Canoe - An Introduction to OC1 (Sat) 

So what is OC1? 

OC1 (one person canoe) allows you to play the river to its full potential. If you are a canoeist or river Kayaker that wants to try something a bit different, this is for you!

An introductory day to try OC1 (there is an option to choose Sunday as an additional day). The venue for the day will allow time on slow moving water to learn the OC1 specific skills and convert your previous kayak or canoe knowledge to a new craft.

The day will be progressive working towards and up to grade 2.

This is suitable for kayakers or canoeists with some river experience who are ready to try something new.

You will be self-sufficient with your equipment including personal safety equipment. 

OC1 boats are available to borrow from Silver Birch canoes. No booking is required. 

Canoe - OC1 Improvers (Sun) 

The day will be progressive working towards and up to grade 2. 

This is aimed at participants from the Saturday OC1 session or people with prior OC1 experience or a confident grade 2 canoeist who want to feel more independent in the grade 2 environment. 

We aim to get you to start using features and working with the water, helping you feel more and confident catching eddies and moving around the river.

Ideal for boaters who have some experience in the grade 2 environment.

Over the session we will look at:

• Having fun and playing on rivers 
• Gaining confidence
• learning more about the river environment and features
• Developing efficient and effective strokes
• River running strategies including reading the water and using the flow 
• Exploring coping mechanisms to reduce anxiety
• Looking at equipment and what we carry on the river and adaptations that can be made to be self sufficient and safe

You will be self-sufficient with your equipment including personal safety.

OC1 boats are available to borrow from Silver Birch canoes. No booking is required. 

Canoe - Open Water Skills (Sat and/or Sun)

In this session we will look at equipping you for great days out and inspiring journeys on open water in winds up to force 4. 

Ideally you will have some experience in open water force 3/4 and be looking to become more efficient with your paddling.

We’ll explore working with the environment rather than fighting it, travelling efficiently in a variety of conditions using technical and tactical approaches for success! 

Over the two days we will work on:

• Efficiency and confidence in your paddling
• Understanding the use of edge and trim
• Open water tactics including safety in ever changing environments
• Effective use of the wind on open water
• Traditional skills suitable to the environment and condition may include sailing, rafting, poling, and/or lining.

There are options to look at journey planning, packing and navigation. 

Tandem crews welcome but you will need to book with a partner to guarantee a tandem boat!

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching for the weekend. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own equipment and personal safety equipment, if you have it bring two long floating painters or two throw bags & carabiners. 

You may be able to borrow a boat if you don’t have your own. This must be reserved prior to the event, by selecting the add-on when you book this session (there is no additional charge). Limited boats available, please book early.

Canoe - White Water (Sat and/or Sun) 

This session is ideal for people looking to explore grade 2/2+ rivers and moving up to grade 3.

Moving water canoeing allows a fantastic opportunity to journey stunning local rivers. These days will be about developing and refining the skills and tactics to feel good. 

We aim to get you working with the environment for success, providing you with a strong technical understanding of skills and tactical approaches.

This will allow the feeling of efficiency, smoothness and confidence when you paddle. with great company!

What we will Include:

• Driving the boat
• Explore and develop the use of edge and trim
• River running tactics
• Efficient use of the flow and features in the river
• Traditional skills suitable to the environment and condition may include, lining, poling, and/or tracking

Tandem crews welcome but you will need to book with a partner to guarantee a tandem boat!

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching for the weekend. 

You will be self-sufficient with your own equipment and personal safety equipment, if you have it bring two long floating painters or two throw bags & carabiners. 

You may be able to borrow a boat if you don’t have your own. This must be reserved prior to the event, by selecting the add-on when you book this session (there is no additional charge). Limited boats available, please book early. 

SUP Slow Moving Rivers and Board Confidence (Sat and/or Sun)

Want to take your paddleboarding skills from flat water to moving grade 1-2 water?

This day will explore how to move around on the board, develop your confidence, understanding methods to steer and control your board, self rescue in moving water and having a lot of fun whilst learning new skills. 

The day will include skills setting you up for success on your river journey. 

