paddlesports
learn to open canoe on inland & sea lochs, and rivers
Snowgoose Mountain Centre provides a wide range of spring, summer and autumn open canoe taster sessions, paddling holidays & courses in open canoes. We also take part in day tours, overnight journeys & wilderness expeditions.
We cater from absolute beginners wanting a leisurely half or full day introduction to the sport to those requiring an in depth refresher before taking a qualification assessment.
Our Open Canoeing basic skills sessions, courses & holidays are initially based on the more sheltered open inland Loch L ochy or the tidal head waters of Loch Linnhe which is on our doorstep - with a number of small islands in the loch to visit – ideal for families and half day sessions often crossing the water to Ardgour.
These are also excellent locations to learn the skills of open canoe journeying – often with an over night wild camping stop. For those with a little more experience we regularly venture further a field to the tidal waters of Loch Moidart – round into the Rough Bounds into Arisaig; Loch Sheil; Loch Oich and Loch Arkaig. These are all excellent opportunities for day paddles within easy reach – as well as over night expeditions - the 70 mile long Caledonian Canal being one of the favourites. The idyllic River Oich and Loch Lochy are excellent for an introduction to river paddling in an open canoe. You will also learn to raft up effectively, lining & poling as well as the opportunity to canoe sail on the more advanced courses.
If your group of friends, college, university or club has some specific needs we are more than happy to custom tailor make courses to your requirements. Our half day or full day sessions are ideal for families or groups of friends wanting a holiday experience or short break. To this end we are able to offer excellent value Family or Group Day Tickets.
Our half or full introductory sessions, day tours, courses and expeditions are only led by local, friendly, professionally qualified and experienced instructors & guides.
Our Sessions & Courses include 1/2 day, full day, 2-5 day courses:
- Family & Friends 1/2 day & full day Taster Sessions
- Introduction to Paddlesports on flat water
- Introduction to Open Canoe Skills
- Improvers Open Canoeing
- Introduction to Open Canoe Moving Water (Grade 1-2)
- Introduction to Open Canoe River Paddling on White Water (Grade 2-3)
- Intermediate Open Canoe Day Tours
- 1:1 or 1:2 fast track instruction or private guiding
- Open Canoe Journeying & Wilderness Expeditions
We Supply:
We will supply all the specialist equipment you will need to have fun whilst being safe and comfortable on the water. Open Canoes come complete with buoyancy aids, paddle, the necessary bouyancy; canoe cag, wet feet /socs, helmet, dry bags & bottles to keep your gear dry on a day paddle, any safety gear. Flasks if you do not have one.
You may like to hire:
probably nothing extra needed over an above this – plus the recommended personal clothing listed below. If you are going on an overnight journey or expedition you may need to hire some additional gear.
You should bring for Open Canoeing:
Towel, Long sleeved light / medium weight fleece or rugby top to wear when canoeing, Extra spare fleece or warm top, Water proof trousers & jacket Change of under clothes or swimming costume, Light weight trousers or tracky bottoms (not jeans), A full change of warm clothes for when you have finished paddling, Warm hat, Old trainers if you have them, Plastic container for butties – but we have bottles. Flask – you can fill flasks here with us before leaving, Plastic or waterproof bag for your wet clothing, Sun block, Sun Hat, Sun Glasses! There will be extra requirements if you are going on an overnight tour or expedition with us.
Our Fleet
Our fleet of open canoes includes: 17' Colmans; Old Town Guide; Old Town Explorer; Venturer Ranger 15' & 16'; Pyranha 16 ' with full sail rig; GRP Cottagers; Pelican March 2011.
