weekend course with Doug Cooper
10th and 11th May 2025 - £200 pp
The development of rough water handling skills is the natural progression from intermediate to advanced paddler and Doug Cooper (quite literally) wrote the book on it.
Doug is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping you develop the skills and confidence to enjoy paddling sea kayaks safely and responsibly in the conditions you would usually ignore but long to be confident in. This two day course will be based in the Moray Firth and is aimed at moderate level paddlers looking to progress into advanced environments.
Focussing on the technical, tactical, physiological and psychological aspects of these skills, the course is about adapting your existing paddle knowledge to take account of dynamic conditions in the areas of: high wind, moving water, surf, rock hopping, tide races, open crossings and self rescue.
The Moray Firth has many great locations where conditions are suitable including surf at Lossiemouth, Cullen and Sandend, fast moving tides at North Kessock and Ardersier, and rock-hopping at Cromarty or Portknockie. There are even options on the River Spey to develop sea kayaking skills that translate perfectly to tidal races on the sea. With Doug you can be reassured that this will be excellent value and will both challenge and inspire you.
It is expected that you are comfortable in moderate water conditions and have a reliable roll or can self-rescue in dynamic conditions. To ensure you have the best opportunity to learn safely the maximum number for this course will be set at four persons.
In addition to all the amazing learning opportunities you will have the chance to experience the beauty and adventure of the amazing Moray Firth. With unparalleled wildlife, geology and history you will enjoy two fantastic days in the company of an outstanding guide and teacher who demonstrates a unique passion for sea kayaking and responsible access.
If you are traveling a distance or prefer to try something different, kayaks and paddles can be provided in support of your course. There will be a additional charge of £80 for this. Kayaks are P&H Scorpios with Celtic paddles.
The Moray Firth is an extremely accessible location with excellent transport links and good welfare facilities along the coastline.
The course will be based on the Moray Firth but flexibility may be needed.
Full joining instructions will be provided once booked.
For those who don't know him, Doug has a lifetime of experience as a paddlesport coach in sea kayaking and white water, working for many years at Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre. His passion is supporting others get the most out of what motivates them in their outdoor activities.
Doug is also author of Skye and North West Highlands Sea Kayaking, North and East Coasts of Scotland Sea Kayaking, Sea Kayak Handling and Rough Water Handling; all published by Pesda Press. With his wife Lara he has also created a website, Scottish Sea Kayaking, to provide ‘inspiration & information’ to all sea kayakers and compliment the guide books (www.scottishseakayaking.co.uk).
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