We will explore equipment & clothing for the environment, identifying and using river features effectively including hazard avoidance. 

Bring paddling kit, including helmet and river fin, for a full day of being in and out of the water. 

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching for the weekend. This will be on venues such as Loch Inch to Aviemore.

You may be able to borrow a board if you don’t have your own. This must be reserved prior to the event, by selecting the add-on when you book this session (there is no additional charge). Limited boards available, please book early. 

SUP - Developing Open Water Skills including down wind sailing (Sat and/or Sun)

So you are hooked on Stand Up Paddleboarding and looking to explore more challenging environments? Using open water lochs we will explore the paddling skills, including down winding and environmental knowledge allowing you to make safe paddling decisions. 

Having the confidence to move your position on your SUP board whilst steering or making that essential stroke illustrates the control required for paddling in open water. This session will focus on exploring body positioning and balance whilst in an open water environment while being able to adapt when conditions change. 

You may be able to borrow a board if you don’t have your own. This must be reserved prior to the event, by selecting the add-on when you book this session (there is no additional charge). Limited boards available, please book early. 

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like progressive coaching for the weekend.

SUP - Intro to White Water (Sat and/or Sun)

Want to explore your skills paddling on grade 2 water, gaining knowledge of white water rapids?

The day will develop paddling skills to set you up for the white water river environment. Over the session we will look at:

• Having fun and playing on rivers 
• Gaining confidence
• learning more about the river environment and features
• Developing efficient and effective strokes
• River running strategies including reading the water and using the flow 
• Exploring coping mechanisms to reduce anxiety.
• Looking at equipment and what we carry on the river and adaptations that can be made to be self sufficient and Safe

Bring paddling kit, for the occasional dip! including helmet and river fin. 

You may be able to borrow a river board if you don’t have your own. This must be reserved prior to the event, by selecting the add-on when you book this session (there is no additional charge). Limited boards available, please book early. 

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you want progressive coaching for the weekend.

SUP - Intermediate White Water Skills (Sat and/or Sun)

Been out on rivers before and want to explore new rivers including grade 2-3 for example the middle findhorn your technique to paddle more challenging rapids. 

This session will look at paddling in more technical white water where you may need to regulate your height and make decisions on line choice. 

Over the session we will look at:

• Having fun and playing on features 
• Gaining confidence and coping with anxiety 
• Developing efficient and effective strokes
• River running strategies for more continuous rapids 
• Scouting rapids and identifying line options 

Bring paddling kit, for the occasional dip! including helmet and river fin.

You may be able to borrow a river board if you don’t have your own or want to try something different. This must be reserved prior to the event, by selecting the add-on when you book this session (there is no additional charge). Limited boards available, please book early. 

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you want progressive coaching for the weekend.

SUP - Coastal Skills (Sat and/or Sun)

Want to get out on the coast and explore the wonders of coastal paddling while developing skills?

This session is aimed at paddlers who are happy paddling on flat water and want to learn more about how to control your board on the sea, including swell, waves and with some luck a wee surf. All while taking in the local natural history of the North East. 

A chance to improve or gain some coastal knowledge and experience paddling along a beautiful stretch of the coastline. You might even see some awesome wildlife such as dolphins, porpoises, gannets or puffins (although we can't guarantee that 😉).

You may be able to borrow a board if you don’t have your own or want to try something different. This must be reserved prior to the event, by selecting the add-on when you book this session (there is no additional charge). Limited boards available, please book early. 

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you want progressive coaching for the weekend.

SUP Intro to Adventure Paddling (2 Day Progressive Session) 

Including the British Canoeing SUP Safer Course

ADVENTURE ADVENTURE ADVENTURE…

If you are confident paddling in sheltered conditions or as part of a led group, but fancy going on amazing day and multi day trips in more remote paddle locations this is for you!

This progressive two day course is for people looking for a bit more challenge! During the weekend you will journey on lochs and/or rivers to practise skills. 

This session will include:

• Packing light while having essential kit for single or multi day SUP adventure 
• Looking at environment and conditions 
• Advice on planning trips
• Safety considerations 
• Self-rescue and rescuing others
• Communication and safety equipment for remote paddling

Bring out the adventurer from within!

