gKAYAK SURFING  For
many the world of kayak surfing is specialised and sometimes misunderstood.
It’s an inspirational sport with a keen and talented following. If
you’re a kayaker who is new to the sport of surfing there is much
to be learnt, and the process is exhilarating. Modern surf kayaks are designed
to allow the pilot to ride a wave at high speed and in a similar way to
a boardsurfer. If you’re a kayaker who can handle themselves on a
river or in a Sea Boat then the surf zone could be for you.
So what’s involved? Surf Kayaking involves manoeuvring
a kayak on the face of an ocean wave. There are three stages to it:- Getting
started/take off, the finish/end manoeuvre and the bit in between - the
ride, where the surfer will be looking to perform the most radical and
functional ride in the most critical section of the wave. Let’s not
forget the paddle out and inevitable wipe outs too.
In Scotland the hundreds of miles of contorted coastline
create surf conditions that can rival anything in Europe for wave quality.
Popular surf kayaking spots include Thurso & Wick in the North, Ayrshire
and the Outer Hebrides in the West as well as Aberdeen, the Forth Estuary
and the Berwickshire coast in the East.
To have a go there are two-day and week long courses
available with Glenmore Lodge (for those with some paddling experience).
Some of Scotland’s top surfers will be on hand to instruct you. Two-day
course 30 May -1 June £180, five-day course 18 - 23 May £400.
Alternatively check out any of the recreation meets at
one of the Scottish surfing weekends organised by the Scottish Canoe Association
Surf Team. There are also Sea and Surf Gatherings, which provide an opportunity
to participate in skills clinics, as well as guided paddle trips. The Outer
Hebrides Sea and Surf Kayak Symposium takes places in North Uist from 21-25
August also the Tiree Surf Kayak Gathering takes place on the Island of
Tiree from 4-7 October details for both can be found on the websites below.
Links:
TOURIST BOARD
www.visitscotland.com/adventure
SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL TOURIST BOARD
ORGANISATIONS
www.scot-canoe.org/surf SCOTTISH
CANOE ASSOCIATION
KAYAK SURFING COMPANY’S
www.uistoutdoorcentre.com
UIST OUTDOOR CENTRE
www.hebrideanpursuits.com HEBRIDEAN
PURSUITS
www.glenmorelodge.org.uk
GLENMORE LODGE
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