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It’s been one of the hottest July’s on record with temperatures rising well above those traditional tourist destinations of Spain & Greece (among others). Luckilly for me, I had back-to-back assignments at the beach. Not a beach in a traditional sense you understand- there will be no long drive ahead of me; no stuffy train journey or complicated commute- for the beach i’m heading to is right here in London town- The Royal Victoria Dock in Docklands- a stone’s throw from my own front door…

We started on the water’s edge for orientation as my journalist Vicki-Marie was introduced to SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding).

Once introduced to the equipment, she was instructed to paddle out on her knees to calmer waters.

Before attempting to stand up on the enormous board.

That look of elation on her face as she stands for the first time is well deserved- it’s a lot harder than it looks!

She settled into it very quickly almost instantly looking at ease on the board.

Before too long, she was paddling away like a pro darting past us at speed.

We headed towards the beautiful pedestrian footbridge in the middle of the dock.

Where I disembarked my vessel for some aerial shots.

We timed it to perfection just as the sun was setting behind us.

It was a mad dash to the top, but boy am I pleased I did it- What a view!

We headed back to shore & Vicki-Marie was bone dry!

Having worked with the lovely Vicki-Marie many times before, I should’ve known she’d be amazing at it. She is quite possibly the fittest person I know…

Hat’s off to her again- a week later, I had a go myself & got very, very wet falling in more than once!

It’s a whole heap of fun though. I’ll certainly be back on the water again very soon.

Crack of dawn the following morning, I was back on the cobbles a little further east at the London Regatta Centre, bang opposite London’s City Airport.

I’ve shot here a few times before as they host a number of events including the annual dragon boat festival, which is well worth a visit. It was a little less frenetic for this session shooting for the Evening Standard’s ‘Homes & Properties’ section whom have earmarked the docks as an up & coming hot spot (lovely!).

We started in the boathouse before heading out with the early morning rowers.

Before taking a short drive across the docks to the immaculately maintained Thames Barrier Park.

Then it was back to Royal Victoria Dock.

The WakeUpDocklands guys were back out again, this time a little speedier through the water for wakeboarding classes.

I rounded the stunning Siemens Crystal building.

Before inevitably ending up back at the beach…

Well I hope you’ve enjoyed my little tour of the eastend I know & love. I know my picture editors certainly did!

As both stories took pride of place on their respective covers:

Along with fantastic inside spreads.

ENJOY!

You can read the original articles in the Evening Standard’s ‘Homes & Properties’ section Here, as well as Vicki-Marie’s Health Feature which is in today’s Metro.

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My day-to-day snappery can be found on EyeEm. You can also follow my day-to-day activities on the Facebook & Twitter Channels…

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