Paddleboard Lesson on Loch Brora – North Coast 500

Join us for a session designed to build your confidence and skills on a paddleboard. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, this lesson will cover everything from safety and basic paddling to more advanced skills like balance and turns. Taking place on the beautiful Loch Brora, you'll have the chance to learn at your own pace with an experienced instructor on hand to guide you.

Key Details

Duration: 90 minutes
Location: Loch Brora
Group Size: Up to 8 people (private lessons available)
Ages: 8+ (younger children may be considered for family sessions)
Equipment Provided: Paddleboard, wetsuit, buoyancy aid

Key Skills

Understanding board setup and safety considerations
Learning effective paddle techniques and strokes
Practising balance and movement on the board
Developing confidence in different water conditions
Getting back on the board after falling in

What to Expect

Sessions are tailored to suit all abilities, whether you're stepping onto a board for the first time or looking to refine your paddling technique. The lesson will begin with an introduction to your board and safety essentials, including weather awareness and what to do if you fall in. From there, you'll practise key paddling skills, including how to stand, turn, and move around with control. If you're more experienced, the instructor can focus on improving your stroke efficiency, turns, and even fun tricks and challenges.

For kids' lessons, the focus is on fun and exploration, incorporating games and challenges to build confidence on the water. Nervous children can be towed on their board or sit with an instructor for extra reassurance. Private lessons are fully customised to individual goals, whether that’s mastering a step-back turn or learning how to set up and pack away your own inflatable board.

All sessions take place close to shore, and we can stay within shallow waters if needed. Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are provided and must be worn unless agreed otherwise in exceptional circumstances. Please bring footwear like trainers or sliders to protect your feet when entering the water.

Location

Loch Brora provides the perfect setting for paddleboarding, with its calm waters and scenic surroundings offering a peaceful and spacious environment to learn. Located in the Highlands, the loch is free from strong currents, making it ideal for beginners and families.

Please note we are a mobile company, there is no physical centre. There are no changing facilities or toilets on-site, so we recommend arriving ready for the session.

Prerequisites

There are no specific experience requirements, and beginners are welcome. Participants should be comfortable in the water and able to follow basic instructions.

If you have any concerns about confidence or mobility, let us know in advance so we can tailor the session to your needs.

Why Choose Us

We have been delivering high-quality outdoor experiences since 2021, with a dedicated team passionate about making outdoor activities accessible to all. Now operating as a charity, our focus is on providing learning opportunities and events for both locals and visitors, ensuring that more people can enjoy the outdoors in a safe and supportive environment.

With experienced local instructors and a strong commitment to safety and sustainability, we offer well-structured and enjoyable paddleboarding sessions. Whether you're looking for a fun family activity, a new skill, or a confidence boost on the water, our lessons are designed to help you get the most out of your time at Loch Brora.

Paddleboard and paddle

Wetsuit and buoyancy aid

Qualified instructor

Group or private session options

Safety briefing and tuition

Transport to and from the meeting point

Personal footwear (please bring trainers or sliders)

Changing facilities or toilets on-site

Food and drinks

Personal belongings storage

There’s always a chance you might! Paddleboarding is very stable, and we’ll give you all the tips you need to stay balanced, but falling in is part of the learning process.

If you do fall, we’ll teach you how to safely get back on your board. Our sessions take place close to shore, and we can stay in shallow water if you’re nervous about deeper areas.

We provide wetsuits and buoyancy aids, which must be worn during the session unless agreed otherwise in exceptional circumstances.

You should bring a pair of trainers, sliders, or water shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, as we’ll be walking into the loch. In colder weather, an extra layer like a thermal top or a rash vest under your wetsuit can help keep you warm. Please wear swimwear under your wetsuit.

No experience is required! Our lessons are designed for complete beginners as well as those looking to improve their skills.

We’ll start with the basics, including how to stand up, paddle effectively, and stay safe on the water. If you’ve paddled before, we can focus on refining your technique and teaching new skills.

Yes, children aged 8 and over can join our public lessons. For family sessions, we may be able to take younger children—please contact us to discuss this.

Our kids' lessons focus on fun, with plenty of games and challenges to keep them engaged. If your child is nervous, they can be towed on their board or sit with an instructor for extra reassurance.

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water. If you aren't comfortable in the water, please let us know in advance. Our lessons take place near the shore, and we can stay in shallow areas if needed.

Everyone wears a buoyancy aid, so you’ll always have support if you end up in the water. If you have concerns, let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure you feel safe and confident during the session.

No, Loch Brora is a natural and unspoiled location, and there are no facilities on-site. We recommend arriving in your swimwear under your clothes to make changing easier.

If you need to use the toilet before or after the session, the nearest facilities are in Brora village.

Founded in 2021, this centre began as a private company offering outdoor adventures in Sutherland and beyond. After four successful seasons, it transitioned into a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) in 2025, now run by a team of volunteer trustees, local coaches, and helpers. Its mission is to make the outdoors accessible to all—delivering excellent experiences for visitors while running charitable projects that offer fully or partially funded opportunities for the local community. As a social enterprise, it remains open to everyone. Specialising in paddleboarding, the team is passionate about sharing their knowledge of water-based activities. They also offer guided walks and hikes, showcasing Sutherland’s unique landscape, history, and culture. Committed to sustainability and community, the centre is focused on helping more people enjoy the outdoors with care and confidence.