For many years we at 8th Holborn have hosted the regular District Paddle Sports Camp which takes place in alternate years at Longridge on the Thames at Marlow.

This year we were forced to switch to ‘plan B’ after an exceptionally wet winter in the Thames Valley meant that the campsite had been flooded twice in recent months, and conditions on the Thames were such that ‘red boards’ advising against boating activity are still in force.

Fortunately the Dockland Scout Project came to our rescue, so five Scout troops took part in a weekend of canoeing, kayaking and katakanu paddling in and around West India Docks.

After building up our skills on Saturday, the second day saw participants set off on a longer paddle around the docks, visiting Millwall Sailing Club and the Museum of London Docklands.

On Saturday there was also the opportunity to learn some rope-related skills that are useful for seafaring of all kinds.