Advanced White Water SUP Course 

An advanced white water SUP course in grade 3 white water in the Highlands of Scotland is a challenging and exhilarating experience for experienced stand up paddleboarders. Led by expert instructors (all of who have pushed the very limits of the sport personally and have lots of coaching experience behind them) with years of experience in white water paddling, this course is designed to help participants improve their skills, build confidence, and tackle some of the most challenging suppable rapids in Scotland. We will liaise with you on where is the best venue for the day but this is likely to be the Findhorn as it provides many appropriate challenges.

The course typically begins with a review of foundational skills, such as reading the water and perfecting paddling technique, before moving on to more advanced techniques and strategies. Participants will learn how to navigate complex rapids, eddies, and currents, and execute advanced manoeuvres like edging (yes this is a thing on SUP), ferrying, efficient bracing and even boofing (also a thing on SUP). If you wish you can also learn more advanced rescue techniques for the environment. As well as how to handle the specific White Water SUP you are using (if you don’t have your own we will supply a Hala Atcha 8’6 or 9’6 sized to you).

Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills on a variety of different rapids, with a focus on grade 3 white water. This includes challenging set by instructors on whichever river we use on the day, if the Findhorn is not running then other options would be the Garry, the Tay or the Spean (and if you prefer any ofd these we are happy to head here instead to tailor the course to your wishes). Instructors will provide feedback and guidance to help participants improve their skills and build confidence, while also ensuring that safety is a top priority at all times.

Along the way, in addition to technical skills, the course will also cover a range of practical and theoretical topics related to white water paddling in Scotland. This may include topics like river safety and rescue, strategies for managing risk and making decisions on the water. Participants will hopefully attain a deeper appreciation for the sport as a whole.

One of the most valuable aspects of the course is the opportunity to connect with other experienced paddlers and build a community. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights, learn from others, and build lasting friendships and connections. This can be incredibly motivating and inspiring, and can help participants to stay engaged with the sport over the long term.

Overall, an advanced white water SUP course in grade 3 white water in the Highlands of Scotland is an immersive and rewarding experience for experienced paddlers. With a focus on technical skills, practical knowledge, and community building, this type of course is perfect for anyone who is passionate about white water paddling and wants to take their skills to the next level in one of the most beautiful and challenging locations in Scotland.

A one-day advanced white water SUP course in Scotland (probably using the Findhorn River) is an intensive and immersive experience that is designed to help experienced paddlers improve their skills and tackle some of the most challenging suppable rapids in Scotland. Here is an example itinerary for the one-day course. This can be tailored entirely to your needs and may also be altered according to the river levels on the day.

10:00 am – Meet and Greet – Participants meet at the designated meeting point and are introduced to their instructors and fellow paddlers. After a safety briefing and equipment check, the group will spend some time reviewing their current knowledge of the foundational skills and techniques. We will also need to organise a shuttle so that we have vehicles at the bottom with whatever people need for when they get off the river.

On-Water Instruction and Skills Practice – Participants will get on the river, warm dip and begin to practise and refine their skills under the guidance of expert instructors. This may include practising eddy turns, ferrying, and boofing techniques (yes this is also a thing on a sup), as well as working on reading the water and navigating complex rapids.

Lunch Break – Participants take a break for lunch and have the opportunity to connect with their instructors and fellow paddlers. This is a great chance to ask questions, share experiences, and get to know each other as well as reflect on the current learning of the day and where they wish to progress in the afternoon.

River Running skills – Participants will put their skills to the test with a series of challenges on the rapids. Instructors will provide guidance and support, and will help participants to navigate the rapids safely and confidently while starting to make more challenging lines including hitting smaller eddies, tighter channels and more challenging ferry glides & surfs.

3:00 pm – Debrief and Wrap-Up – After a full day of intense paddling, participants will gather for a debrief and wrap-up session. This is a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences, share feedback, and celebrate achievements.

Departure – Participants say goodbye to their instructors and fellow paddlers, and head home with new skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Overall, a one-day advanced white water SUP course on the Findhorn River is a challenging and rewarding experience for experienced paddlers who want to take their skills to the next level in one of the most beautiful and challenging locations in Scotland. With expert instruction, immersive river runs, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow paddlers, this course is a great way to push your limits, experience and develop new skills in the thrilling adventure sport of white water stand up paddleboarding.

We are proud to recommend local accommodation options within the area for people:

Aviemore:

Youth Hostel A budget friendly option for people.

