A day in the life of Aquaplay Scotland

2011-12-04T08:31:00.001-08:00

Pete and I went out on our new paddle boards on the Rothes Pond yesterday. Look at how beautiful the weather is when a few minutes earlier we had a snow storm. The boards are great fun and will take a bit of getting used to. Certainly developing some new skills and my sense of balance.

SCA Coach Update Training Saturday 26 November 20111

2011-11-27T07:32:00.001-08:00

We delivered a coach update training based at the Adventure Aberdeen premises on Saturday. The day comprised of classroom work on Foundation Paddle Skills and workshops in the morning and practical application of these skills on the water at Inchgarth Reservoir in Aberdeen in the afternoon.

Lots of great ideas were discussed and explored and lots of coaching applications were challenged.

This training course allows coaches to be brought up to date with current coaching methods and current good practice.

2011-11-21T07:09:00.001-08:00

We have been very busy of late, running a 3* training and assessment and White Water Safety and Rescue training for Lochaber College, a coasteering day down at Bow Fiddle Rock and a staff training day on the Dorbach Burn.

Great success was had in all these events. We have also sorted out our facebook page, now having a single Aquaplay Scotland business page which hopefully makes life easier for people to keep up with our news.

Season drawing to a close but we have an SCA coach update training to provide next weekend.

Busy weekend 21-22 October 2011

2011-10-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful weekend, coasteering with a group of people from India but based in Aberdeen on Saturday. Down at Portknockie the team who were not great swimmers really stretched their comfort zones with the swimming and jumping challenges we set them. Great fun had by all and the day finished with huge grins and smiles all round.

Sunday saw us on the Middle Findhorn kayaking with Kelly and Roland. The river was high and challenging but the rapids were taken on head on and many squeals were heard in the bigger wave trains and drops.

It was great meeting all these new customers and we really hope to see them and their friends visit us again very soon.

Kayaking Spey 9 October 2011

2011-10-12T03:14:00.000-07:00

A stag doo with no pics, sorry, on Saturday, with a days coasteering at Portknockie in a very big sea. A great challenge to the team and lots of group decision making to be done. Great feedback from the guys and well done to Jonathan, Callum and Pete for great leadership skills.

On Sunday we had our kayaking group out, booked through Living and Social, and had a great run down the River Spey from Knockando to Aberlour. A fantastic trip in sunshine and high water and the fishing season is over so the river was all ours.

The team seemed to enjoy themselves and were interested in the other activities we have lsted on our web site>

Have a look for yourself!

September Update

2011-09-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

Despite the broken ankle I have been busy keeping the new web site updated. Have a look at our Carbon Zero status where we are supporting a very worthwhile project in Kenya.

I have recently worked on a BCU Level 1 Coach training and Assessment for Adventure Aberdeen. How far can you edge an open boat without getting wet?

Aquaplay are still getting a steady number of bookings. We have groups out over the next 2 weekends so the guys are all working hard supporting me.

I managed to pick up my new carbon frame road bike and have been out for a couple of short runs trying to get my ankle working again.

Gorge Walking with Mosstodloch Scouts

2011-07-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day gorge walking with Mosstodloch Scouts and their visitors from Denmark! Despite water levels being a bit low they still found the deep pools to jump into and generally have loads of fun. I was very impressed by the skills and effort everyone put into the activity and I learned a wee bit about Denmark. Its a pretty flat country with its highest hill being some 600 metres high. Apparently its called Sky Hill!!

Thanks to Mark and Louise for their excellent leadership support. I think you both enjoyed it as much as the kids.

Loads of kit washed and dried and put away tonight. The new van worked brilliantly, was able to hang the wetsuits, cags and ba's on bars across the van in their sizes. Made handing out kit so easy.

Two open boats and other bits of kit went out on hire on Monday and was returned tonight.

Hoping to get back to work on the bunkhouse over the weekend.

