Weekend Skills Workshop - Moray Kayaking

with Doug Cooper

31st August and 1st September 2024

This two day course in workshop format is aimed at paddlers who are looking to develop their skills in a range of ways with one of the UK's top coaches. It is anticipated that you will already be comfortable in moderate conditions.

Focussing on the students' needs instead of the format of any particular course or discipline, this is an opportunity to really get to grips with those things that niggle you most. Whether it is dealing with following seas, rock-hopping, a particular stroke, or developing your confidence in swell or tide, you are guaranteed to get the very best coaching and guidance.

In advance of the course, a full questionnaire will be completed to get a clear understanding of your goals and experience. That will assist in building a day tailored to your needs and offer you the very best experience and opportunity to learn.

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 small additional charge of £20 for this. Kayaks are P&H Scorpios with Celtic paddles.

The Moray Firth is ideally suited to this type of training with a range of moderate water environments; from rock gardens to surf beaches and plenty wind & swell from the North Sea . It is also 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).

Booking below.

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Diana

2023-08-10

What a great day out kayaking! So happy we decided to book. Alistair is a great guide, all equipment was high quality, whole experience was top notch.

Helen Ryan

2023-08-09

Just spent a fantastic few hours kayaking with Ali on Lochindorb. It was just wonderful to be able to take in the beauty of the surroundings from the tranquility of the kayak. We had a great time and thanks to Ali for supplying not only the expertise and the kayaks but also wetsuits, water shoes, dry jackets etc. Would highly recommend

Stephen DaBell

2023-08-06

Excellent two days on the water. Tuition delivered at an appropriate level and both instructors, Ali & Ruth, were very helpful and capable. Well worth the experience.

Lora Hattendorf

2023-07-10

Ali Garrow put us at ease immediately. We had never sea kayaked before, and we knew how dangerous it is without someone to know the area. We had only ever been on quiet inland lakes, but not only was Ali well equipped and a knowledgeable, intuitive coach, but he was kind and encouraging as well. He had everything we needed from wetsuits to jackets, and we first had lessons in the safe water before he coaxed us out into the deep North Sea Coast. We learned how to really use our legs and how to push the paddle with the top hand as we drew the paddle with the bottom. That trick alone allowed us to traverse the entire Cullen Bay in no time at all, against waves and wind (and a bit of exciting rain that lasted only a short time) with very little fatigue! And we’re in our 60s!! We lunched together in Cullen Harbor, Ali shared story after story to our utter delight, and more than a coach we feel like we gained a lifelong friend. He wrapped up our time with a challenge that we gladly accepted, and that was to purposely tip over and practice rescuing each other. We feel so confident now that we are anxious to go out on the Moray Coast again. Our highlights included kayaking THROUGH the Bow Fiddle arch, and exploring deep blue sea caves while seeing the sea birds all from a new perspective. And isn’t that what kayaking is all about? — Gaining a new perspective on nature and life? We can’t recommend Ali and MORAY KAYAKING enough! Thank you for making our vacation so memorable! Best of luck in all your other endeavors, and please do let us come next year!

Bronagh Smith

2023-05-10

I did the introduction to sea kayaking 2 day course and I am still buzzing! Amazing weekend with lots of new skills learnt. Ali is a fantastic coach, someone who really knows what he’s doing, he is very reassuring and enthusiastic! I felt very safe being out on the water with him. I’m looking forward to booking in some more trips out with Ali but also excited get out with other people to practice my new skills!!! Thank you Ali for giving me more confidence with my paddling! I’m still smiling from the weekend!

Gillian Burtwell

2023-05-08

I’m in my 50’s and for some years now I wanted to take up sea kayaking (your never too old or too young). I have just completed a weekend introduction to sea kayaking with Ali and Fiona of Moray Kayaking who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge and are very encouraging and patient. My face hurts from smiling so much. I met some fantastic people on the course. I can’t wait to do more padding and more courses If you want to learn how to paddle then go to Moray Kayaking. Not only will you learn how to paddle properly and safely but you will have great fun doing it.

Simon Turner

2023-05-07

Took part in a two day introduction to sea kayaking course this weekend. Can't recommend Alastair enough - really good tuition given with clarity, humour and evident experience to back it up. Relaxed but thorough and a good emphasis on safety. It has inspired me to pursue the sport - thanks!

Sarah

2023-04-09

I attended the Introduction to Sea Kayaking course. It was a 2 day course with lots of skills learnt both days. Ali is a fantastic coach, very informative with great experience to share. He explains things really well and is very patient, ensuring everyone understands what you have to do. I would highly recommend his courses and look forward to attending again.

Pete Vowles

2023-04-02

Brilliant family day out with Ali! Ali took the four of us (2 adults and 2 kids (14 & 12)) for an intro day in Findhorn Bay. Even though we were a mixed ability group, everyone learnt something new (forward paddling, steering & turning stokes, rescue drills, low and high brace and more). We also got a sense of the tide and currents in the Bay and had loads of fun! We finished tired and happy & feeling confident in a Sea Kayak and up for doing much more in the future. Ali is great instructor; the day felt tailor made to our needs and his love of the water and kayaks is infectious. Many thanks!

JANE GILL

2023-02-23

Rolling on the first lesson! I signed up for rolling classes at Glenmore Lodge with Ali. It is a fantastic venue. Ali is a clam and confident coach who explains this concisely and clearly with enough room for practice and reflections. He would also demonstrate to help us understand. He is very patient! (I was rolling with a paddle float on the first lesson - so still stuff to learn!)