Discover the thrill of kayaking with a beginner-friendly session at Pinkston Watersports in Glasgow. Perfect for first-timers, this 90-minute experience offers essential skills and fun games in a safe, sheltered environment. Read on to learn more!
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More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Wildlife
History
Pinkston Watersports played a key role in Glasgow's urban outdoor recreation revival since the early 2000s.
Conservation
The center promotes responsible paddling and maintains the river's natural beauty, encouraging eco-friendly practices.
Pinkston Watersports
Discover the thrill of kayaking with a beginner-friendly session at Pinkston Watersports in Glasgow. Perfect for first-timers, this 90-minute experience offers essential skills and fun games in a safe, sheltered environment. Read on to learn more!
Pinkston Watersports is a Glasgow-based watersports centre operating on Scotland's only artificial whitewater course. The centre runs a wide range of paddlesports and water activities including whitewater tubing, whitewater kayaking taster and progression courses, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) tasters, rolling clinics, swim sessions, and family splash zones. Sessions are offered for different ages and abilities, with many junior and family activities listed for ages 7 and up and several whitewater sessions suitable for ages 12 and up. Birthday party packages, holiday activity camps, student nights, and specialist sessions such as cold water swims with sauna access are also available.
Professional instructors lead coached sessions and safety briefings, and several beginner courses state that equipment is provided; participants are often asked to bring a towel and suitable footwear. Progression courses include multi-week formats for beginners and intermediate paddlers, plus club-style monthly sessions focused on skill development and themed activities. The venue supports learning across flat-water and artificial whitewater environments and hosts community and family-focused events. Pinkston Watersports emphasises safe, supervised access to paddlesports for newcomers and developing paddlers, delivers structured coaching, and provides a versatile programme of activities suitable for families, youth groups, adults, and students in Glasgow and the surrounding area.
Booking options include single-session tasters, multi-week progression courses, club membership and group or family packages for birthday parties and holiday camps. Sessions run across seasons and include student nights. The programme supports skill progression, confidence on the water and repeat visits to develop technique. Suitable for beginners and families.
Location
Glasgow
Based in Glasgow, Scotland
Unique Venue
Scotland's only artificial whitewater course
Purpose-built whitewater environment
Ages
7+ / 12+
Family and junior sessions available
Experiences
24 experiences
Range of paddlesports and activities
Check availability for whitewater tubing, kayaking, SUP, camps and parties — sessions suitable for ages 7 and up. Enquire for group bookings.
Wear quick-drying clothing
Choose clothing that dries quickly in case you get splashed or decide to take another run.
Arrive early for gear fitting
Getting to Pinkston Watersports early ensures time to fit your gear and meet your instructor.
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses
Protect yourself from UV rays while on the water, even on cloudy days.
Stay hydrated
Bring water to stay refreshed during and after your session.
Quick-drying paddling shoes
Provides grip and comfort when entering and exiting boats, and dries quickly.
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Sunscreen
Protects your skin from UV rays during your time on the water.
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Waterproof jacket
Keeps you warm and dry in case of splashes or cool weather.
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Sunglasses with straps
Prevents glare and protects your eyes, especially in bright conditions.
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