GETTING STARTED

There are many different paddlesport disciplines, activities and ways to get involved. Here are a few tips to find your way if you are new to paddlesport.

Kayakers playing water polo in a lake; a net is positioned above the water. Cloudy sky, trees in background.

PADDLE WITH A LOCAL CLUB

Paddling clubs can teach you new skills & are a great way of learning about new places to explore and meeting like-minded paddlers. Only affiliated clubs are listed on our finder, meaning they have to meet certain standards for club members. 90% of people in Scotland live within 10 miles of an Affiliated Club. 

Two canoes on calm water with three people. The person in the canoe on the left paddles. The other canoeist faces them.

TIPS FOR PADDLING SAFELY

The Go Paddling website is the place to go for advice on starting your paddling journey. You can find regular blog posts on what boat to choose, what to wear and how to be safe on the water. There is also information on the network of UK rivers to paddle on, including routes, launch spots and wildlife.

Whitewater rafters navigate a river, splashing through rapids. Several people wear helmets and life vests.

FIND A PADDLING GUIDE OR CENTRE

It is important to start paddling with someone who is qualified & experienced - someone who can show you what to do and explain how to stay safe. Look for the British Canoeing Delivery Partner logo: these are providers of paddling courses, excursions & equipment who have agreed to the Delivery Partner Charter's high standards of safety, value for money and customer service.

People kayaking on a calm river. Several kayaks of different colors with paddlers wearing life vests are on the water, surrounded by greenery.

PADDLE SAFER COURSE

This 2-hour practical course teaches you how to be safe on the water. You will be taught how to choose appropriate equipment and what environmental factors affect your paddling. The course is suitable for all ages and is great for families. You don’t need any previous experience to take part and can use any craft, including kayaks, canoes, SUPs, sit on tops and inflatables.

Kayakers paddle on a river; people wear helmets and life vests. The river has a green treeline in the background.
A group of people in cold-weather gear on a sandy beach listen to an older man gesturing, likely before a water activity.

GET CERTIFIED

Paddle Scotland has a network of well over a hundred course providers who are licensed to deliver a full range of British Canoeing training and qualification courses. 

Person on a paddleboard, paddling with a long oar in a lake. They are wearing a wetsuit and life vest.

INTRO TO PADDLESPORT

The 'Introduction to Paddlesport' eLearning is a FREE resource provided by British Canoeing. We recommend completing this before heading out on the water. 

Kayakers of various ages on a calm river. People wear life vests and paddles, enjoying the water.

ACCESS TO WATER

Before you take to the water it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities, including following CHECK CLEAN DRY & the Paddlers' Code. 

A person paddles a kayak in choppy ocean water near a rocky coastline. Text reads