Palm at the (very) Wet West Paddle Fest

For years Scottish paddlers dreamed of a summer paddling festival in Scotland. Perhaps centred on the dam-release hubs of the Rivers Garry and Moriston. The SCA Access Committee discussed it but little progress was made. In early 2005, as a fitting memorial to Andy Jackson the SCA Access officer, plans for a paddling extravaganza were hatched.

Since then, the event has grown to attract over 300 paddlers from all over the UK (and there were even two groups from Germany there this weekend!). Shuttle vehicles are put on, a party is organised and weekend access is negotiated for two classic dam released sections of scottish whitewater; the Moriston – 4(5), and the Garry – 3+. With loads of rain forcast it was clear that it wouldn’t just be dam releases on offer either, and paddlers found time to squeeze in classics such as the Falloch, Orchy, Coe, Spean and Etive  as well.

We made the long drive north to let paddlers have a go in the new 2012 Dagger Mamba and preview a few of our 2012 Palm offerings. It was great to see the paddlers on the water as excited about the new gear as we are – and we even managed a cheaky sunset run on the Coe in perfect levels!

Thanks to everyone involved for a fantastic weekend, we’ll definitely be back!

If you live in the UK but haven’t boated in Scotland yet you’re missing out. The scenery is stunning, the whitewater is world-class and the Clacaig Inn serves a rather tasty haggis. If you’re looking to get a few days away paddling before Christmas and you’re not sure where to go, a little trip north of the border is thoroughly recommended.

Find out more about Scottish Paddling on UK Rivers Guidebook
Photos courtesy of Kev Winsor @ Paddle Photos
More info about the Wet West Paddle Fest
Find out the history of the event and the Andy Jackson Fund for Access in the event booklet