2018 - The Big Ben Challenge

Sunday, September 23, 2018 10:00 (GMT+1)

Event info
Sport: Paddling - SUP
Location: London, United Kingdom
Registration closes: Saturday, September 22, 2018 23:59 (GMT+1)
Organized by: Active360
Event website: https://www.facebook.com/BigBenChallenge/
Event notes

The Big Ben Challenge


By joining this event you are declaring your ability to paddle 20km in variable conditions (not flat water), potentially into a headwind and for a distance against a gentle tidal current in under 4 hours. If you have a disability or medical condition which may affect your ability to complete the course please provide details.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are mandatory, either the traditional "jacket" or of the pull-cord inflating belt type.

Active360 will make a limited number of boards available to hire for the event at £25. These will mostly be 11'6, 12'6 boards and a few 4 meter boards. You will be able to pick up your board up on the day but These do all need to be booked and paid for in advance.

Conditions should be good as its a Thames Barrier closure day so there will be a weak flood tide in the afternoon but in the morning there's likely to be a moderate ebb current unless there is high rainfall in the weeks leading up to the event.

We are being cautious and warning people it could be choppy but at low tide the Thames is usually manageable even through central London. I've been through at high tide a few times now and its quite full on with wash and chop bouncing around but at low tide the wash dissipates quickly.

The Thames has become one of the cleanest rivers to run through a major city. However it can become polluted after heavy rainfall when sewage reaches the river through combined sewage outflows and sewage releases. We will monitor this and advise if risks are increased. In the event of a severe risk the event would be cancelled. In our experience it is rare for paddle boarders or kayakers to be affected by this so it does not affect our enjoyment of the river.

A map of the proposed route is available here
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