SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers April 2014 lo-res free to read | Page 47

At points it was so shallow I actually had to
get off my board and walk – even the
fisherman said this is unusual for this time
of year. With lower water levels come more
technical runs. The rapids were challenging,
channels were narrow and I had to be quick.
Another 500 CFS and that run would be an
ideal stretch for those wanting to get into
white water SUP.

Getting to it
The River Dee, a class I-II and
recognised as one of the most scenic
rivers in Scotland, was first on my list.
Thirty miles upstream I began gearing
up, excited for my first SUP in Scotland.
Before my board was on the water I had
an audience of 10 people leaning over
the bridge with inquisitive looks, trying
to figure out what this wee girlie was
about to do with her surfboard.

Out and about

I attempted to explain but was met with
confusion and a bit of concern. It was
apparent they thought I was crazy. As I
paddled away I received a heartfelt
farewell; hands were waving and words
of encouragement flowed as I began my
adventure.

While waiting for rain (it’s usually the other
way round! – Ed) we found some more
touristy things to do. I was lucky to catch a
cultural Scottish gem – the Highland
Games. Bagpipes were played, kilts worn by
ninety percent of the men – it was a
fantastic display of Scottish culture. Before
long it was time to head north to Aviemore
where I took part in the Cairngorm
Adventure Triathlon.

First drops
The paddle started mellow, allowing me
to fully take in my surroundings.
Farmlands, quaint cottages, green mossy
rocks and bushy towering pine trees lined
the banks. I happened upon a few men
wading up to their knees, fishing poles in
hand, patiently waiting for a salmon to
float by. They were surprised to see me
but were all smiles and laughter.

Sunny days were filled with mountain
biking, coastal drives and beer!

River Tummel
The River Tummel is a river based on dam
release and there was a chance of catching
it at a nice level. The Tummel is located two
hours south west of Aberdeen flowing near
the charming little town of Aberfeldy. The
Lower Tummel is the section most
frequented by white water enthusiasts,
popular for commercial raft trips, river
bugging, kayaking and most recently stand
up paddling.
Graded as a class III ending in a class IV-V
drop, this one required a lot more planning
and a bit of guidance from the local
outfitter Splash Adventures who gladly
obliged to take me out and show me the
lines. Head guide Kevin was a spirited man
with a passion for white water as
pronounced as my own.
The layout allowed you to park at the take
out and walk just a quarter mile up the road
and down a foot path to the top of the run –
a short but action packed three mile
section.

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River bugging (?)
River bugging is the most
popular and unique activity
that Splash provides. Described
as a small floatation device
that closely resembles a ‘lazy
boy’ wearing webbed gloves you
navigate downstream using
your hands as paddles. This
seemed like the perfect way to
do a test run and get familiar
with the rapids.
Kevin explained where we
needed to be for the upcoming
rapid. He’d paddle the line and
be ready to catch me if I
overshot the eddy and went
floating off. Often, I found
myself paying more attention
to the beauty around me than
the water.
The river is surrounded b y
dense greenery making it feel
remote. Air was cool and moist,
the rocks that blanketed the
river bed and banks were
polished smooth from hundreds
of years of flowing water. It was
a river unlike any I had ever
paddled before – I was stunned
and itching to get on my board.