Islington Boat Club coaches Sam, Neil and Meghan

DOZENS of paddle-boards and kayaks could be spotted over the weekend as Islington Boat Club welcomed community groups onto the water.

It was the first time on Regent’s Canal for many members of the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants, St Luke’s Community Centre, and Muslim Welfare House.

Nicola Baird, a paddleboard coach who organised the event, said: “It was really fun on the day helping people try out kayaks, paddleboards and our fleet of canoes.

The beautiful setting on the waterway

“Our visitors, old and young, learnt to paddle and enjoyed seeing the coots and Egyptian Geese babies.”

She added: “I met several groups of ladies who were having the best time as they discovered how to canoe or paddleboard.

“Lots of mums and dads also had the chance to paddle with their children giving City Road Basin a real holiday vibe.”

As the weather heats up, Islington Boat Club is encouraging youngsters to try out some watersports, with sessions running on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and during the holidays.