Coylumbridge Hotel Aviemroe – good for groups and families alike.

Premier Inn – always a good shout.

Rothiemurchus Campsite – situated in the stunning forest, this is a beautiful budget friendly option.

Glenmore Campsite – situated at Scotland’s highest beach, Loch Morlich has phenomenal views across to Cairngorm Mountain.

Newtonmore & Surrounding Areas:

https://www.wherestagsroar.co.uk/ award winning accommodation in the Highlands – perfect to stay at while up on an outdoor adventure.

Invernahavon Caravan Park – a bit quieter than the others as it is a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Aviemore.

Dalraddy Holiday Park – a family and dog friendly campsite.

If you are an experienced stand up paddleboarder looking to take your skills to the next level, an advanced white water stand up paddleboarding (SUP) course in Scotland may be just what you need. This type of course is designed for experienced paddlers who want to learn how to navigate more challenging rapids and obstacles with confidence and skill.

One of the main reasons to take an advanced white water SUP course is to develop your technical skills. White water paddling requires a high degree of skill and precision, and an advanced course will teach you the techniques and strategies needed to navigate complex rapids, eddies, and currents. You’ll learn how to read the water, make quick decisions, and use your paddle to maneuver through even the toughest obstacles. These technical skills will not only improve your paddling ability but also increase your confidence and safety on the water. Every skill you wish to develop can be tailored to your needs and requirements. 

Another benefit of an advanced white water SUP course is the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors. A good instructor will not only teach you the technical skills you need but also help you develop a deeper understanding of the sport. They can offer valuable feedback and advice to help you improve your technique. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from other experienced paddlers on the course, who can offer their own tips and insights. We only use a very select group of instructors who have all proven their abilities both personally and coaching wise in this environment and higher as there are exceptionally few people anywhere in the world who can offer this level of coaching on a SUP.

Taking an advanced white water SUP course is also a great way to challenge yourself and push your limits. White water paddling can be intimidating, but with the right training and support, you can learn to tackle even the most challenging rapids with confidence. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally, and an advanced course can help you achieve this.

Finally, an advanced white water SUP course is a great way to connect with other experienced paddlers and build a community. Paddling with others who share your passion for the sport can be incredibly motivating and inspiring, and you’ll have the opportunity to form lasting friendships and connections. You can also learn from other paddlers’ experiences and share your own, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

In conclusion, an advanced white water SUP course in Scotland can be a transformative experience for experienced paddlers looking to take their skills to the next level; or for those who do not know how to progress further from where they currently are. You’ll learn technical skills, gain valuable feedback and support, challenge yourself, and meet a like-minded paddlers. Whether you’re looking to improve your technique or simply want to push yourself to new heights, an advanced course is the perfect way to do it.

We pride ourselves on providing as much kit as possible for you.  However, the list below is what we recommend you should bring:

• Something to go underneath a wetsuit – swimwear or a spare pair of underwear. (We do provide swimshorts to wear over the top of the wetsuit for greater style and modesty.)
• Travel insurance. (We are insured for all our trips, but we recommend everyone has their own travel insurance as well.)
• Transportation to the venue for the white water SUP course. (We may be able to help with this though – if you need transportation please drop us an enquiry and we can see what we can do to help.)
• Lunch, water.
• Personal medication
• For our Advanced Courses we recommend that people should normally try up with their own equipment but we are also able to provide it at no extra charge should people prefer. It is the norm for people operating at this level of paddling to have their own kit at this stage.

Here at Highland Outdoor Adventures, we pride ourselves on providing as much as we can but you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you do prefer. The list below is what we provide you with on the day.

• Hala SUP’s -The world’s best white water stand up Paddleboards – perfect for this advanced course.
• Paddles.
• Wetsuits
• Buoyancy aids.
• Helmets.
• SUP leashes on a quick release belt.
• Neoprene wetsuit boots.
• Swimshorts to go over the top of wetsuits.
• Dry bags so you can bring equipment you might want along with you.
• All instruction.
• All first aid and safety equipment.
• Photographs of the day provided for you at no extra cost! If the weather is good we will have a DSLR professional camera  so we can take photos and videos of your adventure and you can look back at the day for years to come. If the weather is less favourable we will bring a GoPro (as it is waterproof) so we will still be able to take photos for you.
• Fully certified instructors who are the best in the country on a SUP
• Changing robes or a pop up tent for those who wish or require more privacy changing into a wetsuit.