Friday Evening Rolling 

You have rolled before, but want to improve it. Maybe it's not reliable or is currently not working, or you want to feel more confident with it. You will have a 90-min slot with the support of a coach (1530 - 1700; 1700 - 1830; 1930 - 2100). You’ll be using the Glenmore Lodge general purpose boats/spraydecks.  

Swimming Costume and Shorts/Rash Vest or wetsuit required for the pool. You might want a nose plug, and we recommend that you wear your buoyancy aid to keep it realistic. 

Rolling and Rescues (Sat & Sun) 

You have rolled before, but want to improve it. Maybe it's not reliable or is currently not working, or you want to feel more confident with it. This session will start in the rolling pool at Glenmore Lodge (using general purpose boats) and then move to Loch Morlich, where you can take your own boat out. The session will morph into rescue practice (or warmer/drier skills) once you are ready for a break from rolling!  

Swimming Costume and Shorts/Rash Vest or wetsuit required for the pool. You might want a nose plug and we recommend that you wear your buoyancy aid to keep it realistic. 

Normal (warm) paddling clothes required for the loch. Dry suit and skull cap recommended (bring your own). This session is suitable for White Water, Sea and Surf Kayakers. 

Sea - An Introduction to Sea Kayaking (Sat) 

Fancied a go in those long pointy boats but too embarrassed to tell your white water friends or just need to regain some lost confidence? 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 taking you to exciting places or just exploring every nook and cranny of an interesting coastline.  Some time will be spent discovering 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.  This day will be on scenic Loch Morlich close to Glenmore Lodge and sea kayaks will be available for your use. Let us share the joy of sea kayaking, without even going to the sea!

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

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available.  

Boat hire is available if you don’t have your own. Make sure you add this ticket to your booking.

Sea - Incident Management & Rescues (Sat) 

You have control of your boat moving forwards and sideways and are confident in a range of environments and conditions (relaxed in wind up to force 3, and some swell). You've done all the planning but something has gone wrong. What are you going to do?  How can you manage the incident? What do you need to consider? Who do you need to contact?  This practical session will cover how to avoid things going wrong in the first place and will then cover assorted rescue techniques if things have gone wrong.  There may also be some rolling but you don’t have to be able to roll to join this session. Glenmore Lodge has a wonderful drying room, so don't worry about getting wet.

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available.   

Sea - Chilled Out Trip (Sat & Sun) 

You have control of your boat moving forwards and sideways and are confident in a range of environments and conditions (relaxed in wind up to force 3, and some swell). Enjoy the Inner Moray Firth exploring its interesting history, possibly visiting the village of Clachnaharry at the eastern end of the Caledonian Canal, the mouth of the River Ness and an ice cream stop at North Kessock. Will the famous Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins put in an appearance?  

If you are after a slightly mellower day (for whatever reason!) this could be for you. It is a day with the focus on the social, on the journey, and the history of the area...

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. If the weather isn’t suitable for the trip a paddle on a section of the Caledonian Canal possibly out onto Loch Ness may be offered as an alternative.

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available.  

Sea - Intermediate (Sat & Sun) 

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 leave you wanting to explore more challenging environments. This session will involve driving to the Moray Firth.

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching with the same coach for the weekend.

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available.   

Sea - Advanced (Sat & Sun) 

You are paddling at BC Sea Kayak Award (or old BCU Three Star level) and are ready to develop and enhance your skills in more challenging conditions including rougher and/or faster water. 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+ and/or more than two knots of tide. You’ll be building on existing skills and experience, with a broad appreciation of surroundings and environmental context.  You might also be able to watch the dolphins showing their skills in moving water!

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

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching with the same coach for the weekend.

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available.   

Sea - Foundation Skills for Greenland Rolling (Sat & Sun) 

This small group workshop led by the wonderful Lesley Mackay, will focus on practising the foundation skills required for Greenland rolling, working through static/ balance brace, butterfly roll and the standard Greenland roll. Everyone will leave the session with the tools to practise and develop their rolling skills. We can help you establish foundation rolling skills or fine tune and optimise your existing standard Greenland roll, and help you develop the next steps to more advanced rolls.

We don’t advise booking two days of this workshop. It is likely that the second day will look/feel similar to the first. 

Normal (warm) paddling clothes required. Dry suit and skull cap recommended (bring your own). You will dress for being on/in the water all day. A full kit list will be available.  

Sea - Intro to Moving Water Skills (Sun)

You have control of your boat moving forwards and sideways and are confident in a range of environments and conditions (relaxed in wind up to force 3, and some swell) and want to look at introductory moving water skills.  This day will cover moving out the current, keeping control of your boat, crossing the current and then coming back out of it.  It may be delivered on a slow moving section of the River Spey as these skills can be learned safely on the river. Then imagine your confidence when you play in tidal areas!

