Welcome to
Regatta London
Central London - 29 September 2019
Kayak, Canoe, Paddle board
12 miles or row 14 miles through the heart of london
Iconic & unique experience;
no other boats and stopping the tide
Celebrate the river and the environment through sport
Help raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for amazing charities
Why Regatta London?
Race it or take on a personal challenge. It’s you versus the River Thames.
For one amazing day, kayaking, canoeing, rowing and paddle boarding will take over the River Thames to be centre stage in the world’s greatest city. This pioneering event will fundraise for great causes, connect sport with the environment and inspire thousands of people from across the country to take up paddle sports.
Two iconic routes are available, based on the level of experience - The London Crossing (starting near Hammersmith and finishing in Greenwich), and The Big Ben Challenge (looped course from Putney to Big Ben and back). Participants will get a unique experience, thanks to the planned test closure of the Thames Barrier.
A much-deserved celebration awaits all racers and challengers at the finishes, alongside amazing charities, our partners and the environmental organisations who support Regatta London.
Route
The River Thames, the world famous waterway, will finally fully open up to paddle sport! On Sunday 29 September the river will be turned from one of the roughest stretches of inland water to the calmest, with the planned closure of the Thames Barrier. Our two routes (the Big Ben and London Crossing) will take in iconic London landmarks including Battersea Power Station and the Houses of Parliament, and for those on the London Crossing, the London Eye, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge and the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. This is a unique chance to take over the River Thames with us as we close the river to all traffic, making Regatta London truly an event like no other.
Environment
Regatta London is founded by Tideway, the company building the Thames Tideway Tunnel ‘super sewer’ to help tackle sewage pollution in the River Thames. The 25km tunnel, currently under construction from west to east London, will help protect the river for future generations, protect the wildlife that lives there and improve the conditions for paddlers. Paddlers are the next most closely affected community, often participating on polluted water ways.
The event is a unique opportunity to celebrate improving environmental standards and investment into London's largest natural space. It will set the highest levels of sustainability.
Fundraising
Regatta London has three headline charity partners:
Thames21 empowers communities to fight plastic, pollution and climate change impacts, reconnect with nature and bring London’s rivers back to life; London Youth Rowing provide opportunities for young people from across the Capital to experience the benefits of indoor and on water rowing and Mates in Mind support employers to start the conversation on mental health, challenging the taboo and improving cultures across UK work places.
These charities, along with our other charity partners, enable Regatta London to thrive and help make a difference. Take up the challenge and support one of our many great charities partners which can be found on the charities page.
Select An Activity
Kayak / Canoe
The London Crossing – A 12 mile route, targeted at the more experienced paddler. The race classes are K1, K2, K4 and C2. To allow the river to re-open, strict cut-off times will be in place.
The Big Ben – Your chance to truly challenge yourself and paddle 12 miles on this iconic waterway. A more relaxed experience with less pressure on timings (cut-off times will still apply), this a looped course from Putney to Big Ben and back.
Entry for both the London Crossing and the Big Ben is via general public entry or please visit the charity page and fundraise for one of our amazing partners.
For more information on where you can train, please visit British Canoeing or Go Paddling.
Rowing
TheThe first Regatta London will be limited to eights, a maximum of three crews per club in this fourteen mile challenge. This event is for everybody, with male, female and mixed categories. There is a trophy for the first mixed crew. All must be capable of the full distance and have an experienced cox.
Rowing clubs can apply for a general public place, otherwise please visit the charity page and fundraise for one of our amazing partners. We welcome seniors, masters and 16+ junior.
For more information on where you can train, please visit British Rowing.
Paddle Boarding
The London Crossing – For the first Regatta London, this is an invitational race restricted to elite/experienced paddle boarders. If you'd like to be considered for this event please email info@regatta.london
The Big Ben – Your chance to truly challenge yourself and paddle 12 miles on this iconic waterway. A more relaxed experience with less pressure on timings (cut off times will still apply), this is a looped course from Putney to Big Ben and back.
Entry for the Big Ben is via general public entry or please visit the charity page and fundraise for one of our amazing partners.
For more information on where you can train, please visit GBSUP or Go Paddling.
Partners
