Kayaking in the Hebrides
The coastline of the Hebrides is a labyrinth of complex bays, inlets, dramatic cliffs secret coves, sandy beaches and offshore islands.... a sea paddler's paradise. You can paddle below cliffs and crags, navigate sea stacks and arches, enter caves and sea lochs, or along some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the world.
For wildlife lovers, kayaking in the Hebrides is a treat - you can see things from a kayak that you'll never manage to creep up on in a fast boat or yacht. As one of the most important sea bird breeding stations in North West Europe you'll come upon rare and beautiful birdlife in their unspoilt natural environment.
Kayaking is really catching on with the locals, with active clubs in Lewis and in Uist, and a number of businesses offering a variety of kayaking day trips and longer holidays.
Even if you've never been on the water before, you have the chance to experience the delights of a tranquil paddle in the Hebrides. A number of kayaking instructors on the islands run day trips and holidays for everyone from the complete beginner to the thrill-seeking pro.
Kayaking Contacts
Stornoway Canoe Club is a non-profit making club who are happy to welcome visitors.
www.stornowaycanoes.org.uk
Clearwater Paddling provides guided sea kayaking trips and exploration in Barra.
www.clearwaterpaddling.com
Adventure Hebrides offers assistance in planning your canoeing trip and tailored kayaking trips. They also offer a taste of kayaking and canoeing with half or full day sessions.
www.adventurehebrides.com
Canoe Hebrides are offering a Hebridean kayaking holiday of a lifetime to St Kilda this summer.
www.canoehebrides.com
The Uist Outdoor Centre offers kayaking, wildlife watching and offshore islands trips. They can train up to 4 star sea kayaking and offer their own certificate as well as British/ Scottish canoe associated training.
www.uistoutdoorcentre.co.uk
The Scaladale Centre is a newly built residential centre situated in the beautiful North Harris hills on the shores of Loch Seaforth - kayaking instruction availalable to guests.
www.scaladale.co.uk
58 degrees North is an outfitting company that can provide you with all the equipment you need to take your own kayaking trip from paddles, maps and advice to tents and waterproofs.
www.58degreesnorth.co.uk
Kayaking Highlights
The Hebrides is host to world-class kayaking events: The Hebridean Challenge, and the Outer Hebrides Surf and Sea Kayak Symposium.
The Hebridean Challenge is one of the most challenging endurance adventure races in Europe. This race from Barra to the Butt of Lewis involves team taking turns to run, swim, cycle and paddle their way throughout the islands. The competition for 2007 takes place from the 2nd - 7th July and will once again attract teams from all over the world.
www.hebrideanchallenge.com
The Sixth Outer Hebrides Surf and Sea Kayak Symposium will be held in North Uist this August - known as the friendliest symposium in the UK, the event has had some great coverage in the kayaking press (link to articles that are to be added to press section.) For information, contact:
www.uistoutdoorcentre.co.uk
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