Spring has sprung – Paddlefast’s Paddleclub dates for 2017

Now that Spring has officially sprung, the clocks have gone forward and (most) of the snow has melted, it’s time for us to break out the new 2017 demo boards and get Paddlefast‘s Paddleclub back on the water.

The What

Paddleclub is an excuse for folk to get together with like-minded paddlers (mostly Stand Up Paddleboards, but we’re an inclusive bunch J), take advantage of the lighter evenings we have in the summer and go exploring the various waterways around our country. It’s also an opportunity to try out equipment and maybe try your hand at something new.

The where

Paddleclub at the moment is a roving get-together across Central Scotland and sometimes further afield if we’re on the road for any reason.

We aim to choose venues that are easy to launch, are sheltered so easy for beginners and most importantly, have some kind of apres-paddle facilities! (So it’s hot chocolate at this time of year, but buddy up on the driving and you might even enjoy a wee shandy on a sunny evening J) Car parking is also a consideration.

Feel free to make suggestions if you have somewhere you want us to try with you.

The when

Regular paddleclub meets take place every 2^nd Tuesday from April to September. There may be some bonus sessions at weekends, depending on where we are. Further details can be found on the Facebook Events Page.  Here are the first few to get you going…

1/2^nd April Helensburgh Sailing Club
4^th April – PADDLECLUB’s 1^st Tuesday session 2017
15/16^th April Ullswater Sailing Club
18^th April  – PADDLECLUB
22/23^rd April – Loch Venacher Sailing Club
2^nd May – PADDLECLUB

How much?

It’s free if you have your own kit, otherwise board-hire package starts from £10 for the evening session, or £15 for a weekend session. Board-hire includes, the board, paddle, leash and buoyancy aid.

Boards are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you are planning to come along, please book yourself a board by contacting the office 01324 861 756 or [email protected]

What to wear?

Obviously this is an outdoor activity so there’s an element of ‘keep your eye on the forecast and dress appropriately’. Generally, you can wear whatever you might wear to go running or to the gym, as long as you don’t mind getting it wet (remember a spare change of clothes and a towel just in case).

If you think you’ll be spending a prolonged amount of time in the water, then wetsuit up (not for hire from Paddlefast).

As for your feet, barefoot is usually the norm so you feel connected to your board, but you’re welcome to wear trainers or wet boots if you prefer.

Anything else I should know?

We at Paddleclub love biscuits, especially cookies, but we’re really not fussy!! We very much hope you can join us on the water this summer and look forward to meeting you.

Cheers, Emma and the Paddlefast team.