You may be able to borrow a board if you don’t have your own. This must be reserved prior to the event, by selecting the add-on when you book this session (there is no additional charge). Limited boards available, please book early. 

The British Canoeing SUP Safer course will be integrated into the 2-days. This course helps you learn about potential hazards you might encounter and be prepared to avoid or deal with them. 

Sea - Introduction to Sea Kayaking (Sat)

This session is for anyone that has an interest in trying sea kayaks and learning some skills to get you started. 

You will experience the diversity of sea kayaking, taking you to new and exciting places or just exploring every nook and cranny of an interesting area. Let us share the joy of sea kayaking with you!

Time will be spent discovering how to make the boat go where you want it to go, how to paddle efficiently, effectively and how to feel confident and balanced in the boat.

This day will be on a local inland loch close to Glenmore Lodge to maximise time on the water. 

You are required to dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available.

You may be able to borrow a boat if you don’t have your own. This must be reserved prior to the event, by selecting the add-on when you book this session (there is no additional charge). Limited boats available, please book early. 

Sea - Introduction to Moving Water Skills (Sun)

This session is for people who are confident in their sea kayak in a range of coastal environments and conditions, up to force 3 wind with some swell. 

This session will look at moving water skills including breaking in and out the current, developing skills including control of your boat. Giving the confidence and skills you can use when playing and exploring in tidal areas!

This session may take place on slow moving sections of the River Spey or on tidal sea, depending on weather/conditions on the day.

You are required to dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available.

Sea - Incident Management/Rescues - (2 Day Progressive Session) 

Including the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue Course

This 2-day course will enhance your ability to have safe, fun days out on the sea. It will give you the tools to make the good decisions and the skills to plan an enjoyable and successful journey on the sea.

• What do you do when you've done all the planning but something has gone wrong?
• What are you going to do? 
• How can you manage the incident? 
• What do you need to consider? 
• Who do you need to contact and how?

The weekend will include practising rescuing yourself and others, towing, casualty management and boat mishaps, environmental knowledge and constraints. 

Every day we spend sea kayaking further expands our skills and knowledge, creating a more enjoyable experience on the water. With no two trip experiences ever the same, we never stop learning. Continually evaluating the choices we make creates a natural evolution of decision making and sea paddling ability.

The British Canoeing Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue course will be integrated into the 2-days. This course aims to provide paddlers with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely and be able to deal with common problems on the sea, in both sheltered and moderate conditions.

This is a two day progressive course. You will be out on the water with the same team of paddlers and coaches for both days. 

The course is suitable for paddlers who are confident sea kayaking in up to force 3 winds and are looking to expand their safety practices on the sea. 

You are required to dress for being on the water all day including getting wet. A full kit list will be available. 

Sea - Intermediate (2 Day Progressive Session) 

This progressive 2-day session will develop skills, efficiency, and judgement and decision making required for a successful day on the sea. You are happy paddling (as part of a led group) 10-15 km per day in tidal (or non-tidal) environments in winds up to and including force 3 and/or tides up to 1 knot. 

The session aims to: 

• develop confidence in your abilities to manage your kayak while travelling through the rock gardens, caves and playing on the surf beaches (if available)
• enhance confidence in your abilities to manage situations
• understand the weather and refine your tidal understanding and planning.
• Leave you wanting to explore more challenging environments.

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available. 

This is a two day progressive course. You will be out on the water with the same team of paddlers and coaches for both days. 

Sea - Advanced (2 Day Progressive Session)

Already You are looking to progress to paddling in a variety of sea conditions with some winds over force 4 and/or tides over 2 Knots, using sea kayaks in tidal or non-tidal environments.

Are you ready to develop and enhance your skills in more challenging conditions including rougher and/or faster water?

The sessions are designed to progress your ability in decision making, personal paddling skills and safety and rescue for an enjoyable and safe day out on the sea. You’ll be building on existing skills and experience, with a broad appreciation of surroundings and environmental context. 

