The River Thames is big and beautiful and has a special place in the heart of every Londoner, but when it comes to white water rafting, it just doesn't cut it.
Though the currents in the Thames can get strong at times, the rush of the river hardly reaches speeds worthy of slinging a helmet on, throwing a raft in, and riding the waves (or more likely, ripples).
So what's a white water rafting addict to do?
Well, on the 22nd of April, you'll be pleased to know that just north of the capital, in Waltham Cross, the all new Lee Valley
White Water Centre will be opening.
And here's something extra special – if you do go there and hit the rapids, you'll be getting two thrills for the price of one, as this place will be the host venue for several
water-based Olympic events in 2012. How about that? Riding on an Olympic course even before the actual competitors have a go.
Set in the picturesque River Lee Country Park, the White Water Centre offers a number of options when it comes to using its state-of-the-art facilities.
The cheapest ride, the 'White Water Rafting Adventure', comes in at £49 and entails 300 metres of stomach churning twists and turns. You actually get four goes, so it's more like 1200 metres.
White Water Rafting and Refuel' costs £54 and gets you a meal and drink at the centre's cafe bar.
If you've got eight buddies or colleagues that are up for this kind of thing, then for £441 you can charter your own raft. On top of that, you'll be entitled to £50 worth of food and drink at the cafe bar.
White Water Rafting Super Wednesdays' costs £540 and allows you to charter two rafts, so you can have two teams competing against each other. Who'll take the gold medal?
The cost includes all appropriate safety gear as well as important safety lessons, provided by your raft guide.
The only requirements are that you are over 14 years old and under 18 stone. Oh, and do remember to take along your swimming gear and a towel. You're going to get very wet.
