Take your paddling to the next level with a week designed for Explorers who already have some experience on the water and are ready to develop their skills further.

The Paddlesports programme is aimed at those who already hold a relevant Stage 2 activity badge or equivalent experience, and want to build their confidence, technique and decision-making across a variety of paddle craft.

Throughout the week, you’ll develop your paddling skills on the loch and on journeying water, while working with experienced instructors to improve both your personal performance and your understanding of safe paddlesport practice.

This programme also includes the British Canoeing Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course. This course covers the key safety and rescue skills needed for sheltered water environments and is an important step for anyone interested in progressing further in paddlesports.

What you’ll experience

Paddling Skills Development
Build on your existing experience and develop greater control, efficiency and confidence across different craft and conditions.

• Refining paddling technique
• Improving boat control and movement skills
• Developing tactical awareness on the water
• Preparing for and taking part in a journeying experience

Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course
Learn the practical safety and rescue skills needed to operate confidently in sheltered water environments.

• Clothing and equipment
• Safety frameworks and decision-making
• Contact and towing rescues
• Self rescues and deep-water rescues

By the end of the week, you’ll be a more capable and confident paddler, with skills that support future progression in paddlesports.

Programme Outline

This is a guide and may change depending on weather, water conditions and group needs.

Day 1 - Team Building
Meet your team, get to know your instructors, and set your goals for the week.

Day 2 - Paddling Skills 1
Focus on technique development, exploring skills such as trim, edging and boat control to improve your paddling performance.

Day 3 - Paddling Skills 2
Build on your new skills, refine your technique, and prepare for the journeying day ahead.

Day 4 - Rest Day
A more relaxed day delivered by the ScotJam Team.

Day 5 - River Trip
Head out for a full-day paddling journey in your chosen craft, with location confirmed closer to the event.

Day 6 - Paddlesport Safety & Rescue 1
Cover key course content including clothing, equipment, safety frameworks, and rescue techniques.

Day 7 - Paddlesport Safety & Rescue 2
Continue developing rescue skills, including deep-water rescues, before reflecting on your progress.

Day 8 - Celebrate & Wrap Up
Finish the week by celebrating your achievements.

Why choose Paddlesports?

• Develop your paddling skills beyond the basics
• Gain experience across a range of craft and environments
• Build confidence, decision-making and water awareness
• Complete the British Canoeing Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course
• Prepare for future progression in paddlesports

If you already love being on the water and want to build your skills, confidence and rescue knowledge, this is the programme for you.