Right in the middle of the Scottish Highlands, Newtonmore, Kingussie and even Roy Bridge offer a perfect central location for an incredible selection of intermediate to advanced white water canoe rivers!

This trip is designed for the open canoeist who already has some good grade 2 experience who is really wanting to start pushing into more challenging rivers with grad 3 rapids. The aim of the 5 days is to support and guide you on new exciting rivers with the opportunity to challenge yourself and build your skills in more advanced environments.

Over 5 days Liam Green (Green Wave Guiding) & Emy McLeod (Em Paddlesports) - will take you on a tour of the best white water canoe rivers around such as:

.The Spean - The middle section runs from roy bridge and provides some excellent grade 2 rapids with one longer grade 2+ rapid and a sneaky 3 that is easy enough to get around at lower levels towards the end of the trip! Beautiful views of the Mamores and a great place to challenge and develop your open boat skills!

.The Avon (The A'an) with a good bit of rain this tributary of the Spey provides an amazing run with continuous grade 2 /3 rapids all the way down!

. The Spey - Many people have paddled the Spey as part of a journey but it has some absolutely amazing coaching venues such as knockandu where plenty of challenges can be had for the open canoeist!

. The Orchy - The upper Orchy has some amazing grade 2 /2 + starting at Loch Tulla down to the bridge at the Hotel . The lower then offers a beautiful trip at grade 2/3. This run needs a bit of rain to get it going is can often be run in the autumnal rainy season. A real exciting journey and one that every open canoeist should have on their bucket list.

. The Findhorn - with a huge catchment this river can be run at lowish levels after a bit of rain the day before. The middle section of the Findhorn is classic grade 2/3 for the open canoeist with an abundance of quality grade 2/3 white water and space between the rapids to pause and enjoy where you are!

. The Roy - The lower needs a good bit of overnight rain to get going and offers rapid after rapid each as a good as the last with grade 2/3 white water all the way till the end!

.The Tay - with plenty of sections and rapids ranging from gentle grade 1 to grade 2/3. The Tay runs all year round and is the perfect reliable playground to develop and challenge any white water canoeist!

There are plenty more sections if we get the right conditions, you'll just have to join us and find out for yourself!

All of these sections and more are anything from 1 -2 hours drive from the villages of Newtonmore or Kingussie in various directions. With sections of river being in various places in Scotland remaining flexible with accomodation is best. If you are going to stay somewhere we highly recommend to check out some of the local Pubs and accommodation in Newtonmore, Kingussie or Roybridge area of the highlands. This time of year can be a bit chilly so for those van dwellers bring a hot water bottle or a diesel heater. Camping can still be done just bring a nice warm sleeping bag and probably worth staying somewhere with a good shower!

Open Canoe set up for white water

As part of this course we will discuss canoe outfitting and be available to support you leading up to the course if you have any questions

. We highly recommend well decent fitted, decent sized air bags secured to the boat for more challenging white water - it makes for much easier rescues for you and us!

. Swim Lines - If you choose to use swim lines we want to make sure they are tidy and secured to the boat without dangling off the sides with loose ropes. We would also highly recommend knowing how to use it safely.

. A decent sized bailer something to scoop out the water in an Eddie after a big splashy wave train. A sponge can also make a welcome addition to this for getting the last pesky bits out the boat or wiping the sand and grit away.

. CLEAN BOATS NO SNAP GATE CARABINERS - We don't like seeing bits of rope and snap gates floating around and swinging inside the boat attached to various bits of bag and kit. These present major snag hazards to you and the boat when in a dynamic white water environment. If you need to attach a bag strap it or clip it tight (use a screw gate carabiner) to a seat or thwart out the way with no dangly loops or long bits of rope! If you have to tie something to the boat use a quick release knot on a short line!

Personal Kit

. For this time of year we highly recommend a dry suit & some decent thermals

. Decent footwear with a solid sole and ankle support. Uneven terrain and slippery rocks are a challenge in booties

. Helmet

. 2 Paddles - We recommend not using wooden paddles in these more challenging environments

. kneeling matt or knee pads - More challenging moves and rivers often demand a lower centre of gravity. We highly recommend a set up that lets you be as comfortable as possible on your knees.

. Bouyancy aid - with rescue harness

. White water Helemet

. Rescue Throwline Separate to your swim line.

. Folding Saw

. Rescue Knife

. Whistle

. Rescue Tape

. 2 x Carabiner

. Dry bag with spare warm jacket , gloves hat, lunch & any personal medical equipment

. Mobile phone with waterproof case