This day will be tailored to progress your current level and seek to maximise the opportunities presented by the weather conditions on the day.

This is a two day progressive course. You will be out on the water with the same team of paddlers and coaches for both days. 

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available.

Sea - Chilled Out Led Trip - (Sat and/or Sun)

The Inner Moray Firth is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, its vast history including the Caledonian Canal, abundant wildlife, ice creams and cake stops make it a day to remember. The famous Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins may put in an appearance!

Suitable for sea paddlers who want to enjoy the led journey and share some experiences along the way. 

The day will be a led trip designed to meet individuals and group needs, through an open and inclusive approach.

To get the most out of the day your skills should allow you to control your boat moving forwards and sideways and are confident in a range of environments and conditions (relaxed in wind up to force 3, and some swell).

You will dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available. 

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you’d like to experience this on both days. Different trips will be undertaken if weather permits. 

Sea - Foundation Skills for Greenland Rolling (Sat and/or Sun)

The aim of this small group workshop is to embed the foundations for Greenland rolling and will include practising static / balance brace exercises, learning the butterfly roll and the standard Greenland roll.

You don’t need to be able to roll in advance but being confident in the water and being upside down will make it more enjoyable.

The workshop will begin with land based exercises. We will develop these skills on the water in the tranquil setting of a local loch.

We don’t advise booking two days of this workshop. It is likely that the second day will look/feel similar to the first. 

You will dress warmly for being on and in the water.

Please contact us at hello@canoescotland.org if you have any questions. 

Rolling and Rescues - Pool / Loch (Sat) 

You have rolled before but you would like to develop your technique for more success or confidence! Learning to get your boat blade and body in harmony gives the foundation for a solid confident roll.

This session will start in the rolling pool at Glenmore Lodge and progress to Loch Morlich to practise in open water.

There will be opportunities to practise the all important rescues or develop paddling skills when you are ready for a break from rolling! 

Swimming costume and shorts/rash vest or wetsuit required for the pool. You might want a nose plug, skull cap, and we recommend that you wear your buoyancy aid to keep it realistic. 

Normal (warm) paddling clothes required for the loch. This session is suitable for White Water, Sea and Surf Kayakers. 

Introduction to WW Kayaking (grade 2) (2 Day Progressive Session) 

If you’ve always wanted to try white water kayak, or have done a bit and would like to pull it all together these days are for you. Chance to have fun in a low pressure setting and develop the fundamental skills that will set you up for wherever your ww kayak journey takes you. This is a two day progressive course.

Suitable for: people who can paddle on flat or gently flowing water. People with experience in other craft who want to try a new discipline.

Over the session we will look at:

• Having fun and playing on rivers 
• Gaining confidence
• Learning more about the river environment and features
• Developing efficient and effective strokes
• River running strategies including reading the water and using the flow 
• Exploring coping mechanisms to reduce anxiety
• Looking at equipment and what we carry on the river 

This is a two day progressive course. You will be out on the water with the same team of paddlers and coaches for both days. 

You may be able to borrow a boat if you don’t have your own or want to try something different. This must be reserved prior to the event, by selecting the add-on when you book this session (there is no additional charge). Limited boats available, please book early. 

Intermediate (solid grade 2 stepping to 3) - Sat and/or Sun

Been out on rivers before and want to explore new rivers including grade 2-3 (for example the middle findhorn) and develop your technique to paddle more challenging rapids.

These days are for people with some river kayaking experience already who are ready to consolidate and stretch their skills. There’ll be a chance to dial in your boat handling skills so that they are consistent and you’re styling your way round the river. You’ll start to develop strategies for more complex rapids and have a chance to put them into practice in grade 3 in a supportive environment. A roll is not essential. 

Suitable for: people who can paddle on grade 2 who want to step up the grades. People who want a chance to practise and play to build their confidence on the river. People who want to polish or revisit the fundamental skills to successful river running.

Over the session we will look at:

• Having fun and playing on features 
• Gaining confidence and coping with anxiety 
• Developing efficient and effective strokes
• River running strategies for more continuous rapids 
• Scouting rapids and identifying line options 

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you want progressive coaching for the weekend. If you choose to do it both days you will be out on the water with the same team of paddlers and coaches for both days. 

