Paddle Cromarty Firth

We supply:

• tandem sea kayaks
• a personal buoyancy aid (PFD), spray deck, and a kayak paddle
• a small dry bag per person (if required)
• approx 3-3.5 hours paddling on the water
• copies of photos taken during the trip

What you need to bring: When paddling, you should expect to be splashed a little from boat spray and drips from the paddle. The weather can also change rapidly out on the sea so it’s best to be prepared for the worst. Please bring suitable outdoor clothing to keep you warm for a day outdoors in the Scottish Highlands.

Essential Items:

• a waterproof jacket and waterproof over trousers (recommended)
• leggings or outdoor trousers/baselayer/fleece jumper
• a hat/ cap to keep your head warm
• old light footwear/trainers that you don’t mind getting wet at launching/landing
• water or juice and a small snack (EH currently due to Covid-19 are NOT supplying drinks and snacks for paddlers)
• any medication you may require
• towel & complete change of clothes for afterward – can be taken or left in your car!
• suntan lotion is also a good call for those sunny days.

Jeans and hiking boats are NOT suitable for watersports and kayaking.

Launching from the Links in Cromarty, we launch from the beach and follow the coastline to the South Sutor passing the World War Two look out towers. We head around the coast down to McFarquhars Cave. If the sea state is calm and suitable we can go into the cave. Paddling back up to the Sutors, we cross over to North Sutor for more exploring the coastline and wildlife. Approx halfway through the trip we stop when suitable with the group at a nice beach location for lunch.

Group Size: Max 8x paddlers

Age: This trip is suitable for individuals, couples, or families (minimum 12-year-old). 12-17-year-olds are required to be accompanied on one adult to one basis.

Distance: Approx. paddling distance 4-5 miles (8km)

Craft: Tandem sea kayaks.

Weather: Should the weather (wind/waves) be unsuitable to paddle out on Cromarty/Moray Firth on the day, we may have to relocate to Rosemarkie to paddle in the shelter. Should both venues look unsuitable for an enjoyable paddle, we will postpone the trip and arrange to rebook for a future date or issue a full refund.

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

Meeting Time: 10.00am. Please arrive early to ensure you can get parked ok and are in time for the safety briefing and kit issue.

Meet Location: The Links Cromarty. We meet at the links Cromarty where there is ample parking for cars on the grass where we can launch onto the beach easily.

Google Map link – https://goo.gl/maps/D2CPyNz6mikGZvqF8

Finish Time: Approx 2.00pm

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 kayaks 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 kayaks 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.