In the golden glow of what feels like our only summer day, Paddle Scotland’s inaugural South West Paddle Fest made a splash at the scenic shores of the Firth of Clyde.

Enthusiasts, beginners, and seasoned adventurers alike gathered, eager to experience the vibrant energy of the paddling community. From experienced sea kayakers to novice stand-up paddleboarders (SUPers), the festival was a testament to the growing appeal of watersports in Scotland.

A key highlight of the day was the wide array of stalls, each offering valuable insights and resources for paddlers of all levels. Water Safety Scotland, HM Coastguard, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) were all on hand, sharing essential safety messaging. Their presence underscored the festival's commitment to not just fun, but also safety—a critical aspect of paddlesports, especially with the increase in SUPers taking to the sea.

Big thanks to everyone who joined for this year's inaugural South West Paddle Fest event!

Taking place on the same day was the Coastworks Cumbrae Challenge. Big thanks to Coastworks and to Largs Yacht Haven, and to the 13 careful and hard working volunteers that made the 2024 such a success, but most of all a big thanks to everyone who took part in the Coastworks Cumbrae Challenge 2024 with enthusiasm and with a great attitude of looking out for others. You can find the final results of the Challenge here.

We hope there will be both a South West Paddle Fest and a Coastworks Cumbrae Challenge in 2025, and ask you to look out for news in all the usual places.

A full report of the 2024 South West Paddle Fest can be found in the upcoming October issue of Scottish Paddler, Paddle Scotland's magazine for members.