1. Intro to OC1

…...Are you intrigued? The sport of OC1 is gaining popularity in the canoe world.

So what is OC1? OC1 (one person canoe) is for those who are wanting to  try a different boat that is more reactive and playful than the traditional 15ft boats, allowing more technical and tactical paddling to be enjoyed. 

You will be working on Grade 2 and 3 water, and should already have the skills to safely paddle grade 2 rapids. We hope to be on the Spey or Findhorn, this is dependent on water levels. 

We will look at:

•  the OC1 craft its structure, design and  outfitting  
• enhancing existing technical abilities and handling of your craft  
• river running strategies including reading the water
• tactical awareness around speed, endurance, agility, and strength for a  successful day on the water. 
• coping strategies for positive mental preparation when the environment challenges us. 

You will be self-sufficient with your equipment including personal safety equipment. However OC1 boats will be available for hire in advance.

2. Developing River Skills  

Subtle not strong is what it’s all about.

A day exploring the technicals and tacticals needed to make the boat dance down (and occasionally up!) the river.

Understanding and harnessing the water, making subtle changes of edge, trim, angle, speed, power and waiting for that key stroke moment to  get where we need to be.

Aiming for stylish paddling that feels smooth and controlled, no brute force required. 

If you're happy being part of a group on grade 2 water,  ready to make the progression to a low level grade 2/3 river, you'll fit right in. 

Don't let the grade 3 turn you away from this amazing days paddling; there's no pressure to paddle things you don't want to, exploring the other options is an important part of river canoeing! 

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft, equipment and personal safety equipment, if you have it bring two long floating painters or two throw bags & carabiners.

3. Developing Open Water Skills 

A day of exploring and refining the skills and tactics that make open water days a joy.  

 We will explore:

Developing efficient forward paddling for the conditions, 

solo and group sailing, to raft or not to raft?

tactics for open crossings and  navigation, 

working well as a tandem crew.

All the elements to help equip us for inspiring open water adventures.   

We will be seeking out the windy places so you need to have experience in force 3 winds. 

Some of the day might feel like hard work but but its not all about having big arms and the thrill of a downwind run with a big sail should make up for it. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft, equipment and personal safety equipment, if you have it bring two long floating painters or two throw bags & carabiners.

4. Chilled out river trip (Grade 1-2, canoe, kayak, SUP)

"There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Ratty in The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham.

Relaxed days paddling in beautiful places. Time to explore, chat, play, wildlife watch and generally enjoy moving through a landscape with that unique perspective you get from being at water level. 

Opportunity to weave in some expedition skills and inspire each other with dreams of future trips.

Tea, cake and ice cream are all encouraged! 

Suitable for curious beginners right up to the seasoned explorer who wants to enjoy the journey and maybe learn or share some wisdom along the way. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft, equipment and personal safety equipment.

9. Chilled Out Trip (Sea)

Enjoy the best of the Moray coast on a mellow trip in great company.  There’s every chance the trip will involve a visit somewhere for ice cream and maybe the famous Moray Firth bottle nose dolphins will put in an appearance.  

If you are after a slightly mellower day (for whatever reason!) this could be for you. With a focus on the social, on the journey, the wildlife, the cake/ice cream... 

Suitable for sea paddlers who want to enjoy the journey and maybe learn or share some wisdom along the way. The day will be designed to meet the individual and group needs, through an open and inclusive approach. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft and personal equipment. You will dress for being on the water all day. 

5. Coasteering

Looking for something a little different….. that allows you to become comfortable swimming in and around rock features when out of your boat. If so, we have just the activity for you combining paddlesport and Coasteering, I hear you say coasteering what is that and why is this beneficial for paddlers?

Coasteering is an exciting activity which involves traversing along a stretch of intertidal zone, where the land meets the sea. Participants will travel across rocks and through water using a variety of techniques including climbing, swimming and jumping into water exploring the rocky coves and Bow Fiddle Rock near the historic fishing village of Portknockie.

The day will be run by challenge through choice: you'll be able to set your own level of challenge, pushing yourself as much or as little as you want. 

This is an activity not to be missed! 

You will be self-sufficient with a helmet and full-wetsuit and footwear e.g. old trainers that will stay on when swimming. Drysuits can get damaged and are not recommended. We strongly recommend wetsuits with arms (steamer). Wetsuits are available to hire £5. 

You will dress for being in and out of the water all day. 

