My SUP Stories

Paddle London has been out in the world for a few months now. It’s been overwhelming. In a good way. I’ve loved seeing people buying the book, sharing it and, best of all, getting out on the water and trying the routes.

What I wasn’t prepared for was seeing my story and the book featured in so many places.

In the press

There have been articles about the book, urban paddling and some London routes, as well as a few more personal ones:

• AquaPaddle – London Calling
• Bloomsbury – Five Reasons to Paddle in London
• CanalsOnline Magazine – Author of the Season, Summer 2026
• OS Maps – Paddleboarding After Cancer
• OS Maps – Paddleboarding in East London: London Limehouse Loop
• OS Maps – Is Paddleboarding in London Easy?
• Paddle UK – Places to Paddle: London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Loop
• Paddle UK – Places to Paddle: Islington–Haggerston, London
• SUP Connect – New Guidebook Paddle London
• SUPtalk by Nicola Baird – Paddle London Book Review
• The Paddler Magazine – Jo Moseley’s Paddle London Book Review
• TotalSUP – Discover a new side of the capital by SUP with Anu Aladin’s debut book, Paddle London
• Waterways World Magazine – Pick Up a Paddle

“We feel inspired with confidence to get out and explore more of London.”

Anni Ridsdill Smith, Frangipani SUP

Last week, The Times mentioned me and Paddle London in an article about Londoners rediscovering the Thames. I wish I could have told my parents.

“A superb introduction to the city’s waterways for anyone tempted to explore them under their own steam.”

Amelia Saxena, Waterways World

Talking about Paddle London

I’ve had some brilliant opportunities to celebrate and share Paddle London. Two launch nights at Patch Twickenham kicked things off, one with the paddling community, another with friends and family. I’ve never felt so supported.

Speaking at Stanfords in Covent Garden was a dream come true. Alpkit Kingston hosted a wonderful evening during the heatwave and I joined Adventure Queens for an online chat from a hotel room in Copenhagen.

Podcasts took me completely out of my comfort zone:

• The BARCH Richmond Network – Anu’s Journey with Paddle London
• Thames Estuary Partnership – Talk of the Thames episode Paddle London, The Thames from the Water Level

Thank you

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me, bought Paddle London, left a review, shared it on social media, recommended it to a friend or simply sent me a message. I see them and really appreciate each one. Keep them coming.

Now I’d like to know what all those copies are actually doing out there.

Which routes have you tried so far?

I love hearing where people have been paddling.

If your group is coming to London for a paddle, give me a ping. I’m easily persuaded to join.

If you’re organising an event, online or in person, and would like me to come and talk about paddling in London, Paddle London, urban adventures or my story, get in touch. Any excuse to talk about paddling, really.