Introduction to Paddle Sports

  • mixed

  • 2 days

  • Up to 2 people
  • pin

    Strontian, GB

  • calendar

    This is a 2 day activity

  • ticket-price
    From
    £375.00
    / adult
  • Description

    Explore and learn. Comfort and challenge. Open Canoe, Sea Kayak and Stand Up Paddle board!

    Discover the delights of at least two different environments as you receive tailored coaching from our local guides in these disciplines so you'll improve your skills and confidence faster than in one. This course is based from our own comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation in Strontian overlooking Loch Sunart.


    This course is a perfect opportunity to be involved in the planning of paddlesports adventures in a variety of environments - open sea, tidal or freshwater loch, and possibly a gentle white water river. Many paddling skills are transferable between disciplines; this course will draw upon experience in one to aid another and build the rounded foundations of paddle sport participation.

    Immersing yourself with two nights accommodation allows two full days of paddling and tailored coaching enabling you to develop faster. You can ask as many questions as you wish - discuss whatever aspects of paddling you'd like and find that you are exploring new environments with increasing levels of skill and confidence.

    We are operating from our own bed and breakfast accommodation, Otterburn. The main price is for one person in their own room for the duration of the course. In the 'Optional Extras' section, you will find prices for bringing a paddling or non-paddling partner to share your room and weekend with you.

    A cooked breakfast, or lighter alternative, is available both mornings whilst packed lunches are included on both paddling days. A home-cooked dinner is also provided on Friday evening, but you will be free to choose where to dine out on Saturday evening. We are more than happy to make a booking on your behalf at any of the local restaurants.

    The outline plan for the Introduction to Paddle Sport course is to spend one day in open canoes (solo and/or tandem) and one day in sea kayaks. The actual plan will be negotiated between the participants and the coach on Friday evening so you get the most from your time on the water.

    All specialist kayak and canoe equipment are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer as long as it is fit for purpose and your buoyancy aid is CE marked and less than five years old. There is an option to hire a drysuit for the course if the weather looks rough or you wish to push your skills a bit further and practice rescue techniques.


    What is included?



    Who will be coaching me?


    NB: Due to a limitation of the booking system, the start time shows as 10:00 on Saturday but accommodation and dinner are included on Friday night, so please arrive between 18:00 and 19:00. We also have a flexible finish time on Sunday between 14:00 and 16:00 to allow you time to travel home.

    Additional nights accommodation may be available at Otterburn B&B at a discounted rate if you would like to extend your stay. Please ask.




    Requirements

    The requirements for the Introduction to Paddle Sports course are relatively few. You should:

    1. be under 6'3" (190cm) and/or 16 stone (100kg) as you will not fit in our kayaks,
    2. have an above average level of fitness,
    3. have some experience of paddling, not necessarily in multi-disciplines,
    4. be 18 years or over.

    You may be asked to help move equipment and load trailers.

    Don't worry if you:

    1. lack experience in any (or all) disciplines
    2. or have a specific medical or dietary need.

    If any of these apply to you, or you have any questions about your suitability, then please get in touch with us before booking.




    What to bring
    1. Clothes for paddling appropriate to the the weather
    2. Casual clothes for morning/evening wear
    3. Sunhat
    4. Suncream & lip balm
    5. Sunglasses with retainer cord
    6. Gloves & beanie hat (if cold)
    7. Shoes to wear whilst kayaking (they will get wet)
    8. Reusable water bottle
    9. Flask if you prefer hot drinks during the day
    10. Snacks whilst paddling (optional)
    11. Personal medication
    12. Personal accident & possessions insurance
    13. Bank card/cash (evening meals are not included)
    Itinerary

    Arriving on Friday evening means we can all get to know each other and make a plan for the weekend based upon your needs as well as the weather and tides. Dinner will be served at Otterburn at 19:30.

    Broadly, there will be two full-days of paddling and coaching (Saturday and Sunday): one in open canoes and one in sea kayaks. How these days are structured is open and could be full-day journeys or shorter half-day, mixed-craft coaching sessions. It is really up to us to decide how the weekend will work.

    On Sunday afternoon/evening you will have a review with your coach where the aim will be to give you a mini-development plan to guide your future progression toward whatever goals you are aiming for.


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