WWPF History
The weekend, organised by the Scottish Canoe Association Recreational Rivers Committee, is dedicated to Andy Jackson, our former Access Officer, an inspirational force in Scottish Kayaking, who sadly passed away in December 2004. This is an event that he had talked and dreamed about for a long time, his presence will be felt for many years to come. You can read more about Andy here.
2009 Event
The 2009 weekend was once again a great success with paddling on the Garry on the Saturday and a choice on the Sunday of the River Moriston, or for the less adventurous the River Awe. The evening events were held at the British Aluminium club in Fort William. Tthere were slightly less people there than last year but it was a successful weekend and we look forward to the 2010 event in September next year.
2008 Event
The 2008 weekend was held on Saturday 13th September (River Garry) and Sunday 14th September (River Moriston). A record 345 people took part in the paddling and the partying. We're already looking forward to next year. We should have earlier advance confirmation of release dates in 2009 so watch this space for news as the organisation of the event gets underway.
2007 Event
The 2007 weekend was held on Saturday 22nd September (River Moriston) and Sunday 23rd September (River Garry). The Friday evening saw kayaking presentations and a band in the Ice Factor, Kinlochleven. This had the added advantage of being next to a playhole! Saturday evening saw a party in Fort William.
2006 Event
The Friday evening event at the Ice-Factor was attended by approximately 130 people. They were treated to various slideshows from destinations such as India - Zanskar Gorge, India - Himachal Pradesh at Easter, Canada - Quebec and photos from lesser known rivers in Scotland. A band finished off the evening! Saturday was spent on the River Garry, with hundreds of people enjoying themselves in the sunshine! Food was provided by the Invergarry Shinty club. Saturday night involved a visit to the Nevis Centre in Fort William, for 250 people. There was an excellent raffle, band and DJ. The weekend finished off with about 100 cars cramming into the Invermoriston car park and their paddlers making the most of the water, food and refreshments provided by the Invermoriston hall comittee.
The staff at the Ice-Factor, the band that played for us, the first aid volunteers at the Garry and the Moriston, the Shuttle bus drivers (John Picken and Steve McKinnon among others), Glenmore Lodge and John Picken for the loan of the buses, the Staff at the Nevis centre and our two stewards, the Invermoriston hall committee, the various companies for the raffle donations (SystemX and Werner, Tiso, Nookie, Perception, Palm, HighNMighty, Carlisle Canoes, PeakUK and Lomo), Pyranha for the demonstration boats and Gordon Menzies of the Ness Salmon board / Scottish & Southern hydroelectric / Paul Williamson / SEPA for helping with the water releases. Apologies for anyone that has been missed out!
2005
The 2005 event was held earlier in the year, and followed on from Andy’s death, originally as a one-off.