PADDLER 88
There are still a few parts of the Scottish coastline I ’ ve yet to experience and visit – it just offers so much . High on the bucket list for Scotland is to paddle out to the Flannan Isles to visit the lighthouse , which has a mysterious story attached . The remote island of Foula , west of Shetland , is one of the most remote inhabited places in the UK , which I ’ d love to paddle out to as well . Further afield , Patagonia and Chile are top of the list .
PADDLER 88
ARE THERE ANY LATEST DEVELOPMENTS , COURSES OR INITIATIVES AT GLENMORE LODGE WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ?
We continuously strive to create a course programme that provides great experiences for paddlers at all levels . Our sea kayak expeditions programme to different parts of Scotland ’ s world-class coastline continues to grow . For the open canoeist , we offer a new ‘ Scottish Rivers Tour ’ week , which aims to take in some of the best rivers the Highlands offers . A new range of SUP courses which allow paddle boarders to explore a range of environments in one week – loch , sea and river – and gain the skills to be safe and make good decisions is also proving popular . Off the water , too , we are expanding our range of online courses , with tidal planning evening sessions being well attended .
We pride ourselves on being a high-quality institution for gaining training and assessment in the full range of British Canoeing leadership and coaching qualifications . We have an extensive range of training courses throughout the year and are now offering more bespoke booking options for assessments at a time to suit the candidate . Paddlers can now contact us and set up a qualification pathway to suit them .
We also work closely with the Scottish Canoe Association to produce new digital content webinars and facilitate large-scale events such as the Club and Volunteer Conference , Paddlers with Pride , and the Student Safety Weekend .
WHAT GIVES YOU THE BIGGER BUZZ , WW KAYAKING , SEA KAYAKING , CANOEING OR SUP ? OR IS IT JUST ABOUT BEING ON THE WATER ?
I am often asked this question , and commonly reply – that it is like choosing my favourite family member – something I just can ’ t do ! I love the variety of experiences you get in different crafts . Steep creeking in a white water kayak and tide race play in a sea kayak provide an adrenaline rush . Multi-day open canoe expeditions travelling between environments in remote locations , utilising traditional skills , is a unique experience . The perspective you get from a SUP as you navigate a coastline is also fantastic . As I ’ ve said earlier – paddling really does have it all .
WHAT WILL THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR WHITE WATER KAYAKERS BE IN SCOTLAND THIS AUTUMN ?
As I write this , the autumn rains have now started to arrive , and the rivers are filling up and coming to life again . This opens up a much wider variety of runs that are slightly off the beaten track . The higher tributaries and steeper creeks start to come to life , and you can have bigger days paddling multiple rivers . Lesser travelled areas away from the common destination of Lochaber start to come into play – the Northern Highlands offers super boating , with runs like the Averon , Carron , Blackwater , and Dundonnel ( I could go on !) Local to here , the first release of the Laggan Dam for the Upper Spean is always a sign that autumn has arrived !
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEBODY THINKING OF BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL PADDLESPORT INSTRUCTOR ?
You can do it , and don ’ t listen to the people who say you can ’ t ! In previous roles working at outdoor centres and in schools – bosses and colleagues often said , “ You can ’ t make a living out of paddling ; you ’ ll have to do another activity as well .” That was basically a red rag to a bull for me ! Paddling is my passion ; I ’ m proud to have worked hard to make a living from it all year round .
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE ONE LAST THING YOU WANTED TO ACHIEVE WITHIN PADDLESPORT – WHAT WOULD THAT BE ?
To wake up fired up for a day on the water as much as possible – whether that ’ s a day off going paddling with mates , getting up to go to work – coaching or guiding a new group of people to a new place , in a new craft , supporting with achieving new goals .
IF YOU COULD CAPTURE JUST ONE ‘ FEEL GOOD ’ MOMENT IN YOUR TIMES OF PADDLING – WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY ?
Crossing the Pentland Firth with one of my closest friends . An intricate plan and adventure all coming together , filled with plenty of tides , adrenaline , excitement , wildlife , history , laughter , smiles and a glowing sense of achievement .
TELL US ABOUT A DREAM PADDLING DESTINATION YOU ’ VE NEVER VISITED AND WHY IT FLICKS YOUR SWITCH .
Any of the great canoe destinations of Northern Canada – the Yukon , Bloodvein , Stoneknife , etc . Completing a committing multi-day trip in such remote wilderness and utilising traditional skills of open canoeing where they were invented would be a dream come true . I am desperate to go and try to persuade anyone who will listen to go there with me .
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ARE THERE ANY NEW SEA KAYAK EXPEDITIONS ON THE HORIZON ?
There are still a few parts of the Scottish coastline I ’ ve yet to experience and visit – it just offers so much . High on the bucket list for Scotland is to paddle out to the Flannan Isles to visit the lighthouse , which has a mysterious story attached . The remote island of Foula , west of Shetland , is one of the most remote inhabited places in the UK , which I ’ d love to paddle out to as well . Further afield , Patagonia and Chile are top of the list .