Learn to paddle in Scotland

Learn to paddle in Scotland

I spent a week learning to paddleboard off the west coast of Scotland, the perfect environment to try out the world's fastest growing water sport

My only experience with standup paddleboarding (SUP) was the odd paddle here and there at a beach resort. I've never liked surfing (I know that's so uncool to admit that) but I've always enjoyed kayaking, whether on the Thames in London or in more remote locations.

When I recently joined the Lady of Avenel for a tall ship sailing adventure, I was excited to learn that it would be part of a wider paddleboarding trip organized by London-based SUP enthusiasts Active360.

alt=“Learn to paddle in Scotland 2″>Atlas & BootsI land on a deserted beach with my SUP

Using the Lady of Avenel as our base, we spent our days exploring the remote coastal waters of the Hebrides archipelago. The advantage of having the ship as a base camp was that we were not limited by ferry schedules, access routes and bulky camping equipment. Instead, we were able to simply launch our paddleboards from the side of the ship, carrying only a day bag, and access some of Scotland's most remote landscapes within minutes.

The fairly wild seas off the west coast of Scotland may be intimidating for someone learning to paddle for the first time, but there is no need to worry. The advantage of standup paddling is that it has a low barrier to entry: you don't need any previous experience or need to be super fit to enjoy yourself.

Paddling is not like surfing, where you need a lot of practice to master a basic action like standing up, or like kayaking, where you have to master an Eskimo roll to be safe on the water. As long as you're a confident swimmer and relatively fit, there's no reason why you can't paddle on the water for the first time today.

Additionally, the advantage of learning to paddle from a sailing ship in the Hebrides is that there are many remote bays and lakes from which to launch. We only launched our paddleboards into the open ocean once; the rest of the time we started in protected and calm lakes.

alt=“Learn to paddle in Scotland 5″>Atlas & BootsOut on the open sea for the first time

On the first day we started in Loch Spelve and then portaged to Loch Uisg, a small freshwater lake. This was the ideal place to get some practice before paddling in the open water. With a little guidance from Paul, the founder of Active360, it didn't take long for me to feel confident and comfortable on a paddleboard.

I've only fallen into the water once and that was when I was trying to stand in choppier waters. In situations like this, I quickly learned that it was better to simply kneel than to try to stand up.

During the week we were able to see some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery, including wild beaches, rugged coves and traditional fishing villages. We also took time to visit the holy monastery of Iona, the natural caves of Staffa, the ancient Kate Ulva and the picturesque fishing village of Tobermory, where the children's television series Balamory was filmed.

Standup paddleboarding has a surreal quality. It's a bit like walking on water and unlike kayaking, you see more of the water around you. It's also more relaxed and calmer than kayaking - and more sociable. It's easier to talk to other paddleboarders and even people on the shore since you're at the same height as them.

Finally, paddleboards are easier than kayaks to transport overland and maneuver around docks and locks - making them an ideal introductory sport for people who want to get out on the water.

It's easy to see why standup paddleboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world. It's quick to pick up, sociable and the rewards are immediate - especially in a setting as beautiful as the west coast of Scotland.

• Lesen Sie mehr über die Reise: Tall Ship Segelabenteuer vor der Westküste Schottlands

Learning to paddle: quick tips to get you started

• Verwenden Sie immer eine Leine
• Beginnen Sie, indem Sie sich hinknien
• Stehen Sie einen Fuß nach dem anderen auf
• Stellen Sie sich mit den Füßen etwa schulterbreit auseinander in die Mitte des Bretts
• Die Nase sollte nicht aus dem Wasser ragen und das Heck nicht einschneiden
• Halten Sie Ihre Zehen nach vorne gerichtet, die Knie gebeugt und den Rücken gerade
• Schau auf den Horizont, nicht auf deine Füße
• Beuge deine Knie, wenn du paddelst
• Halten Sie Ihre Arme gerade und drehen Sie sich beim Paddeln vom Oberkörper weg; Lassen Sie Ihren Oberkörper die harte Arbeit machen, nicht Ihre Arme
• Schöpfen Sie das Wasser nicht: Halten Sie das Paddel „rückwärts“ und mit dem Blatt in einer nachlaufenden Position, die im Stehen glatter und effektiver ist
• Verwenden Sie beim Anpassen Ihrer Haltung Ihr Paddel als Unterstützung: Halten Sie es aufrecht, wobei das Ende des Blattes auf dem Brett vor Ihnen ruht

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Learning to paddle: The most important thing

What: Six nights, seven days learning to paddle around the Inner Hebrides archipelago in Scotland.

Where: I was on board the Lady of Avenel. I boarded the ship in Oban, a small fishing village on the west coast of Scotland. There are many hotels in the city to suit every budget.

Life on board the Lady of Avenel was much more pleasant than I expected. The ship can accommodate up to 12 guests in twin cabins that are warm and comfortable and have electricity and even a small sink.

The mess deck was cozy and comfortable with space to sit around two large tables. There was a small wood-burning stove if needed, as well as plenty of sailing books, charts and charts to add real old world charm to the experience.

The meal times were a real surprise. The food was absolutely delicious and incredibly plentiful with meals usually consisting of three courses. Tea, coffee and treats such as homemade biscuits or cakes were available throughout the day and packed lunches were provided for longer paddling days.

When: The best time to visit Scotland for tall ship sailing adventures and other outdoor activities is the summer months of June, July and August. However, this is also high season and coincides with the school holidays from late July to August.

Although this is – theoretically – summer, the weather in Scotland is unpredictable at best at any time of year. Summer days are generally milder or warmer than any other time of year and, most importantly, offer many hours of daylight - often until 9 p.m. or later.

The off-season, particularly the months of May and September, can be as mild as summer and are therefore also good times to visit. October and April are hard to predict!

The winter days from November to March are short with harsh weather. Only hardened winter mountaineers and skiers venture into the hills, and you rarely see anyone at sea other than local fishermen.

How: Active360 is a London-based standup paddleboarding school focused on learning to paddle on London's waterways. They are dedicated to the development of stand-up paddleboarding in London and offer a range of paddleboarding holidays including the trip to the Inner Hebrides in Scotland as well as trips to Slovenia, Myanmar and Sardinia.

The six night/seven day paddleboarding experience costs £1,295, including all food, accommodation, equipment and coaching. No previous experience is required, but you should be a confident swimmer. For more information or to express interest in an upcoming trip, email info@active360.co.uk.

I drove from southern England to Oban and camped along the way, but there are bus, train and flight options. There are two free long term car parks in Oban at Longsdale Car Park and Lochavullin Car Park. Both are a 15-minute walk from the city center.

The Caledonian Sleeper runs six days a week, Sunday to Friday, from London to Glasgow, where you can change to trains to Oban. Use Scotrail to book tickets.

Megabus offers buses from London to Oban and Citylink from other destinations.

Glasgow is the nearest major airport to Oban, approximately 90 miles (142 km) away. Book via skyscanner.net for the best prices.

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