


Immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of canoeing by mastering essential techniques in a welcoming and social setting. Our specialised session offers paddlers an opportunity to learn and refine skills that honour the rich heritage of Canadian canoeing, all while enjoying the beauty of the Cairngorms.
Your day begins at 08:30 in Kingussie, where we will meet and set off on a short journey to a nearby launch site. Upon arrival, our experienced coaches will provide a comprehensive briefing, introducing you to the fundamental skills of poling, lining, tracking, and sailing a Canadian canoe. Whether in white or open water, you’ll learn how to handle a canoe in the way it was traditionally meant to be used.
Throughout the day, you’ll engage in hands-on practice, receiving personalised guidance to hone your technique. You’ll work on mastering the art of poling—propelling the canoe forward using a pole rather than a paddle—an essential skill for navigating shallow waters. You’ll also learn lining, where you’ll guide your canoe through difficult passages from the shore using ropes, and tracking, which involves pulling the canoe through the water. Finally, the session will introduce you to the basics of sailing a canoe, adding another layer of versatility to your paddling skills.
After a fulfilling day on the water, we will aim to return to Kingussie by 15:30, where we’ll wrap up with a group debrief, sharing experiences and insights from the day.
This experience is set in the beautiful Cairngorms, beginning in the town of Kingussie. The Cairngorms provide a wild and beautiful backdrop, offering both challenging and rewarding environments to practice traditional canoeing skills.
We’ll choose our specific site based on weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience for the day.
Participants must be at least 16 years old and have a basic level of fitness. Prior canoeing experience is beneficial but not required, as our coaches will adapt the instruction to meet your skill level.
Our centre is deeply committed to sharing the joy and knowledge of outdoor adventures while promoting sustainable and ethical tourism. We take pride in our home in the Cairngorms, a wild and beautiful place we’re eager to share with you.
We are also dedicated to providing wilderness experiences to challenged and disadvantaged young people, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to adventure safely and responsibly. Join us for a day of learning, exploration, and connection with nature, all while contributing to a better future for all.
About the centre
Kingussie
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.