Learn paddling in Scotland

Learn paddling in Scotland

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

My only experience with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) was one or the other paddle in a beach resort here and there. I have never liked surfing (I know, that's so uncool, admitting it), but I always enjoyed driving kayak, whether on the Thames in London or in more remote locations.

When I recently joined the Lady of Avenel for a large sailing sail adventure, I was excited to find out that it would be part of a more comprehensive paddleboarding trip organized by the SUP enthusiasts Active360 based in London.

Alt = “Learn paddling in Scotland 2 ″Atlas & BootsI end up with my SUP on a lonely beach

With the Lady of Avenel as the starting point, we spent our days exploring the remote coastal waters of the Hebriden archipelago. The advantage of having the ship as a base camp was that we were not restricted by ferry plans, access routes and unwieldy camping equipment. Instead, we were able to simply start our paddleboards from the side of the ship, only wear a daily bag and access some of the most remote landscapes in Scotland within minutes.

The rather wild lake in front of the west coast of Scotland may be intimidating for someone who learns paddling for the first time, but there is no need to worry. The advantage of the stand-up paddling is that it has a low entry hurdle: you do not need any previous knowledge or have to be super fit to have fun.

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

In addition, learning the paddle from a sailing ship on the Hebrides has the advantage that there are many remote bays and lakes from which you can start. We only let our paddleboards to water in the open sea; The rest of the time we started in protected and quiet lakes.

Alt = “Learn paddling in Scotland 5 ″Atlas & BootsFor the first time out to the open sea

On the first day we started in Loch Spelve and then transported 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 guide from Paul, the founder of Active360, it didn't take long for me to feel safe and comfortable on a paddleboard.

I only fell into the water once and that was when I tried to stand in more cubble waters. In such situations, I quickly learned that it is better to just kneel than try to get up.

During the week we could see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland, including wild beaches, rugged bays and traditional fishing villages. We also took the time to visit the Holy Monastery Iona, the natural caves of Staffa, the old Kate Ulva and the picturesque fishing village of TOBERMORY, where the Balamory children's television series was shot.

Standup paddleboarding has surreal quality. It is a bit like walking on the water and unlike kayaking, you can see more of the water around you. It is also more relaxed and quieter than kayaking - and more sociable. It is easier to speak to other paddleboarders and even to people on the shore, as they are at the same height as they are.

After all, paddleboards are easier to transport over land and maneuver on footbridges and locks - which makes you an ideal entry -level sport for people who would like to go on the water.

It is easy to understand why stand-up paddleboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world. It can be understood quickly, sociable and the rewards are immediate - especially in such a beautiful surroundings as the west coast of Scotland.

• Read more about the trip: Tall Ship sailing adventure off the west coast of Scotland

Learn paddling: quick tips for starting

• Always use a leash
• Start by kneeling
• Stand up one foot after the other
• Stand apart with your feet about shoulder width into the middle of the board
• The nose should not protrude from the water and the rear should not cut in
• Keep your toes forward, bent your knees and your back straight
• Look at the horizon, not on your feet
• Bend your knees when you paddle
• Hold your arms straight and turn away from the upper body while paddling; Let your upper body do the hard work, not your arms
• Do not draw the water: hold the paddle "backwards" and with the sheet in a follow -up position that is more smooth and effective while standing
• Use your paddle as support when adjusting your posture: keep it upright, with the end of the sheet on the board in front of you

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Learn paddling: the most important

What: Six nights, seven days of paddling learning around the archipelago of the inner Hebrids in Scotland.

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

Life on board the Lady of Avenel was much more pleasant than I expected. The ship offers space for up to 12 guests in two -bed cabins that are warm and comfortable and have electricity and even a small sink.

The brass cover was cozy and comfortable with space to sit around two large tables. If necessary, there was a small wood stove as well as many sailing books, maps and cards to give the experience the real charm of the Old World.

The meal times were a real surprise. The food was absolutely delicious and incredibly plenty of meals, which normally consisted of three courses. Tea, coffee and treats such as homemade cookies or cakes were available all day long and lunch packages were provided for longer paddle days.

When: The best time to visit Scotland for sailing adventures on large seeders and other outdoor activities are 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 at best unpredictable in every season. Summer days are generally milder or warmer than at any other season and, above all, offer many hours of daylight - often until 9 p.m. or later.

The low season, especially the months of May and September, can be as mild as summer and are therefore also good travel times. October and April are difficult to predict!

The winter days from November to March are short with rough weather. Only hard -boiled winter mountaineers and skiers venture into the hills, and apart from local fishermen you rarely see someone at sea.

Like: Active360, London is a standup paddleboarding school that focuses on learning paddling on London's waterways. They are devoted to the development of the stand-up paddleboarding in London and offer a number of paddleboarding vacations, including the trip to the inner levy in Scotland as well as trips to Slovenia, Myanmar and Sardinia.

The paddleboarding experience for six nights/seven days costs £ 1,295, including all meals, accommodation, equipment and coaching. No previous knowledge is required, but you should be a safe swimmer. For more information or to express an upcoming trip, send an email to info@active360.co.uk.

I drove from southern England to Oban and camped on the way, but there are bus, rail and flight options. There are two free long -term parking spaces in Oban am Longsdale Car Park and on Lochavullin Car Park. Both are 15 minutes' walk from the city center.

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

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

Glasgow is Oban's nearest large airport, about 142 km away. Book at Skyscanner.net at the best prices.

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