White Water Kayak - Intermediate+ (grade 3, stepping to 4) - (2 Day Progressive Session) 

You’ll fit into these days if you’re paddling on grade 3 water fairly regularly and you’re wanting to have the confidence to feel good on any stretch of grade 3 water, not just your home run! Explore and practise the tactical and technical aspects of paddling more continuous or steeper rivers and drop, as well as decision making and managing the mind games that sometimes de-rail us. With solid grade 3 paddling in the bank, there’ll be an opportunity to stretch into grade 4 in a calm, no pressure environment, where you can make your own decisions and be supported in whatever you decide. You’ll be able to roll in the river environment most times.

This is a two day progressive course. You will be out on the water with the same team of paddlers and coaches for both days. 

Suitable for: People who paddle on grade 3, perhaps as part of a led group, who want to feel solid at the grade. People who want to test the waters of grade 4 without committing to that being the whole day.

Over the 2-days we will look at:

• Having fun and playing on features 
• Looking at Technical and tactical strategies to run the river
• Developing efficient and effective strokes
• Moving around the river effectively using features 
• Scouting rapids and identifying line options 

White Water Kayak - Advanced (Grade 3 and 4) - (2 Day Progressive Session) 

This course is for people who have done some grade 4, are very comfortable on grade 3, and who want to feel happy on grade 4 consistently. Boat skills, scouting and setting up safety, understanding the river, decision making, getting and staying in the right headspace all play a part in advanced river paddling. These days will give you a chance to pull them all together so you can feel confident about jumping on for dam releases, west coast rain chasing and styling steeper runs. You’ll be rolling consistently and be able to be part of a team that does safety from the boat and the bank.

This is a two day progressive course. You will be out on the water with the same team of paddlers and coaches for both days. 

Suitable for: people with plenty of grade 3 paddling and likely some grade 4 experience who want to push their skills. People who paddle grade 4 and survive but want to enjoy it!

• Looking at Technical and tactical strategies to run the river
• Developing efficient and effective strokes
• Moving around the river effectively using features 
• Scouting rapids and identifying line options 
• Safety and rescue cover for technical rapids, both boat and land-based.

Rolling and Rescues - Pool / Loch (Sat) 

As a White Water Kayaker you have rolled before but you would like to develop your technique for more success or confidence! Learning to get your boat blade and body in harmony gives the foundation for a solid confident roll.

This session will start in the rolling pool at Glenmore Lodge and progress to Loch Morlich to practise in open water.

There will be opportunities to practise the all important rescues or develop paddling skills when you are ready for a break from rolling! 

Swimming costume and shorts/rash vest or wetsuit required for the pool. You might want a nose plug, skull cap, and we recommend that you wear your buoyancy aid to keep it realistic. 

Normal (warm) paddling clothes required for the loch. This session is suitable for White Water, Sea and Surf Kayakers. 

Rolling and Rescues - River (Sun) 

As a White Water Kayaker you can roll but you would like to develop your technique for more success or confidence in real situations! This session will be based on the river, to give you the opportunity to test and practise your roll and rescues. 

You might want to book both Saturday and Sunday sessions if you’d like to start with some practice and coaching in the pool/loch and then take this to the river. 

Normal (warm) river paddling clothes required. You might want a nose plug and/or skull cap. 

All Ability Session - (2 Day Progressive Session) 

Disability Accessible session

This is your opportunity to have a low ratio coaching session. The coaching team will be able to tailor the learning to your specific needs and provide a supportive and empowering environment. You might want to try different types of boats, have some skills coaching or go on a short journey.

We aim to provide a relaxed enjoyable day on the water where it is easy to take time out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Cairngorms. We have access to a small contained pond at Glenmore Lodge or Loch Morlich is just a 5-minute drive down the road and set with the beautiful backdrop of the Cairngorm mountains. 

This is a two day progressive course. You will be out on the water with the same team of paddlers and coaches for both days. 

If your disability requires adaptive equipment or specific support this can be arranged in advance of the weekend. 

