Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below the answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answers to your queries please contact us.
What do I need to bring?
We will provide all the equipment you need to get on the water for the day.
You need to bring food and drink (watertight plastic boxes and a thermos flask are good).
Sun cream, warm hat, sun hat, sun glasses are all good to have.
Small, waterproof cameras are good to have at hand but need a lanyard (or bit of string) that you can attach to you all the time!
We will send you information on anything else to bring when you book.
Do you cater for children?
We are happy to cater for children, but may request they go in a double with an adult. Children under 18 years need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Do I need to be able to swim?
No. You will be provided with a buoyancy aid.
What about the Scottish weather?
We will ensure that the conditions you kayak in are suitable for you. To do this we have a variety of locations where we can launch from which provide shelter from the wind. We will be in contact with you before your booking to inform you of any changes in plan as the where we will be leaving from. You need to be able to travel to the launch location, however these will all be in the South Skye/Kintail area. We will send you comprehensive details including directions, parking and travel times for each location.
Do I have to capsize?
No. We aim to make your day fun and enjoyable. You won’t be made to do anything you don’t want to do. Capsizes do happen however, but your instructor will be able to get you back into your kayak wherever you are. If you want to capsize at some point that’s great, we can find an environment where we can support you in that important learning stage.
What if I have my own kit?
If you want to use your own kit, that’s great. We will discuss your needs at the time of booking, and as long as the kit is suitable, then you can use it.
Can I hire a Sea Kayak to use by myself?
We only do accompanied trips, kayaks are not available for hire generally.
How many people will be in my group?
We take a maximum of 6 people out per session (or up to 8 if we use double kayaks, but this will be discussed with you beforehand). We will try to match abilities within a group so you get the most out of the day.
Do you supply tents and camping equipment for expeditions?
We can supply all camping equipment for expeditions in with the cost apart from the sleeping bags which are charged at £20 per trip to cover cleaning costs.
Is food included on Expeditions?
No, the cost of food is not included in the price as many people want to cater for themselves. We can however provide all the cooking equipment. We can also cater for you at a cost of £18 per kayaking day.
What hill-walking gear do you supply?
We don’t supply hill-walking equipment, so you need to be able to bring your own waterproofs (cag and trousers) and rucksack. We will be in touch with you to discuss suitable equipment.
How bad are the midges?
Midges need land and relatively still air, so they are not a problem when kayaking. Most mountains are relatively midge free. They may be more of a problem when camping or on lower slopes and wooded areas. We recommend a midge hood, long trousers and long sleeve tops. Midge repellent is also a good idea, ‘Smidge’ has been developed especially for the Scottish Midge and is widely available locally.
Public Transport
There are bus links from Inverness and Glasgow, and train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. Timetables vary, please contact us for local itineries. Airport transfers can be arranged for groups at additional cost.
Do you provide accommodation?
We don’t provide accommodation but can recommend some local places to stay.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Bank Transfer and Paypal. We ask for a 25% deposit at the time of booking and the balance at least 48 hours prior to the activity day for single day activities. At this time, we will have a good idea of what the weather conditions will be. In the event that no suitable location is available we will refund your deposit or arrange an alternative day, but this is not a common occurrence.