1st jump on the gorge walk

2011-07-19T00:35:00.000-07:00

Girls out Gorge Walking

2011-07-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

What a lovely day we had yesterday. New van got an outing as the old one is in the paint shop having new wings put on and rust fixed before a repaint job!

Gorge Walking with Emma, Abi, Sarah and Lisa at Bridge of Brown. Having never done anything like this before they were brilliant. In lovely weather they took on the challenges of duckings, splashing, climbing the twisting falls and shoots and doing the high jump at the top. Awesome!!

Finished of with some hot food in the bridge of Brown cafe, perfect end to a perfect outing.

Jul 14, 2011 playing on the Spey

2011-07-15T01:20:00.000-07:00

Amy working out on the Spey

2011-07-10T13:54:00.000-07:00

Had a great morning on the rivers Divie and Findhorn today with our hydro speeds/river bugs. Feedback was brilliant with everyone being very positive about the activity despite some knocks and bruises. We found the rivers in peach condition after the recent heavy rain.

James and his family arrived to stay in the bunkhouse this evening. Australians currently living in Shanghai visiting Scotland for a holiday!

Lovely family and brilliant just listening to their stories about the lifestyle in China.

2011-07-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Coaching session on the Rothes pond today caused a bit of a stir! The farmer is upset at me using his land and pond to be coaching paddle sports and threatened me with violence and the police.

I accepted his offer of getting the police but declined the violence bit. He declined then to get the police but continued his threatening behaviour towards and refused me access back onto the pond. After being called a number of obscenities I advised him that I was exercising my right under the access legislation and that if he obstructed me in any way I would most certainly calling the police. At this an uneasy truce was established and we got back on the pond for our afternoon session.

Despite this we had an excellent days paddling the open boats and kayaks.

Kayaking Spey 7 July 2011

2011-07-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

2011-07-02T00:39:00.000-07:00

A day to be spent on the bunkhouse extension. Work is progressing slowly as I have been so busy working on courses and activities. A wee bit disappointed with progress but cant't really complain when trying to do the work myself.

Getting it tidied and usable for our first visitors next week!

We have Matthew and Sandra's little one, Lucy's christening tomorrow.

2011-07-01T03:14:00.000-07:00

Had a great paddle on the Spey last night, lowish level but that allowed lots of playing.

Bunkhouse is progressing, mainly just tidying things up from getting the roof done.

We have a family over from Australia staying next weekend. Still plastering and building but they are happy with that so all good. They can also use the annexe so its not as bad as it might sound!!

I have an introduction to paddle sports day next Saturday with 2 people booked on it. Another chance to use the little pond at the end of Rothes.

A day out in the van!

2011-06-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

We used the new van on Sunday to travel through to the gorge at Cawdor.

We went on to explore the Cawdor Gorge to prepare for the Mosstodloch Scouts activity day in July.

It is quite a challenging gorge with no huge drops or falls but lots of fallen trees and some testing bits of water.

Check out our video on u tube

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=V4ihw1baEa4&feature=BFp&list=WLE4B737860590825C&index=1

New Arrival for Aquaplay Scotland

2011-06-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Arrived back from Manchester at 4.00am this morning. After a long drive I parked up our new shiny massive van. The van is just what we need to transport customers and equipment in the same vehicle. With its high roof top it can also be used as a very comfy changing room.

Update

2011-06-23T06:59:00.001-07:00

Kayaking with our Thursday Group on the Spey at Knockando this evening. Jonathan out with some guys from Moray Youth Justice.

Tomorrow I fly down to Manchester from Edinburgh to pick up the new company van!!

Sunday we are off to do the gorge walk at Cawdor.

2011-02-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

February 2011.

Been a while since I posted on here, been very busy but not directly with the activities over the last couple of months. we have had pv solar panels installed so now generating some of our own electricity!! Work is going ahead on the Bunkhouse. Concrete foundations poured and hope to start building work this weekend. We have a stand at the "Celebration of Life Fair" at the 8 Acres Hotel, Elgin on Sunday 27 March 2011 12noon-4.00pm. Hopefully some of you might get along to support this charity event and stop off for a chat with us.

New Update

2010-11-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

Gosh we have had a very busy few weeks with courses. A 4* training course for Peterhead Canoe Club was really well received at the weekend. The weather was very kind to us with sunshine and really big water. What more can a kayaking group wish for.

Our planning application and building warrant application for the library conversion is in with Moray Council at the moment. I am hoping to run fast track instructor training awards next year with the new bunk house providing the accommodation for the students.

Have some bookings for this month and also the beginning of December so everything is looking healthy at the moment.

Autumn has certainly arrived and the colours of the trees and leaves are brilliant. What a beautiful place we live and play in!

2010-09-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

Well I have had a hectic couple of weeks with whitewater safety and rescue courses, 4* white water training and we eventually got the keys for the library. We are in the process of submitting our Building Warrant application to extend it and change it to a 8 bed bunk house. Have to say it is looking quite good! I also need to remove the sign and get one made up for Aquaplay though this is not a priority at the moment. Still getting bookings coming in which is heartening. Hopefully our good name will continue to go out there and attract more business.

New Project

2010-09-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Been busy recently, lots of courses and activities and we have also bought the library downstairs of our flat.

We are looking at converting it to a 6-8 bed bunk house. Think we are well situated for paddlesports, walking, mountain biking fishing, skiing and snowboarding in winter etc and no decent bunkhouses within 30 miles, we should be well placed.

Spending a bit of time working out the layout just now.

2010-08-15T01:41:00.000-07:00

Well that is me back in Scotland after a long drive from Slovenia. We had a wonderful time, basking in sunshine and paddling one of the most beautiful rivers. Aqua green water tumbling over and through huge boulder fields.

Our apartment was so comfortable and within minutes of the river. Eating out was awesome and we just generally had an fantastic time.

Already planning a return trip next year to run BCU star tests and white water safety and rescue courses for groups of a maximum of 4. Fantastic water conditions, warm and sunny climate, relaxing atmosphere and a few drinks in the evening to reflect on the day and chill out in great company.

Slovenia kayaking trip

2010-08-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

Well what a few days we have had in this wonderful country. Weather fantastic, rivers awesome and food to match. A great bunch of guys out here paddling with me so what more could I ask for. The journey out was hard work but after a night of comfort in a hotel in Austria we eventually arrived on Sunday about lunch time. Got settled in and then went paddling. Have been paddling every day now and it is so magic having such a superb river as the Soca on your doorstep. Our apartment is very new and extremely comfortable for kayakers.

We are doing the lower Soca gorge tomorrow. A difficult walk in/descent down to the river rewards you with one of the best sections of river paddling I have done. It was a favourite from my last visit here and am so looking forward to returning tomorrow. The bike shuttle is working well and keeping me fit!!

2010-08-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a frantic weekend of activity. We did the gorge walk on the river Meig on Friday night, mountain biking at Golspie on Saturday and Balblair and Carbisdale today.

Balblair is awesome, very testing and technical. had to be cautious with my trip to Slovenia this Thursday.

If you are ever in Golspie drop into the Golspie Inn for a meal. The meal we had on Saturday night rates one of my best ever!!

Update and Coasteering at Portknockie on Thursday 29 July 2010

2010-07-30T05:46:00.000-07:00

Wow what a day yesterday, coasteering and kayaking! Awesome fun, Karin joined Dirk, Lena, Felix and Gesa coasteering at the Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie. After 2 days gorge walking and canyoning the team were well up for the swimming, scrambling and jumping all associated with our coasteering site. We finished off with hot chocolate and double chocolate cake in the Puddleduck Cafe in Cullen. Wow sugar and more sugar!!