You can borrow boats/board if you don’t have your own or want to try something different. We will discuss with you what craft would work best and reserve this for you. 

(Sat and/or Sun)

Scotland’s rivers are known for their natural beauty, and white water rafting is a fantastic way to explore them. Some of the best white water rafting rivers in Scotland are without a doubt the Garry, Findhorn & Spey giving a rich learning environment and we guarantee you will enjoy your time on the water.

This is the first time rafting has been included in the Women’s Paddle Symposium. It is an exciting opportunity to access grade 2/3/4 water. No rafting or white water experience required, just a sense of adventure!

The stable platform of the raft is fantastic for learning/developing guiding skills or being part of the crew in stunning locations.

Over the weekend we will use dam released rivers such as the River Garry and natural runs such as the Findhorn or the Spey. 

We will look to develop:

• Personal rafting skills 
• Steering the raft, ferry gliding, effective use of the flow and angles 
• Communicating with the crew. 
• Technically and tactically using feature effectively to make our way down the river

You are required to dress for being on the water all day.

Sit on top safety and skills (Sat and/or Sun)

For all the sit on top paddlers, looking for a fun and exciting day on the water we have just the thing for you!

Do you want to take your sit on top from flat water to moving grade 1 - easy grade 2 water? This will be on venues such as Loch Insh to Aviemore.

The day will include:

• Developing efficient and effective paddling skills on your SOT
• Identifying and using river features effectively including hazard avoidance
• Rescuing in moving water and having a lot of fun whilst learning new skills 
• Exploring boat set up, equipment & clothing for the environment

You can book to do this workshop on Saturday and Sunday if you want progressive coaching for the weekend. If you choose to do it both days you will be out on the water with the same team of paddlers and coaches for both days. 

You are required to dress for being on the water all day. A full kit list will be available. 

Chilled out river trip (Grade 1-2, canoe, kayak, SUP)

Including bushcraft.

A relaxed day paddling the craft of your choice with time to explore, chat, play, wildlife watch and generally enjoy moving through the picturesque landscape of the Scottish Highlands.

This session will include a gentle paddle with some helpful tips along the way as well as some bushcraft, on grade 1 or simple grade 2 rapids. 

Suitable for curious beginners right up to the seasoned explorer who wants to enjoy the journey and maybe learn or share some wisdom along the way. 

These are all Friday evening 17th 1930 - 2100 

Except rolling… (see below)

The Game Changers -

Strong Women Make Waves 

Inspiring stories from game changers and how you could be a game changer. 

• Cara McGuian (host) 
• Eilidh Gibson (Slalom Inspires)
• Maddy Jennings (C1 Women’s Academy)
• Mags Duncan (SWPS) 
• Ava Barton (U18 Club)

Pathways to Coach or Leader Qualification

Information, advice, support and networking

• Gill Berrow 

Empowering Moms

Working and paddling in the outdoors through pregnancy and as a mum. 

• Laura Bennitt - TBC
• Georgina Maxwell 

Fitness for Paddlesport

An active session of some core based exercises you can do at home. 

• Poppy Croal Mackenzie

Yoga 

An active session to prepare the body and mind for the weekend. 

• Savanna Gude

Heidi Walsh -

GB Freestyle Kayaker / Palm Team Paddler 

Big wave freestyle, class 5 creeking, expedition kayaking and waterfalls.

Alison French - Sea Kayak Plockton

Winter Sea Kayaking from the tropics to the poles.

Jess Philip - Dipper Paddleboarding

SUPing Nepal’s White Water rivers. 

Conservation and Connection

Protecting and enjoying our waters. 

1. Scottish Invasive Species Initiative
2. Marine life 

• Alison McLachlan
• Karen Mullen 
• Rachel Shucksmith 

Rolling

You have rolled before, but want to improve it. Maybe it's not reliable or is currently not working, or you want to feel more confident with it. You’ll be using the Glenmore Lodge general purpose boats/spraydecks, in the indoor pool. 

3 Sessions: 

1530 - 1700

1700 - 1830

1930 - 2100