We have 2 classes of beginners trips.
Beginners introductory trips are aimed at paddlers who are still coming to grips with going in a straight line as well as learning to break in and out and ferry glide. These would be on the likes of the Tieth or Stanley stretch of the Tay G1 /-2.
Beginners + trips are aimed at paddlers who are getting the concept of ferry glides and able to perform break ins and out on gentle flows and are worried out moving into greater flows. Tieth, Tay, Awe and Doon would be good examples of G2/-3 rivers
A list of some of the rivers the club uses on beginners trips can be found here.
Intermediate/Advance
Club members also regularly organise trips on Intermediate and Advance level rivers. These trips tend not to be lead or coached and people attending are expected to demonstrate a level of competency before attending. These outings are aimed at individuals that are able to look after themselves on Grade 3/4 water. However we do endeavour to run a small number of lead / coached trips each year that members who have experience of Beginners + trips can attend.
Detail of these trips are generally added to our Facebook site. A list of some of the rivers that are used on these trips can be found here.
More information on rivers can be found on UK Rivers Guide Book page here or in the SCA White water Guidebook that can be purchased here. River levels are regularly available from the following sites Scottish River Levels – Where’s the water River Cameras – Farsons online or on mobile – Paddle guideRiver gradings explained
GRADE 1 Moving water, unobstructed and without technical difficulties. There may be small waves and riffles to challenge the paddler. GRADE 2 Waves, small stoppers and other minor obstructions to avoid. Eddies and cushion waves may be strong. GRADE 3 Waves, stoppers and technical difficulties are more severe. There may be drops and powerful constrictions. The main distinguishing factor of Grade 3 water is that the paddler will have to follow a recognisable route to avoid obstacles and hazards. GRADE 4 Severe waves, drops, stoppers and other obstructions. The route is not easily recognisable and will usually require careful inspection from the boat or bank. Grade 4 encompasses a wide range of rivers, from those with pool-drop rapids to those with extended continuous rapids; so there is a huge variation in difficulty. It is common to distinguish easier grade 4 rapids by grading them as 4- and harder rapids as 4+ (or in some cases, 3/4 or 4/5). GRADE 5 Extremely difficult rapids with precise and technically demanding routes to be followed. Stoppers, currents and waves will be powerful and inspection is essential. Grade 5 can be extremley dangerous and should be avoided by all bar expert paddlers – Please note the club does not permit the use of club equipment on this classification of water. GRADE 6 All of the above carried to extremes. Grade 6 usually means unrunnable rapids, which may just be possible in certain conditions. Thesse rapids are never paddled by us mere mortals and should be left to the professionals!! – Please note the club does not permit the use of club equipment on this classification of water.Sub menus