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available. 

Sea - Trip Planning/ Navigation/ Paddle a Loaded Boat (Sun)

You have control of your boat moving forwards and sideways and are confident in a range of environments and conditions (relaxed in wind up to force 3). Always wanted to plan a trip but didn't know where to start? Or wanted to try packing and paddling a loaded kayak without the fear of struggling on a long journey? This session is a mix of theory (excluding tidal planning) and practical. We will look at planning, consider the navigation skills needed and what you should pack. Then the practical adventure starts on Loch Morlich. Load your kayak and paddle the trip you planned.  Play with the boat's trim and find how it affects your paddling. Want to try rolling a loaded boat? This may be your opportunity. Glenmore Lodge has a very effective drying room!

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available.   

SUP - An Introduction to Paddleboarding (Sat)

Want to have a go at paddleboarding - this is your chance! You will learn the basics to get you started with some expert coaching to support you to learn required techniques and plenty of activity to build your skills and confidence. This day will be on scenic Loch Morlich (or other loch) close to Glenmore Lodge. 

Board hire is available if you don’t have your own, make sure you add this ticket to your booking. You are expected to have your own personal paddling clothing - we’d recommend a wetsuit or drysuit.  

SUP Slow Moving Rivers and Board Confidence (Sat & Sun) 

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, likely to be on the river Spey. 

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. 

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching with the same coach for the weekend.

Board hire is available if you don’t have your own. This is available as an add-on when you book this session. 

SUP - Developing Open Water Skills (Sat & Sun) 

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.  

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching with the same coach for the weekend.

SUP - Intro to White Water (Sat & Sun) 

Want to push your skills further by trying a new paddling environment or want to gain knowledge to paddle white water and keep yourself safe. 

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 playing on rivers 
• 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.
• Looking at equipment and what we carry on the river and adaptations that can be made to be self sufficient and Safe

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching with the same coach for the weekend.

Limited board hire is available if you don’t have your own. This is available as an add-on when you book this session. Kit such as helmets and quick release leashes will be available to borrow, and river finns available to purchase. You are expected to have your own wetsuit and personal paddling clothing. 

SUP - White water skills progression (findhorn/washing machine) (Sat & Sun) 

Been out on rivers before and want to refine your technique to paddle more challenging rapids. 

This session will look at paddling in more technical white water where you may need to regulate your height and make decisions on line choice. 

The day will likely involve a morning working on skills and then putting them into practice as part of a river journey. 

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching with the same coach for the weekend.

Board hire is available if you don’t have your own. This is available as an add-on when you book this session. Kit such as helmets and quick release leashes will be available to borrow, and river finns available to purchase. You are expected to have your own wetsuit and personal paddling clothing. 

SUP - Coastal Journey (Sun)

Want to get out on the Coast and explore a new environment or feel more comfortable out on the sea? 

This session is aimed at paddlers who are happy paddling on flat water and want to learn more about the coast while enjoying a journey. 

Dependant on weather and sea conditions we will explore somewhere along the Moray Coast - anywhere from Buckie to the Black Isle. A chance to improve or gain some coastal knowledge and experience paddling along a beautiful stretch of the coastline under the watchful guidance of a passionate and enthusiastic coastal SUP leader. 

You might even see some awesome wildlife such as dolphins, porpoises, gannets or puffins (although we can't guarantee that 😉).

White Water Kayak - Intro to WW Kayak (grade 2) (Sat & Sun) 

If you’ve always wanted to try white water kayak, or have done a bit and would like to pull it all together these days are for you. Chance to have fun in a low pressure setting and develop the fundamental skills that will set you up for wherever your ww kayak journey takes you. 

Suitable for: people who can paddle on flat or gently flowing water. People with experience in other craft who want to try a new discipline.

You can book two days of this workshop, if you’d like progressive coaching with the same coach for the two days.

Boat hire is available if you don’t have your own. Make sure you add this ticket to your booking.

White Water Kayak - Intermediate (solid grade 2 stepping to 3) (Sat & Sun) 

These days are for people with some river kayaking experience already who are ready to consolidate and stretch their skills. There’ll be a chance to dial in your boat handling skills so that they are consistent and you’re styling your way round the river. You’ll start to develop strategies for more complex rapids and have a chance to put them into practice in grade 3 in a supportive environment.  You may or may not be able to roll. 

You can book two days of this workshop, if you’d like progressive coaching with the same coach for the two days.

Suitable for: people who can paddle on grade 2 fairly comfortably who want to step up the grades. People who want a chance to practice and play to build their confidence on the river. People who want to polish or re-visit the fundamental skills to successful river running.

