Ever seen people taking to London waters by paddle? Or even done it yourself? If the answer to any of the above is yes, then you’ll fall under one of two categories: that looks fun, or this is fun.
Whichever space you find yourself in, you’ll no doubt be itching to ‘jump on a paddle’ in the coming summer months, and you can do so in the name of a very good cause at the end of this month. The Big Paddle cleanup is taking to Limehouse Basin, and you can join the community in helping to protect the local environment as we head into the warm season.
The Big Paddle Cleanup
Take to the waters on May 25 as The Big Paddle returns for its third year in collaboration with Decathlon, who will provide rentals on kayak and paddleboards for the event, which is run with Planet Patrol in partnership with Paddle UK.
A space at the cleanup costs just £5, which includes the cost of equipment, and all proceeds will go towards the environmental non-profit Planet Patrol. There are two sessions running on May 25, with the first at 9am-12pm, and the second between 3-6pm.
Upon arrival, those taking part in cleaning up Limehouse Basin on a paddle will register and be welcomed to the group, before receiving a detailed safety instruction and warmup. Then, the paddle cleanup, which lasts around 90 minutes, will commence, before the eventual data is recorded and the session is wrapped up. You’ll record the litter you collect on the Planet Patrol app, taking it down by type, amount, and location, as well as testing the water quality for different pollutants to help gauge the health of the water in the area.
Everyone in attendance will receive a water testing kit; paddle boards; buoyancy aids; paddles; clean up kits; gloves; and, crucially, a lovely goody bag to take home with them. It’s recommended that those taking part should wear light clothing and packs a waterproof jacket with some spares along the way, as well as the essentials such as water, suncream and insect repellent.
The benefit to a day out on the board here means two things: heightened endorphins and a connection to the community for you; shinier waters and a spring clean for Limehouse Basin. A fair, beneficial trade-off all around.
Anyone taking part in the Big Paddle Cleanup will meet at Poplar Union, 2 Cotall Street, E14 6TL. You can sign up here to book your place and find out more about what is needed on the day of the cleanup at Limehouse Basin.