, 16 June, 30 June, 14 July. Time is 2-4pm. Please wear clothes for going on the water. No jeans! You'll need shoes, bare feet are not OK for watersports in Regent's Canal. Ideally bring old trainers or beach shoes. If you plan to borrow our shoes bring some extra socks. And just in case you fall in pls bring some dry clothes to change into.

PRIVATE fortnightly paddle on tuesdays for the Paddle Angel crew only. This session is funded by Active Thames and run at Islington Boat Club. We have six spaces for paddleboards and 12 for kayaks. Swaps possible during our time on the water. Just go ahead and book and we'll sort it out on the day. Please only book if you are from Better Lives or Healthy Minds Healthy Bods and have discussed paddling with Alison or Lawrence. Please arrive on time for 2.30pm. On the water you will need to wear exercise clothes - leggings, shorts, Tshirt and maybe another layer. No jeans. You must wear shoes as the canal bottom is full of sharp items. Beach shoes or old trainers are ideal. If you need to borrow our old trainers bring extra socks. If it's hot wear a hat. Because you might fall in on these fun paddles please also bring a spare set of clothes, just in case. We will provide a windproof kayak (coat) if you need it and a bouyancy aid.

Islington Boat Club

AOB Senior Club - MEMBERS ONLY

Adult Club Friday evenings

Youth Club Full Day SATURDAY

Diesel Engine Maintenance Course

Litterpick from paddleboards

AOB Junior Club - MEMBERS ONLY

Relaxing SUP

Adult Club Tuesday Lunch-time

Youth Club Tuesdays

Youth Wednesdays TRAINING

RYA Inland Waterways Helm Course (weekday)

Paddle Angel afternoons 2026