White Water Kayak - Intermediate+ (grade 3 ish stepping to 4) (Sat & Sun) 

You’ll fit into these days if you’re paddling on grade 3 water fairly regularly and you’re wanting to have the confidence to feel good on any stretch of gr3 water, not just your home run! Explore and practise the tactical and technical aspects of paddling more continuous or steeper rivers and drop, as well as decision making and managing the mind games that sometimes de-rail us. With solid grade 3 paddling in the bank, there’ll be an opportunity to stretch into grade 4 in a calm, no pressure environment, where you can make your own decision and be supported in whatever you decide. You’ll be able to roll in the river environment most times.

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching with the same coach for the weekend.

Suitable for: People who paddle on grade 3, perhaps as part of a led group, who want to feel solid at the grade. People who want to test the waters of gr 4 without committing to that being the whole day.

White Water Kayak - Advanced (ready for grade 4) (Sat & Sun) 

These days are for people who have done some grade 4 or are very comfortable on 3 with the odd bit of 4 who want to feel happy on grade 4 consistently. Boat skills, scouting and setting up safety,understanding the river, decision making, getting and staying in the right headspace all play a part in advanced river paddling. These days will give you a chance to pull them all together so you can feel confident about jumping on for dam releases, west coast rain chasing and styling steeper runs. You’ll be rolling consistently and be able to be part of a team that does safety from the boat and the bank.

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching with the same coach for the weekend.

Suitable for: people with plenty of grade 3 paddling and likely some grade 4 experience who want to push their skills. People who paddle grade 4 and survive but want to enjoy it!

Canoe - An Introduction to Open Canoe (Sat & Sun) 

Scotland is world-class when it comes to open canoeing, with endless Lochs and rivers to explore and journey through. This is an opportunity to learn some of the core techniques so that you can be relaxed and confident. There will be an element of journeying (easy river and/or loch) so you can experience some of the beautiful local area. 

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available.  

Boat hire is available if you don’t have your own. Make sure you add this ticket to your booking.

Canoe - Open Water Skills (Sat & Sun) 

These days will be about equipping you for great days out and inspiring journeys on open water in winds up to force 4.

We’ll explore travelling efficiently in windy conditions including forward paddling, sailing, tracking and rafting. Open water rescues can also be included. For people with longer journeys in mind we can look at navigation and packing for expeditions. 

You can join for one or both days. Days will be progressive and tailored to individuals' aims. Day 2 is likely to be in a slightly higher environment than day 1. 

Suitable for: people who can paddle in light winds who want to still go out when it's windy. People with expeditions in mind.  Tandem crews welcome!

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. 

Boat hire is available if you don’t have your own. Make sure you add this ticket to your booking.

Canoe - White Water (Sat & Sun) 

Moving water canoeing can be smooth, controlled and lots of fun without needing brute force. These days will be about developing and refining the skills and tactics to feel good on grade 2 and moving up to 3.

Please don't let the grade 3 put you off. There's no pressure to paddle things you don't want to. Exploring decision making, lining and portaging is an important part of river canoeing! 

You can join for one or both days. Days will be progressive and tailored to individuals' aims. Day 2 is likely to be in a slightly higher environment than day 1. 

Suitable for: people who can paddle on simple grade 2 who are looking to become consistent and confident grade 2 paddlers. People ready to step up to grade 3 and apply their skills in a higher environment. Tandem crews welcome!

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. 

Boat hire is available if you don’t have your own. Make sure you add this ticket to your booking.

Canoe - An Introduction to OC1 (Sat) 

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. 

A day to try your hand at OC1. Starting with getting familiar with the boats on flat/gently flowing water learning the OC1 specific skills and applying your previous kayak or canoe knowledge to a new  craft. Once you’re happy you’ll move onto some grade 2 water to put it all together.

Suitable for: kayakers or canoeists with some river experience who are ready to try something new.

You will be self-sufficient with your equipment including personal safety equipment. However OC1 boats will be available for hire from Silver Birch canoes in advance (there will be an additional cost for this on top of the symposium costs). 

Boat hire is available if you don’t have your own.  Make sure you add this ticket to your booking.

Canoe - OC1 Improvers (Sun)

Building on day 1 you’ll continue developing your OC1 skills on the river.  If you have prior OC1 experience it's a great chance to have some coaching to help you boost your OC1 specific skills to move towards higher grades.

Suitable for: Anyone from day 1’s intro day and people with some previous OC1 experience on the river.

You will be self-sufficient with your equipment including personal safety equipment. However OC1 boats will be available for hire from Silver Birch canoes in advance (there will be an additional cost for this on top of the symposium costs). 