Just got home in time to tidy the kit and then sort out stuff for kayaking on the Spey.

Today we are off to do some canyoning on the River Meig near Contin and then up to Golspie for some mountain biking on Saturday. A stop over there and then down to Carbisdale Castle for a second day biking. Busy boy!!

Then I really need to get ready for setting off to Slovenia next Thursday!

2010-07-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

Just finished tidying up the kit from our gorge walking afternoon at the Bridge of Brown today. Dirk, Lena, Felix and Gesa all had fun on the challenging climb and descent in this unique little gorge.

It is becoming very popular and there were 3 other groups using the gorge in the time that we were there. Water level up a little bit but not much past a low level. I am looking forward to trying it again when it is pumping. Had to turn back last time as some of our group were struggling in the big water.

Getting ready for the coasteering tomorrow.

2010-07-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

Another busy day yesterday, had an afternoon gorge walking at Culloden Gorge near Inverness with Dirk, Karin, Lena, Felix and Gesa from Cologne. They are holidaying in Scotland for a second time and have based themselves in the Aberdeenshire area having stayed in Fife last time. They are a family up for fun and lots of adventure. They took great delight in exploring all of the waterfalls, slides and jumps on this amazing gorge. I am meeting them again today to do another gorge walk, this time at Bridge of Brown, Glenlivet.

2010-07-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

We did the Culloden Gorge walk yesterday with Dirk, Karin, Lena. Felix and Gesa from Cologne. They are a lovely family and up for adventure and fun. Gesa tried to teach me some German without too much success. We did all the swimming and jumps into the deep pools and progressed all the way to the top.

When I got home we had Steph's brother and family visiting so all in all a very busy day.

2010-07-25T12:43:00.001-07:00

Hello, we hope you have had a great weekend. We have finished our second day of the Level 1 coach training course. This course looks at people coaching both canoeing and kayaking skills. We based at the Moray Watersports Centre at the West beach Lossiemouth.

We are having a month break before the second two days which involves assessment of the groups coaching skills, safety and rescue skills and general paddling knowledge.

Everyone is working hard and showing some excellent skills but needing polish in some other bits of the syllabus.

Whilst they are honing their skills for the assessment I will be in Slovenia with a group of paddlers from the Edinburgh area. Found a split in my Wavesport Diesel, have welded it but decided to buy a new one for Slovenia!! It is to arrive on Tuesday!

Have to do some paperwork for this weekend and then relax a bit.

Have a German family wanting to do 2 gorge walks and a coasteering day this week so quite busy just now. Will post some photos of this later in the week. In the meantime here is a picture from this weekend.

2010-07-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hello, we hope you have had a great weekend. We have finished our second day of the Level 1 coach training coures. We are

2010-07-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Had been hoping to let you know about our come and try for the Moray Tourism Development team tonight but the river was huge. Safer to come home and write about not doing it!!

A team of us are going out tomorrow night to paddle down from Knockando to Carron. If the river stays at its current level or gets higher I don't think we will take long to complete the trip!!

Our wedding dress model Rachel, from the wedding fayre at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness won our prize draw for a half price hen party. By luck she is organising a hen do for a friend so I am sure it is going to come in very handy.

2010-07-18T23:19:00.001-07:00

Well that was a top weekend, doing the wonderful gorge at Cawdor on Saturday and then we were at the Wedding Fayre at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness on Sunday. It went really well with our stand looking very professional and getting quite a bit of interest from visitors. Oddly it seems the woman are more up for it than the guys, happy days.

2010-07-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

We are now preparing for the wedding fayre at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness tomorrow. Will park the newly signed van in a strategic place and just wait for the bookings to come in ! Drop in and say hello if you are in the area.

2010-07-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Sitting in Mat and Sandra's living room following our gorge walk on the Cawdor Burn this afternoon. Said a sad goodbye to my video camera as it was washed over a waterfall. Otherwise it was a fantastic day out.