6. Introduction to Sea Kayaking

Fancied a go in those long pointy boats but too embarrassed to tell your white water friends? Or looking for something to do when the rivers are dry? Or just plain envious of all the wonderful places sea kayakers get to visit?  Whatever your  motivation this might be the session for you.

You will learn why the sea kayak is such a great boat to put in the miles to take you to exciting places or just explore every nook and cranny of an interesting coastline.  

Some time will be spent exploring how to make the boat go where you want it to go,  how to make the most of each paddle stroke and of course how to stay upright.  Before long you will be amazed at just what a mean machine a sea kayak is!

It would be ideal if you are happy kayaking on flat water - river,  sea or lochs. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft and personal equipment. You will dress for being on the water all day. We will provide you with a full kit list.

7. Improver Sea Kayaking

You are happy on sea kayaking trips (10-15km) and are confident in a range of environments and conditions (relaxed in wind up to force 3, and some swell) and want to develop your skills and efficiency? 

This session aims to enhance confidence in your abilities to manage situations, understand the weather and tides, plan bigger trips safely, and leave you wanting to explore more challenging environments. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft, equipment and personal safety equipment.

8. Advanced Sea Kayaking

You are ready to develop and enhance your skills in more challenging conditions. The sessions are designed to progress your ability in decision making, personal paddling skills and safety and rescue for an enjoyable and safe day out on the sea in force 4+. 

You’ll be building on existing skills and experience, with a broad appreciation of surroundings and environmental context. 

This day will be tailored to progress your current level and seek to maximise the opportunities presented by the weather conditions on the day. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft, equipment and personal safety equipment.

9. Chilled Out Trip

Enjoy the best of the Moray coast on a mellow trip in great company.  There’s every chance the trip will involve a visit somewhere for ice cream and maybe the famous Moray Firth bottle nose dolphins will put in an appearance.  

If you are after a slightly mellower day (for whatever reason!) this could be for you. With a focus on the social, on the journey, the wildlife, the cake/ice cream... 

Suitable for sea paddlers who want to enjoy the journey and maybe learn or share some wisdom along the way. The day will be designed to meet the individual and group needs, through an open and inclusive approach. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft and personal equipment. You will dress for being on the water all day. 

10. Introduction to SUP

Have you looked at people out on the water paddle boarding and thought I would like to give that a go? 

This intro to SUP session covers the basics to paddle boarding; how to get on the board, key/ simple strokes, falling off - and getting back on - (personally and helping someone else) - as well as taking a relaxing and enjoyable SUP trip on a flat water environment you will be learning in a small supportive group of paddlers.  

Also covered in this session; parts of a SUP board, SUP board care; carrying, transporting & storage, launching & landing your SUP and weather considerations.

You will need your own personal kit such as a wetsuit and buoyancy aid,  but a board, paddle and leash can be hired if you don't have one. 

11. Introduction to slow moving rivers

Want to take your paddleboarding from flat water to moving water? The developing slow moving session may just be ideal for you!  Exploring how to move around on the board, working on improving your confidence in controlling your board, self rescue in moving water and having a lot of fun whilst learning new skills is the aim of this session!

The day may involve a first session working on skills and a river journey. 

We will also explore equipment & clothing in a moving water environment and  River features that can be effective when paddleboarding and Hazards that are to be avoided. 

Bring paddling kit suitable for a full day of being in and out of the water. Board hire is available for people who need it.

12. Developing SUP skills - Open Water 

So you have been hooked with Stand Up paddle Boarding  and looking to explore more challenging environments? 

Using more open water and exposed loch locations we will explore the skills and knowledge required to have a safe enjoyable day on the water.

Having the confidence to move your position on your SUP board whilst steering or making that essential stroke illustrates the control required for paddling in open water.  This session will focus on exploring body positioning and balance whilst in an open water environment.

When out paddling in open water, conditions may change.  Break out discussions will allow for you to explore what are and how to make those key decisions in a changing weather environment.  Looking at how wind, weather and water conditions can affect your session, day trip or personal paddling and what other equipment is required when out in open water will also be covered.  

13. Developing SUP skills - White Water 

Want to push your sup skills further by trying a new paddling environment or want to further refine your river skills?

The day will likely be a Morning learning the skills to set you up for the river environment or refining your technique and then an afternoon river trip to put your new skills into practice. 

