Seeking Your Local Expertise on Waterways and Access Points

Dear clubs,

We are excited to reach out to your club with an opportunity that could greatly enrich the paddling community's experience on the Go Paddling website. 

We are passionate about promoting safe and enjoyable on-the-water experiences for all, and understand the incredible depth of knowledge and passion that you, and your club members possess when it comes to local waters and access points. As such, we are embarking on an initiative to enhance the Paddle Points section of the Go Paddling website. This endeavour aims to provide paddlers from all over, with comprehensive and accurate information about our regions water bodies, access points, and environments. Making: paddle adventures, and planning more safely, more enjoyable and even more fulfilling. 

We are specifically interested in collecting information about access points, features, and your favourite paddle routes along: canals, lochs, rivers and coastlines. Such as: 

• Canal / Loch / River / Coastline / Name: please share the name of the water body you're referring to.
  
  
• Location / Paddling Section: precise location of paddling section and/or route along the waterway.
  
  
• Section Details: your expertise regarding the paddling section / route is invaluable. Please include information about any rapids, features, water levels, where water level data can be accessed, the section's grade (on a scale of 1-5), and any other noteworthy features that would enhance the paddler’s experience.
  
  
• Access Points: highlight the access points for getting in and out of the water. Where possible, please provide additional insights into the accessibility of these points – are they easily accessible, wheelchair-friendly, or steep?
  
  
• Parking / Facilities: similarly, highlight any parking spots, sites or local transports, toilets, coffee shops, etc, that paddlers could use in order to plan a trip.
  
  
• Media: If possible, please contribute photos or videos showcasing the section and access points, as visual content can significantly enhance the paddler's understanding and help them plan their paddling adventures more effectively.

We understand that we are asking a lot. However your involvement in this project will directly benefit the paddling community, helping paddlers make informed decisions, become more safe and facilitating memorable paddling experiences, which can only help develop the sport that we all love. By sharing your knowledge, you're playing an integral role in building a thriving paddling community that is safer and more enjoyable for all.

As a club you can be involved as much or as little as you would like, there is no timeframe, nor pressure. Simply send us the information (using the headings above if possible), when you are ready,  we will put it onto the Go Paddling website. However if you would like to get more involved, the opportunities are endless, as you can report hazards/obstructions to the waterways, highlight local refreshments (helping you build good partnerships), as well as create paddling routes / race sections for you, your club and other people to enjoy.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. If you would like to be more involved, discuss/share ideas, or become a Paddle Points moderator. The great people behind Paddle Points can provide a 30-45 minute webinar to discuss Paddle Points, how it’s developing, and how it can help you, your club and the paddling community.

Thank you for time, we eagerly await your insights and look forward to embarking on this fantastic opportunity together.

For more information, to create a free account and start adding information, please visit:  https://gopaddling.info/paddlepoints

Or contact us at: hello@canoescotland.org

 
Happy Paddling!