Family Paddling
A gentle first paddling adventure for families in the Highlands.
Book Now Plan your adventure!ÂŁ32 Adult
ÂŁ25 Child (18 months to 16 years)
April - October / Winter on demand
90 minutes
Family Paddling in the Cairngorms
Come and join us for a wonderfully gentle introduction to paddlesports on our purpose-built mini paddling pond. The water is shallow, sheltered and calm, with no currents or moving water â perfect for complete beginners and younger children finding their feet on the water.
During your session youâll get the chance to try a range of different crafts, including open Canadian canoes, stand-up paddleboards and our mega SUP. Itâs all about relaxed exploration, splashes and smiles rather than long journeys.
Our experienced instructors will show you the basic paddling techniques, help you steer and turn, and build in fun games to keep children (and grown-ups!) engaged from start to finish. Itâs a brilliant way to grow water confidence together.
These sessions are ideal for complete beginners and family groups with children aged 3 years and over. If youâre looking for a proper river journey on the Spey, please see our Guided River Spey Canoe Trips for ages 8+.
What's included?
- Time on our gentle, purpose-built paddling pond â no current, no river flow
- Choose from canoes, stand-up paddleboards and our mega SUP during your session
- Full introduction to the equipment and help getting kitted up
- Expert, family-friendly coaching from qualified instructors
- Approx. 90-minute session with plenty of support and fun games
- Toilets and changing facilities available on-site
Wetsuits can be hired for an additional ÂŁ3 per person.
We are based in Grantown on Spey 15 minutes from Aviemore.
Family Paddling FAQs
The questions weâre most often asked by families before booking our paddling pond sessions.
Who is family paddling suitable for?
Family paddling is designed for families and small groups who are new to paddlesports. The pond is shallow, sheltered and very gentle, making it ideal for nervous first-timers, younger children and mixed-age groups.
How gentle is the pond?
Our paddling pond has no current, no river flow and no hidden surprises. Itâs a calm, controlled environment where we can keep things at exactly the right level for your family, with lots of time to build confidence at your own pace.
What age can children take part from?
As a guide, family paddling is suitable for children aged 3 years and over, as long as theyâre happy in a buoyancy aid and accompanied by an adult. Weâll help choose the right craft and set-up to keep things safe and enjoyable for younger paddlers.
Do parents and adults go on the water too?
Yes, absolutely. Parents and adults are encouraged to join in â most families paddle together in canoes, on paddleboards or on the mega SUP. Itâs a shared experience rather than something children do on their own.
Do we need to be confident in water or have paddling experience?
Not at all. These sessions are aimed at complete beginners. Your instructor will stay close by, keep things simple and fun, and youâll always be wearing buoyancy aids. The gentle pond is a great place to start if youâre unsure about being on the water.
What should we wear and will we get wet?
Please dress for the outdoors in comfortable layers and shoes you donât mind getting splashed. You might get a little wet in canoes, and very wet using a SUP. Wetsuits can be hired for an additional ÂŁ3 per person if youâd like extra warmth or expect more splashing.
What if weâd like a proper river trip?
Family paddling is all about a gentle, pond-based introduction. If youâre keen for a journey on the River Spey and your children are 8 years or older, take a look at our Guided River Spey Canoe Trips for a moving-water adventure.
Does family paddling run in all weather?
We run sessions in most conditions, including light rain. If the weather would make the session unsafe or miserable â for example very strong winds or thunderstorms â weâll talk through options with you, such as re-timing your visit or switching to a more suitable activity or day.