On March 22nd, 2026, Dittons Paddle Boarding Club embarked on our fourth Safari of the year, an unforgettable adventure along the Jubilee River, led by our recently qualified Paddlesport Leader and longstanding club member, Eva. Her dedication in preparing a route plan and conducting a thorough risk assessment paid off as eight club members and two newcomers gathered for this unique paddling experience on a stretch of water none of us had explored before.

The Jubilee River serves as more than just a waterway; it is a man-made channel which is a vital component of the region’s flood defence system.

Designed to alleviate pressure on the River Thames during heavy rainfall, this channel helps redirect excess water, ensuring that local neighborhoods including Maidenhead, Windsor and Eton remain safe from potential inundation.

Named in honor of Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ’s Silver Jubilee. The Jubilee Relief Channel is a testament to engineering ingenuity, designed to accommodate high volumes of water while preserving the natural landscape.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS:

Parking was a bit of a challenge, with runners and walkers filling the area, but we managed to navigate “car park Tetris” and find spaces, carpooling where possible. As we pumped our boards, we eagerly flipped through our freshly received copy of “Paddle London”, a book that highlighted our planned route and featured many of our club members.

Arriving at the launch point, Eva gathered the group for a briefing, setting the stage for what promised to be a magical day. The morning air was crisp, with fog rising from the water, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

The Jubilee Relief Channel is not navigable by boats, allowing us to spread out across its wide expanse. This rare opportunity to paddle freely, without the concern of river traffic, felt liberating.

AN IDYLLIC PADDLE:

As we meandered along, we glided under two bridges, engaging in light-hearted conversations and capturing the moment with photographs. Our journey led us to Manor Farm Weir, where we all helped each other egress from the water and portage to our relaunch point below. The view from the river was spectacular, with sunlight breaking through the fog as we continued our adventure.

Approaching the Jubilee Riverside Centre, we observed people learning to row in the idyllic setting. As much as we love our base at The Albany; we couldn’t help but wish our club had access to such wonderful facilities for teaching newcomers.

After piling our boards out of the way of passing runners and walkers, we struck up a conversation with the friendly staff at the Riverside Centre, who graciously allowed us to use their facilities.

A WELL-DESERVED PICNIC:

Picnic blankets were laid out, and layers were shed as a delightful array of snacks appeared – mostly thanks to Eva’s giant dry bag! We basked in the sunshine, enjoying food, drinks, laughter, and reminiscing about past trips while flipping through “Paddle London” to plan our next adventures.

When it was time to head back, we set off, recharged and excited. With the flow set at around 10 cumecs, we barely noticed any difference paddling upstream – a refreshing novelty for our group.

CONCLUSION:

The Jubilee Relief Channel, while primarily a flood management system, offered us an enchanting escape, showcasing the beauty of our local environment whilst sadly also highlighting mankind’s propensity to litter their environment  😥

Beyond its primary function as a flood relief mechanism, the Jubilee Relief Channel also supports local wildlife. The banks of the channel are lined with native vegetation, providing habitats for birds, insects, and other species. This biodiversity contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.

Our paddling on the Jubilee River was not just an endeavor in sport; it was a celebration of community, nature, and the joy of exploration.

As we returned to the launch point, we felt grateful for the experience and the bonds formed on the water. The Jubilee Relief Channel, with its serene landscapes and vibrant wildlife, is a reminder of the importance of preserving such spaces not just for flood management, but for the joy of paddlers and nature lovers alike.

We can’t wait for our next adventure, and we hope to see more paddlers join us along this magical stretch of water when we no doubt will return!

Join us in April on Safari to the River Medway or The Thames at Henley. Read more about our weekly Thursday evening Social paddles and our Safaris HERE!

Or check out our FULL CALENDAR to find an activity to suit you.