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Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre (SBOAC) is a unique, riverside charity in East London. In 1976, local parents and community leaders had the vision and determination to start the transformation, from what was a derelict dock into an Outdoor Centre on Shadwell Basin.

With access to the fast-moving water of the River Thames, the Centre has the ideal conditions to provide both safe and adventurous water sports for people of all abilities. On dry land we offer High Ropes, Climbing, Mountain Biking and Orienteering.

These experiences create opportunities for individuals to push boundaries, explore their emotions and develop their values. As well as creating a healthy lifestyle, individuals experience enjoyment, fun and friendship, while developing skills in leadership, teamwork, confidence building, peer assistance, risk assessment and decision making. These build into opportunities for employment and volunteering in the outdoor and adventure industry, as well as young leadership and coach training, encompassing internal and national accreditation.

In an area that is currently ranked as having the highest local authority child poverty rate in the UK (56%), it is more important than ever that the Centre continues to provide high quality activities at an 80% subsidy so that all local young people, whatever their circumstances, are able to take part.

We are proud of our commitment to inclusion, helping children with disabilities access a wide range of outdoor adventurous activities. We can support most needs at Shadwell Basin, including autism, sight-impaired children and wheelchair-users, and have fully qualified and trained staff who work with specialised and adapted equipment to provide a fun and safe environment for everyone.

As a charity, our small team of staff and trustees are responsible for securing all of our annual operating budget. This has become increasingly challenging because of the economic climate we are operating in. However your help will enable us to continue and grow our work that remains vital to the local community.

“Under the watchful eye of enthusiastic, competent and kind instructors my son is really enjoying himself and feeling a great sense of accomplishment. All this in the heart of the City; a fantastic way to experience London.”

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