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Beginner Kayaking Course

  •  06/05/2021
     6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  •  07/05/2021
     6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  •  09/05/2021
     9:30 am - 5:00 pm

Beginner Kayaking Course

Session 1Thursday 6th May 1800-2030

Based on the Caledonian Canal this flatwater session introduces you to all the kayaking basics including launching & landings, basic paddle strokes, as well as capsizing and self-rescue skills

Session 2 – Friday 7th May 1800-2030

Taking your skills onto moving water, you will polish up session 1 skills before learning how to break in and out of the flow, ferry gliding, and how to read moving water.

Session 3 – Sunday 9th May 0930-1700

Putting all the previous two sessions to the test, you can enjoy a fun and exciting river Ness kayaking adventure paddling from Docchgarroch all the way down various rapids, finishing off in the heart of Inverness.

We supply:

  • kayak, spray deck, helmet, buoyancy aid & paddle
  • full body wetsuits & shoes can be supplied if requested by email 24 hrs before activity. Please email height (feet/inches) and build. email info@explorehighland.com
  • Paddling jacket
  • approx 10 hours paddling on the water
  • copies of photos taken during the session

What you need to bring: When kayaking you should expect to capsize so best to be prepared by wearing a wetsuit.

Essential Items:

  • Swimwear for below wetsuit
  • fleece jumper to add a layer if cold
  • a hat/ cap to keep your head warm during tea breaks
  • old light footwear/wetsuit shoes/trainers that you don’t mind getting wet. Nothing too bulky so can fit into the kayak

We recommend also bringing along;

  • water bottle & snacks
  • any medication you may require
  • towel & complete change of clothes for afterward – can be left in your car!

Group Size: Min 2 to a maximum of 6 paddlers

Age: This session is suitable for adults or accompanied 14-17-year-olds. (minimum 14-year-old).

Meeting Time:

Session 1 – Thursday 6th May 1800-2030

Session 2 – Friday 7th May 1800-2030

Session 3 – Sunday 9th May 0930-1700

Local Facilities:  Please note we are meeting in a public area where there are no facilities/toilets available nearby.

Meet Location:

Meet Location: Dochgaroch Locks, Dochgarroch, by Inverness. IV3 8JG. We meet on the grass by the Scottish Canals car park where it is free parking, NOT Jacobite Loch Ness/An Talla Car Park!

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/L5nojMPayZjmXBQ68

What3Words: https://what3words.com/ooze.sisters.hazelnuts

Craft: White water river kayaks. You are welcome to bring your own kayak and kit and we can discuss if suitable for us for these sessions. Please ensure you arrive with sufficient time to have your kit unloaded and checked prior to the start time.

Personal Belongings: Cameras, phones, car keys, and other personal belongings are taken out onto the water at your own risk. If in doubt, please leave these items in your car when out on the water

COVID-19 Activity Advice: A number of precautions are being put in place to ensure safety for all attending.

  • All participants are attending on the basis they are NOT suffering from any COVID-19 symptoms, have NOT knowingly been in contact with anyone suffering from COVID-19 symptoms within the last 14 days, and are fit, healthy, and happy to participate,
  • Should any booked participant discover they have developed any COVID-19 symptoms, participants are asked to contact Explore Highland and notify at the earliest opportunity. As a local, your activity booking will be postponed, and welcome you back to participate when you are well and out of the recommended 7-14 days quarantine process,
  • We ask all participants to respect social distancing and assist in everyone’s safety,
  • No shuttle transport option currently available and Explore Highland will meet groups locally in the great outdoors,
  • Social distancing maintained including virtual handshakes and afraid we will NOT be supplying added extras including hot drinks and cakes etc.,
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer available for regular application for all,
  • Pre & post-cleaning of all kit used,
  • Additional safety briefing to explain self-rescue and ensuring no sharing equipment,
  • Coach/guide will use disposable gloves when issuing clean kit or returning at end of the session, plus if needing help carrying the craft to the water,
  • Usual group photos will be taken using social distancing and the same household photos option also offered,
  • Should there be any more best practice advice issued, we will ensure to add to this list to further promote safe paddling for all.

Terms & Conditions: Terms and conditions can be found online at – www.explorehighland.com/terms-conditions/

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