Over the session we will look at:

• Having fun and enjoying Suping
• Gaining confidence
• learning more about the river environment and features
• Developing efficient and effective strokes
• River running strategies including reading the water and using the flow 
• Exploring coping mechanisms to reduce anxiety
• Eequipment and what we carry on the river and adaptations that can be made to be self sufficient and safe

Boards and kit such as helmets and quick release leashes are available to hire but you will be expected to have your own wetsuit / personal paddling clothing. 

14. Intro to Surf

Come join us for loads of fun & the ideal opportunity to learn how to control your kayak in small friendly waves. Feel the exhilaration of zooming across the wave.  Learn what to do and how to keep you, your equipment and other water users safe.  We will be a small group based at the beautiful beach at Sandend aiming to coach everyone at their own pace & level of understanding. 

We can cover a range of topics from :- what kayaks to surf, equipment required, how to interpret a surf forecast, choosing your surf break, what to look for when planning to go out, safety, etiquette, paddling out through the surf, personal/group control and having an absolute blast. 

We will be beach based so you can be on or off the water as much as you wish - this allows for all types of learning and energy levels.

It would be ideal if you are happy kayaking in moving water - river,  sea or surf.  It would be good if you can attempt a roll, hold an edge on your kayak and be confident in the water - as we do spend time learning how to swim you & your equipment a short way into shore. 

You can bring a river kayak or hire a surf kayak from us at £20 per day.  

You will dress for being in & out of the surf and on the beach all day.  We will provide you with a full kit list.

15. Improver Surf

Already been surf kayaking for a while & hungry for more??

This day will be similar to the Intro to Surf Session but can be tailored to progress your current level.

We can look at kayak/equipment choices, various aspects of theory, safety & rescue,  maneuvers, leadership, etiquette, positioning  or whatever suits you to love the surf even more! 

You will already have been surfing in control along green waves with a change in direction, can roll most of the time and can happily self rescue with your equipment from out the back to shore.  

You are aware of etiquette and can conduct yourself safely on a break with other water users. 

16. Intro Rivers  

"Oh I would love to try white water kayaking  but …….. " or "I have not been kayaking for a while and feel a bit rusty!"

This is the perfect introduction to kayaking on Grade 2 water, in the spectacular backdrop of the majestic River Spey. 

We will focus on:

• Having fun and enjoying boating
• Gaining confidence
• Developing efficient and effective strokes
• River running strategies including reading the water
• Exploring coping mechanisms to reduce anxiety.
• Looking at equipment and what we carry on the river to be self sufficient

This is suitable for paddlers who are confident kayaking on flat water - river,  sea or lochs. Join us for a great day on the river with like minded people!

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft and personal equipment. You will dress for being on the water all day. We will provide you with a full kit list.

17. Intermediate Rivers

So…... you have the bug for white water kayaking and would like to progress your skills and confidence on more challenging features on the river, if so this is for you!

You will be working on Grade 2 and 3 water, and should already have the skills to safely paddle grade 2 rapids. We hope to be on the Spey or Findhorn - dependent on water levels. 

This session aims to enhance your;

• existing technical abilities and handling of your craft  
• river running strategies including reading the water
• tactical awareness around speed, endurance, agility, and strength for a  successful day on the water. 
• coping strategies for positive mental preparation when the environment challenges us. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft, equipment and personal safety equipment.

18. Advanced Rivers 

Inspired to boat bigger rivers …….? 

This is a perfect opportunity to paddle faster moving, more technical water, running drops and challenging yourself in harder white water (grade 3-4) giving you an ideal opportunity to develop your personal paddling skill and unleash your  inner goddess!

Over the weekend we will:

• Empower confidence in your ability to use river features to your advantage.
• Help you make good decisions on line choice and safety setups.
• Increase your knowledge and understanding of the tactical awareness around speed, endurance, agility, and strength for a  successful day on the water.
• Coping strategies for positive mental preparation when the environment challenges us. 
• Effective boat control to ace the perfect line!

You’ll have a reliable roll and be confident paddling grade 3. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own craft, equipment and personal safety equipment.

Yoga can bring great benefit to the mind, body & soul. Practising Yoga improves strength, balance and flexibility. Why not start this weekend off with a relaxing Yoga Session with Yoga Instructor (& Sea Kayak Coach) Tania Mackie and free your mind to be open to trying something new or challenging yourself this SWPS weekend! Open to everyone to come along, £7.