We are very excited to announce the second Paddle Scotland South West Paddle Fest event, taking place this year on Saturday 16th August in Largs! 

Please read through the information below to find out more about the sessions and courses on offer at this year’s event and what to bring along on the day. 

Event Sessions 

Please book directly onto the session(s) you wish to attend via the JustGo event booking page. Sessions have limited availability so please book a maximum of one morning and one afternoon session so that we can give as many people opportunities as possible! 

The following sessions are available for Stand Up Paddleboard and Sea Kayak:

Come and Try Sessions: Perfect for beginners to get started with paddling in a safe and supportive environment.

Skill-Building Workshops: Advanced sessions for experienced paddlers to refine their techniques and learn new skills.

Safety Training: Essential tips and practices to ensure all paddlers can enjoy the water safely.

RNLI Swim Safe Course: Swim Safe is a community-focused programme that gives children aged 7–14 an opportunity to learn how to be safe in and around open water.

Epic Adventure: Challenge yourself to a circumnavigation of the Isle of Great Cumbrae and take part in the Coastworks Cumbrae Challenge.

Session Prices 

Each session costs £10, with an additional £5 Day Membership added for non-Paddle Scotland members. If booking a morning and afternoon session, please apply the discount code MULTSESSIONS at the checkout to remove the second Day Membership surcharge.

We want this event to be as accessible as possible - if you are interested in attending but feel there is a financial barrier in the way, please get in touch and the team can help alternative arrangements. 

Timings

The event will start at 1030hrs with the first session starting at 1100hrs and the last finishing at 1500hrs.

Morning sessions will run 1100-1230.

Afternoon sessions will run 1330 - 1500.

RNLI Swim Safe Courses will be 1100-1200 and 1300 - 1400.

Registration

Registration will open at 1000hrs on Saturday and please register your arrival at the event. A Paddle Scotland member of staff will take your registration and show you where and when to meet your coach. 

Equipment

All specialist equipment (boats, board, buoyancy aid) and instruction will be given to you by qualified coaches. If you’d prefer to bring along your own boat and buoyancy aid, then that's OK but the coach will make a final decision about the suitability of it for the session. Every participant will have to wear a Buoyancy Aid whilst on the water. 

Clothing

Please bring along a pair of shoes you don't mind getting wet, a towel and some spare dry clothes to get changed into after the session. We will not supply wet suit or dry suits, so if you have one please bring this along. If not then thin fleece style clothing, shorts and or swim costume is recommended. The sessions will last no longer than 90 minutes. 

Workshops and Displays 

There will be a number of stalls set up by emergency services, local clubs and other water sports enthusiasts. Please take time to visit these and find out any necessary information to continue your journey in paddlesports in a safe and enjoyable manner. 

We hope you can join us for a day of fun, learning and exploration at the South West Paddle Fest 2025.