How Islington Boat Club Is Helping Young People Find Confidence Through Water

For many young people growing up in London, opportunities to feel confident, capable and connected can be hard to come by. Busy streets, limited green space and increasing pressures on mental wellbeing mean that safe, supportive environments are more important than ever.

At Islington Boat Club, we believe the water can be a powerful place for change.

Confidence Starts With New Experiences

Stepping into a kayak for the first time can feel daunting and that’s exactly why it works. Learning to paddle, balance and move confidently on the water gives young people a tangible sense of achievement.

With every session, they discover:

• “I can try something new.”

• “I can learn new skills.”

• “I can overcome challenges.”

Those small wins on the canal often translate into bigger boosts in confidence beyond the water, whether it be at school, at home or in everyday life.

A Safe Space to Grow

Islington Boat Club has been supporting young people for over 50 years. As a community-focused charity, we provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where young people can be themselves.

Our experienced instructors and youth workers focus on more than just paddling technique. Sessions are designed to encourage:

• Teamwork and communication

• Resilience and problem-solving

• Respect for others and the environment

For many young people, the club becomes a place where they feel listened to, supported and valued, sometimes for the first time.

Learning Life Skills on the Water

Watersports naturally teach important life skills. Kayaking and canoeing require focus, patience and cooperation. Young people learn how to support one another, take responsibility for equipment and stay calm under pressure.

These skills build self-belief and independence which are qualities that help young people navigate challenges both on and off the water.

Opening Doors in the Heart of London

One of the most powerful things about Islington Boat Club is where it’s located. Right on Regent’s Canal, we bring water-based opportunities directly into the city, removing barriers that often stop young people from accessing outdoor activities.

Through partnerships with schools, youth groups and local organisations, we work with young people from a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring that watersports and wellbeing are accessible to all.

More Than a Session - A Sense of Belonging

For many of the young people we work with, Islington Boat Club becomes more than just an activity. It’s a community. A place to make friends, build trust and feel part of something positive.

That sense of belonging can be life-changing.

Looking Ahead

Every paddle stroke represents growth in confidence, resilience and self-esteem. By giving young people the chance to experience the water in a supportive setting, we’re helping them build skills that last long after they step off the canal.

If you’d like to support our youth work, take part in a session or learn more about how Islington Boat Club is making a difference, visithttps://www.islingtonboatclub.com/.

Together, we’re helping young people find confidence one paddle at a time.