Inspired by the Jubilee Pageant, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of the 1000 boats that had graced the Thames as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Exactly a week later I found myself on the shores of Chelsea at Kayaking London HQ, ready to embark on a trip up the Thames.

Our trip was led by Harry and Katy from Kayaking London who first gave us a very informative briefing on safety, including how to paddle and what to expect. They then kitted us out in life jackets and waterproofs before I and six other people set off on our own pageant in double kayaks.

The tour would take us past many of London’s iconic sites including the Battersea Power Station, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge, before heading back again.

Many of the others on the trip had no kayaking experience but with tips from Katy along the way the soon picked it up. Harry was a fountain of knowledge, telling us some great facts about London and pointing out sites including a miniature St Paul’s Cathedral which sits on Vauxhall Bridge and can only be seen from the river. It was a fantastic four hour round trip (with a much needed lunch half way) and such a great way to see London and to really see some of London’s best kept secrets.

For more information, and to book a tour, go to Kayaking London’s website