Jan Dorling

In the hustle and bustle of London life, it can be easy to feel stressed, anxious or disconnected. What if the solution didn’t require a gym membership, a prescription, or hours of planning, just some time on the water? At Islington Boat Club , we’ve seen firsthand how kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and other water-based activities can have a profound effect on mental wellbeing. 1. The Calm of “Blue Space” Researchers call time spent near or on water “blue space” and for good reason....

Leadership isn’t just about giving instructions or being the loudest voice in the room. Some of the most powerful leadership skills are learned quietly through listening, adapting and working alongside others. At Islington Boat Club , kayaking offers a unique way to explore leadership in action. On the water, titles disappear, roles shift and teamwork becomes essential. Leadership Starts With Awareness When you’re in a kayak, awareness matters. You need to pay attention to your...

Canoeing can look intimidating if you’ve never tried it before. For many people, a few common myths are enough to put them off completely. At Islington Boat Club , we hear these misconceptions all the time and we’re here to set the record straight. If you’ve ever been curious about getting on the water, here are five of the biggest canoeing myths busted. Myth 1: You Need to Be Super Fit The truth: Canoeing is for all fitness levels. You don’t need upper-body strength or athletic experience...