Introduction to Paddleboarding

Meeting at Loch Achilty, all are welcomed and introduced over a cuppa. We spend approx half an hour looking over a range of paddleboards, paddles, and other paddleboarding accessories before getting changed into wetsuits, etc for a morning in the sheltered areas of the loch learning the paddling fundamentals.

At lunchtime, we discuss the valuable lessons learned over the morning and decide whether we stay on the loch and further explore and develop paddling, safety, and rescue skills, or relocate to another local paddling beauty spot depending on wind, tide and weather forecasts.

We 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 5 (Bookings closes 48 hours before activity date. Should there not be sufficient numbers, you will be notified and issued a full refund)

Age: This trip is suitable for adults. 14-18year olds may join when accompanied by a parent/guardian (minimum 14-year-old). Should you require to book for multiple spaces, please check spaces available when registering “Add More Attendee’s? Click to toggle, limit X)” lets you see remaining spaces. Adults and U18’s need to be booked/paid separately.

Meeting Time: 9.30 am.

Meeting Location: Loch Achilty Forestry Commission Scotland carpark (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 carpark.

If in Inverness with no transport, you are welcome to jump into the minibus at EH base for a lift to Loch Achilty. Please ensure you are at EH store/workshop 45 minutes before activity meet time (845 am). Happy to offer a lift back to Inverness at end of the adventure. If you wish a lift, please email Donald on info@explorehighland.com minimum 48 hours prior. Otherwise I’ll look forward to meeting you at Loch Achilty.

Parking: There are a number of parking bays within the car park. If coming with friends, please do car share to aid parking and save the environment 🙂

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

Finish Time: Approx 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

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