For our 2nd Safari of 2026 we revisited London’s Limehouse Loop for a second time. This Safari had proved so popular when we last paddled it back in 2024 and when Anu offered to lead us again we just couldn’t resist! This time we planned to extend our route to include the Olympic Park and paddle the loop in the opposite direction. We’d also found a great place to park right next to the canal which encouraged those who don’t like to pump up manually, carry all their gear around 8 locks or travel on public transport to join us.

Eight Dittons Paddle Boarding Club members met Zoe, Tracy, Michelle, George and Maria (all non-members joining us for their first DPB Safari).

After introductions, a quick explanation of our route and a safety briefing from Anu we headed off eagerly to our launch point, keen to get to our first brief stop at Barge East which was just a short paddle and one portage away. There we’d be able to use the facilities, most of us having driven from Surrey – we were more than ready for a comfort break!

Once we were all suitably relieved we regrouped and paddled down to our second portage of the day at Old Ford Lock. The water levels were low so most of the group chose an extra long walk to the landing stage for an easier re-launch but one descended the ladder to save walking.

Continuing on we chatted and shared paddling stories with new and old friends and stopped for selfie’s as we passed by some iconic London landmarks including the London Stadium and the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

Along the way we learned many fascinating facts about the history of East London’s network of canals from our guide Anu. This route and many others feature in her brilliant new paddle guide book “Paddle London” which is being released in April 2026 and is available to pre-order now!

With a decent lock-free stretch ahead of us we paddled under road and rail bridges, soaking in the sights and sounds of London, impressed by the graffiti and urban landscapes which sat alongside wildlife living on the waterways.

Disembarking for a delicious and well-earned brunch at e5 Poplar Bakehouse partway down the Limehouse Cut we sat outside in the shadow of Canary Wharf.

Upon re-launching boards and paddles were freely swapped among the group. We enjoyed trailing each others kit on our way through Limehouse Basin before joining the Regent’s Canal and Hertford Union Canal.

This was a long and testing paddle for many of the group – with it’s copious portages and headwind in places. Some of us were at less than our usual peak paddle fitness, having been off the water over a long, wet and windy winter but the group pulled together, helping one another around the locks and encouraging everyone along when the going got tough.

Thanks to Anu for sharing her expert knowledge so generously with us and to everyone who made this day out so friendly and enjoyable.

We’re looking forward to our next Safari in Uxbridge on the Grand Union Canal in March – will you be joining us on this or one of our other Safaris & Socials?