Half-Day Paddleboarding

Explore Highland love paddleboarding, and offer a number of local 2hr beginner sessions, half-day guided trips, full-day adventures, plus occasional multi-day expeditions. These are listed and bookable via the booking diary.

If you have no paddleboarding experience but looking for a private group booking or a family paddleboard outing, the Caledonian Canal, Loch Achilty & Loch Duntelchaig options are more suitable.

These include;

  • Caledonian Canal
  • Loch Dochfour
  • Aigas Gorge
  • Loch Achilty
  • Loch Duntelchaig
  • Inner Moray Firth

 

Half day trips start from £240. With one coach/guide, the maximum number of paddlers is six. Larger groups are possible with advanced notice.

Half-day guided/coached sessions take place close (within 20-30 miles) of Inverness area.

Caledonian Canal by SUP

The Caledonian Canal is a perfect sheltered venue for those who have little to no experience to paddle and play. With sheltered water and easy access, it is an ideal location for a first paddleboard outing, especially for families.

Local options in the Inverness area include launching from Clachnaharry, Tomnahurich, or Dochgarroch pontoon. Tandem paddleboard is also available for taking out a younger paddler.

 

Prerequisites

A half-day canal paddleboarding experience is more suited to beginner paddlers or family groups. The minimum age of paddling on solo boards is 8 years old. All paddlers should be physically fit and be water confident. Options include morning 9 am- 12 noon, afternoon 2-5 pm, and evening 6-9 pm sessions.

Loch Dochfour by SUP

Prerequisites

A half-day Loch Dochfour paddleboard trip is suitable to those who have paddle boarded before. The minimum age for this trip is 14 years old. All paddlers should be physically fit and be water confident. Options include morning 9 am- 12 noon, afternoon 2-5 pm, and evening 6-9 pm sessions.

Aigas Gorge by SUP

 

 

Prerequisites

A half-day Aigas paddleboard trip is more suited to those who have paddle boarded before. The minimum age for this trip is 14 years old. All paddlers should be physically fit and be water confident. Options include morning 9 am- 12 noon, afternoon 2-5 pm, and evening 6-9 pm sessions.

Loch Achilty by SUP

 

 

Prerequisites

A half-day Loch Achilty paddleboard trip is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. The minimum age for this trip is 8 years old. All paddlers should be physically fit and be water confident. Options include morning 9 am- 12 noon, afternoon 2-5 pm, and evening 6-9 pm sessions.

Loch Duntelchaig by SUP

 

 

Prerequisites

A half-day Loch Duntelchaig paddleboard trip is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. The minimum age for this trip is 8 years old. All paddlers should be physically fit and be water confident. Options include morning 9 am- 12 noon, afternoon 2-5 pm, and evening 6-9 pm sessions.

Inner Moray Firth by SUP

 

Prerequisites

A half-day Inner Moray Firth paddleboard trip is only suited to those who have paddleboarding experience as the conditions on the sea can be more challenging than in sheltered waters. This trip is suitable for adults only. All paddlers should be physically fit and be water confident. Options include morning 9 am- 12 noon, afternoon 2-5 pm, and evening 6-9 pm sessions.

What Equipment do we supply

For half-day paddleboarding we supply the following kit with all bookings:

  • solo touring paddleboards
  • a personal buoyancy aid, and a suitably sized adjustable paddle
  • a dry bag per paddler if required
  • adult wetsuits and shoes available if required. Please email (info@explorehighland.com) height and shoe size 24 hours prior to the activity
  • approx 2.5 hours on the water paddling time
  • copies of photos taken during the trip

What you need to bring

When paddling, you should expect some splashing but more likely a fall of the board. The weather can also change rapidly out on the water so its best to be prepared for the worst. Please bring suitable outdoor clothing to keep you warm for your time outdoors in the Scottish Highlands. As we are going on a wee journey, we will be outdoors for the full duration and not able to just nip back to the start for shelter if it starts to rain.

Essential Items:

  • own wetsuit or shorts/leggings
  • waterproof jacket and waterproof over-trousers are highly recommended
  • baselayer/fleece jumper
  • a hat/ cap to keep your head warm
  • old light footwear/trainers that you don’t mind getting wet/splashed

We recommend also bringing along;

  • water or juice as you may get thirsty
  • any medication you may require
  • towel & complete change of clothes for afterward – can be left in your car at the start/finish point!

Jeans and hiking boats are NOT suitable for watersports and will not be allowed on the water.

Booking a Private Half-Day Paddleboarding Experience

You can enquiry about your private half-day paddleboard experience availability by completing the provisional booking form on the contact page!