Youth Club
From the beginning the Islington Boat Club has been devoted to giving Islington youth access to nature and water sports in the City Road Basin and beyond. We encourage all Islington youth to come join our club where you can make new friends, learn new skills and enjoy the outdoor activities that the boat club has been providing for more than 52 years.
What is it?
The youth club is a programme where almost 300 registered members engage in outdoor activities such as:
kayaking, swimming, narrowboating, bellboating, powerboating and mountain biking.
Our friendly staff are on hand to teach you and answer any questions.
How can I join the Youth Club?
Membership is free and only requires that you complete the online regostration form.
When
During school term:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm
Saturdays 11am to 4pm
The activities at the club
We have instructors on the water at all times who will help you with your paddling skills and take you on journeys around the basin and along the canal.
We also have powerboats and a narrowboat that will take you on trips along the canal or through the tunnel. On the land we have a club house barge that has games, movies and arts and crafts activities.
We also have a fleet of mountain bikes to take you on trips along the towpath. We also run regular off site trips such as climbing, water-skiing, go karting and Thorpe Park and longer residential trips. Keep checking in for details!
What training does the club offer to members?
We always have qualified instructors on the water who will help you and give tuition no matter what your level is. We also run accredited courses in kayaking, canoeing, powerboating, mountain biking, narrowboating, sailing and bell boating.
Facilities for people with disabilities
Our instructors work regularly with groups with disabilities and are happy to welcome you to the club. Access is across flat ground with no steps or ramps. The pontoons are flat and stable.
We have various craft in our fleet for you to try. We have a disabled toilet, but no lifting facilities. Please feel free to contact us with any queries or drop down and have a look for yourself.
Fully qualified staff
All instructors are qualified by Canoe England (British Canoeing), Royal Yachting Association and Mountain Bike Instructor Award schemes.
All staff are DBS checked and first aid trained. All youth workers have attended Islington’s mandatory training in child protection.
Cost
Youth Club Tues and Weds 5pm to 7pm - £5.00 per session
Youth Club *Saturday 11am to 4.00pm - £10.00 per session
Holiday projects £5 per two hour session. Morning or afternoon.
Annual membership is £100 and covers Youth Club and Holiday sessions.
*unsupervised lunch hour 1pm to 2pm.
FAQs
Where is Islington Boat Club?
Our address is 16-34 Graham Street, London, N1 8JX. Have a look at the map too.
How do I contact you?
We would love to see you at the club, so drop in; otherwise you can email us at: info@islingtonboatclub.com or call on 020 7253 0778.
What should I wear?
Wear loose fitting clothes, T-shirt, joggers/shorts/leggings, old trainers/pumps. Bring a full change of clothes including shoes. A towel and toiletries if you want to shower. Sunhat and sunscreen on summer days.
Do I need to be able to swim?
We recommend that you are able to swim 25m in light clothing and be comfortable in the water. You will be required to wear buoyancy aids at all times when near the water.
How old do I have to be to join the Youth Club?
We are open for 9-19 year olds.
When are you open?
Current youth club sessions are on the youth club page, also check Facebook for updates on opening times and information on trips and activities.
Can I bring a group of friends to paddle at the club?
We are a drop in youth club, so bring as many friends as you like.
Is it safe?
All staff are trained to national governing body standards in their chosen disciplines as well as being First Aid trained. All equipment is modern, high quality and inspected regularly.
Buoyancy aids must be worn at all time when near the water. All activities are risk assessed. A safety boat is left ready on all sessions.
Can I hire a boat from the club?
Sorry, we do not rent equipment.
Does the club provide private lessons?
We run sessions or accredited courses for groups-see our schools and groups section for details.
What sort of boats do you have?
We have a comprehensive fleet of boats including kayaks (river racers, slalom, play boats, polo, general purpose), canoes, bell boats, sailing boats, powerboats and a narrowboat. We also have mountain bikes and ergo machines.
Can I store a boat at the club?
We have limited storage at the club and so do not offer personal boat storage.
Can I leave my bicycle at the club?
Bicycles can be parked at the club during club opening hours, but at your own risk.
What is Weil’s disease?
If you are at all concerned about the very rare and easily treatable possibility of contracting Weil’s disease/leptospirosis from watersports, please see the literature on display at the club, consult a member of staff or refer to:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leptospirosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx