Introduction to Paddleboarding

EH supply:

• inflatable paddleboard
• a personal buoyancy aid (PFD) and an adjustable paddle
• full body wetsuit and wetsuit shoes (please email height and shoe size if needed)
• a small dry bag for accessories needed out on the water
• full-day course with over 5 hours on the water coaching/guiding
• copies of photos taken by your guide during the course

What you need to bring: 

• swimwear (please arrive with swimwear already on)
• wetsuit & shoes if you have your own
• beanie/cap and shades if you wish
• towel & change of clothes
• old footwear/trainers that you don’t mind getting wet/splashed
• packed lunch & water bottle
• any medication you may require

Group Size: Min 3, Max 6

Age: This trip is suitable for adults. 14-18year olds may join when accompanied by a parent/guardian (minimum 14-year-old).

Meeting Time: 9.30 am.

Meeting Location: Loch Achilty Forestry Commission Scotland car park (Google Maps link) or ///cargo.pedicure.minute (What3words)

On the A835 by the Achilty Hotel, Contin, turn at signposted directions to Loch Achilty. Follow this single-track road for 1.8 miles and turn left into the Forestry Commission car park.

Parking: There are a number of parking bays within the car park.

Facilities: At this lochside, there are no facilities onsite. Please ensure you use toilet facilities and change prior to attending.

Finish Time: Approx 4-5.00pm

Personal Belongings: Camera’s, 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 own car or office 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 by email at the earliest opportunity.
• We ask all participants to respect social distancing to assist in everyone’s safety.
• Social distancing will be maintained throughout the activity whether on land or when out on the water.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitisers will be available for regular application at the start, tea break, and at the end of the paddling day.
• Pre & post-cleaning of all boards and kit will be completed to ensure all paddler’s safety.
• Additional safety briefing to explain options for self-rescue and ensuring no sharing of equipment.
• Coach/guide will use disposable gloves when issuing clean kit, and when you are finished with it.  Gloves will also be worn if help is required moving and handling the boards on & off the water.
• Group photos will be taken maintaining social distancing and “group hug photos” encouraged only for the same household paddlers.
• Should the Scottish/UK government change travel restrictions after deposits/balance has been paid, Explore Highland will honour your booking and offer an alternative date/event to attend once restrictions have been lifted.
• If paddling shuttle restrictions are still in place at the time of the event, Explore Highland may not be able to offer transport to the start/from the finish of the activity/adventure. If this is the case, you will be given notification at the earliest opportunity, along with other safe Covid-19 transport suggestions.
• Should there be any more best practice advice issued, we will ensure to add to this list to further promote safe paddling for all.