You will be self-sufficient with your equipment including personal safety equipment. However OC1 boats will be available for hire from Silver Birch canoes in advance (there will be an additional cost for this on top of the symposium costs). 

Boat hire is available if you don’t have your own. Make sure you add this ticket to your booking.

Pack Rafting (Sat & Sun) 

A pack raft is a single person, stable, inflatable craft designed to load up with your kit and journey. They are tough and lightweight and can be rolled up to allow you to travel over land too. Google it!  This workshop will provide a taster, to inspire endless possibilities. The Saturday session will provide a safe introduction, building an understanding of the craft and core skills to get you started. The Sunday session will be focused on a grade 1 or 2 river journey, great as a follow on to Saturday, or for anyone who has paddled other boats/boards before. Pack rafts are provided if you don’t have your own. This is available as an add-on when you book this session. 

Mixed Craft - Chilled out river trip (Grade 1-2, canoe, kayak, SUP) (Sat & Sun) 

"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 can book to join this trip on Saturday and Sunday if you like the idea of it. 

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

Personalised Loch Morlich Session (Sat & Sun) 

Loch Morlich is the local loch to Glenmore Lodge, just 5-min drive down the road and set with the beautiful backdrop of the Cairngorm mountains. This is your opportunity to have a low ratio coaching session, with a coach who can tailor things to your specific needs. You might want to try different types of boats, have some skills coaching or go on a short journey. A low pressure environment where it is easy to take time out, with personalised coaching to suit your needs. Feel free to join both days if this appeals to you! This might be suitable for people with a disability, long-term illness, or mental health condition who have specific needs to make a session work for them, or those newer to the sport who’d like some coaching or opportunities to try different craft etc. in a mellow (beautiful) environment. 

Boat/Board hire is available if you don’t have your own. This is available as an add-on when you book this session. 

Yoga (Friday 1730 - 1815) - Delivered by Tania Mackie. Join an early evening yoga class after your travels and set yourself up for a weekend of paddling. Suitable for all, this gentle Hatha Yoga session will allow you to have a good stretch out, using both strength and flexibility, while at the same time focusing on relaxation and mindfulness.

Yoga (Friday 1930 - 2030) - Delivered by Tania Mackie. A Hatha Yoga session, where we will match our breath to our movement. This yoga flow will stretch and strengthen all the muscles we will be using whilst paddling and the practice. The session will also incorporate a workshop based practice focusing on the principles of alignment, which will support the fundamentals of paddling, leaving us feeling rejuvenated and ready for the weekend ahead.

Yoga (Saturday 1930 - 2030) - Delivered by Savanna. This yin and restorative yoga practice will be slow and mindful, it will give us a chance to recover from the day and find a moment of stillness for yourself, you will leave feeling relaxed and de-stressed.

Raising Awareness of Environmental Issues, Impacts and Actions for Paddlers (Friday 1930 - 2100) - Delivered by Alison Mclachlan. This workshop will discuss the main issues present in the environment, their impacts of these and we will explore ways to paddle more sustainably. The topics covered will include non-native invasive species, plastic pollution, algal bloom, and discussing ways to raise concerns/take action. 

Confident Use of VHF Radio (Friday 1930 - 2100) - Delivered by Anne Young. The VHF radio is a critical piece of safety equipment and an essential tool for communication when paddling on the sea. This workshop is designed to help you become confident in your ability to operate a VHF radio. Please bring your own radio if you have one.

Planning a day out - Decision Making & Be Adventure Aware (Friday 1930 - 2100) - Delivered by Georgina Maxwell. This workshop will discuss important factors to consider when planning a paddling trip. This could be a single-day trip or a multi-day expedition in any craft/environment and will cover topics including decision-making, heuristics and what not to think about.

Exploring confidence, anxiety & fear in relation to paddling (Friday 1930 - 2100) - Delivered by Jenny Newland. Whether we are beginners or experienced paddlers, many of us find ourselves lacking in confidence and/or experiencing fear or anxiety in relation to our paddling. In this workshop, we will explore these experiences with the aim of developing a deeper understanding of ourselves, our needs and the needs of others around us. 

Menopause & Paddling (Friday 1930 - 2100) - Delivered by Christine Hogben. Menopause is a natural process that every woman goes through, but it can be a challenging time for many. Hormonal changes can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can impact your ability to enjoy activities such as paddling. This workshop is designed to help women manage menopause while paddling, it’s a chance to come together and share experiences and help each other navigate through the challenges. 

Antarctica Guiding (Friday 1930 - 2100) - Delivered by Alice McInnes. Antarctica is one of the most remote, beautiful and challenging environments in the world. Join Alice McInnes as she shares her experiences of working as a paddling guide on a Cruise Ship last winter.