Welcome to Shetland Canoe Club's Web Site!

Shetland consists of approximately 100 islands, of which 15 are inhabited, located at the far north of the British Isles. It has good transport communications with mainland Uk, Orkney and in summer with Norway, Faroe and Iceland. Shetland has, argueably, some of the finest coastal scenery and features to be found in the world. Therefore it is a superb place to explore by kayak, being able to enter the thousands of sea caves and arches and witness nature at close hand.

Shetland Canoe Club

The club was formed many years ago and is based at Bridge-end Outdoor Centre on Burra. We keep all the club equipment there and carry out basic training for beginners in the very sheltered waters of the marina. The club has 4 Level 3 Coaches, 2 Level 2 Coaches and 4 Trainee Level 2 Coaches as well as an E2 Examiner.

The annual season starts in mid March when we run a series of 5 beginners pool sessions then going straight on to sea training at Bridge-end at the beginning of May. We have weekly evening training sessions as well as Sunday day and Tuesday evening trips for the more experienced. This continues right through until early September when we continue with pool sessions through the winter for existing club members. Beginners can usually expect to reach 2 or 3 Star level in the first season.

The highlight of the club year is the annual weekend on the island of Papa Stour which is renowed for its magnificent caves, arches and passages. We have a visiting guest speaker each year. Accomodation is either B&B or camping and we usually hope to make at least one circumnavigation of the island, approx paddling time 4 hours. Visiting paddlers are welcomed. For more details contact the email address below or write to: Shetland Canoe Club, Bridge-end Outdoor Centre, Bridge-end, Burra, Shetland, ZE2 9LD

Almost all of the islands have been paddled to over the years including Foula, 17 miles offshore, and Fair Isle, 25 miles offshore. In fact, a solo paddler left Morar on the Clyde over 26 years ago, paddled up the west coast of Scotland and on to Orkney and Shetland in a lath and canvas kayak - quite a feat, even today in a modern boat.

The weather

Shetland is 60 degrees North so do not expect tropical weather. Winters tend to be mild with little frost or snow. The summers can be sunny but are usually mixed. Pack a fleece and a waterproof jacket no matter which time of year you plan to visit. There is usually some wind varying between gentle breezes and full gales, also at any time of the year. On the whole, the best weather is usually in July and August and most suitable for sea paddling. The coolness in summer can be an advantage as the many beautiful sandy beaches are usually deserted.

To get here

British Regional Airlines run 3 flights a day at present, approximately 1hours flying time from Aberdeen.

P&O Scottish Ferries have 6 sailing per week by RoRo from Aberdeen leaving at 6.00pm and arriving Lerwick at 8.00am the following morning. The best option is often to carry your kayak and gear onto the ferry and we can pick you up when you arrive.

Wildlife

Shetland is well known for its extensive bird colonies, many seals and otters. Whale sightings are fairly common as are rare birds being blown off course by storms, so making this a very rewarding place to visit.

To contact Shetland Canoe Club use the e-mail link on this page or write to Shetland Canoe Club, c/o Bridge-End Outdoor Centre, Burra, Shetland.

Paddling in Shetland

Club Info

Calendar

Symposium 2000