An hour-long, coach-led SUP session for ages 11–18 at Little Loch Shin. Small groups, playful games, and open-water swims make this a great way for teens to build confidence on the water.
An hour-long, coach-led SUP session for ages 11–18 at Little Loch Shin. Small groups, playful games, and open-water swims make this a great way for teens to build confidence on the water.
Book with Sutherland Adventure Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sutherland Adventure Company · Lairg, Highland
On the sheltered eastern shore of Little Loch Shin in Sutherland, Scotland, the Teens Club at Little Loch Shin offers high-schoolers an hour of action on stand-up paddleboards. Meeting at the slipway by Ferrycroft, the sessions run from a base on grass and shingle into glassy water fringed by peatland, birch copses and the low ridges that frame Loch Shin. The setup is intentionally loose: coached but playful, with games, swimming, jumps and paddling around in winds stronger than beginner lessons allow.
These short sessions are designed for ages 11–18. In groups capped at four, young paddlers move beyond tuition and into social, confidence-building water time. All equipment is provided, and guides stage the session to match the group's energy—one moment balancing on a board while the next promises a splash-and-dive relay. If a teen is new to SUP or apprehensive in open water, the company recommends a formal beginner lesson first.
Little Loch Shin is a compact basin carved by glacial action, its shoreline shifting between pebbly slipways, boggy grass, and stands of young birch and heather. Look up and you’ll see the rounded shoulders of nearby hills, peat-streaked slopes and the faint grid of old drove roads that hint at Sutherland’s crofting history. Wildlife is unobtrusive but present: oystercatchers and ducks often patrol the shallows while red deer use the higher ground. The water itself is cool and clear, a fresh loch fed by upland burns.
Practical details are simple: bring a wetsuit if you have one, trainers that can get wet, and a change of clothes. Wetsuit sizes are comprehensive, from kids’ sizes up to adult XXL; operators ask that you confirm sizes on the booking page so the kit fits. Sessions last one hour—enough time for lively activity without fatigue—and run in windier conditions that challenge developing paddlers safely under coach supervision.
Why this is a standout option in the Highlands: it’s youth-focused, small-group, and intentionally unstructured—an antidote to rigid lessons. It gives teenagers a chance to push their comfort zone in a controlled setting while experiencing a quiet corner of Loch Shin that many visitors overlook. For families staying in nearby Lairg or traveling through Sutherland, this hour on the loch can be the highlight of a day of hiking or wildlife watching—an energetic, social entry point to Highland water-sports that’s as local as the peat-smoke on the breeze.
Sessions are run by Sutherland Adventure Company's coaches with small ratios, and the tight group size means every teen gets attention and time on the board. Book early in summer; slots are limited to four participants. Parents can watch from the slipway, and the online booking form takes wetsuit sizes and notes via the referral link directly.
moderate.
1 hour.
Moderately fit teens who can swim and tolerate short swims; comfortable with balance and light cardio.
Sessions are for ages 11–18; participants must fall within that age range to join the Teens Club.
Meet at the slipway by Ferrycroft at Little Loch Shin; coaches will brief the group on arrival.
Yes—boards, paddles and buoyancy aids are provided. Bring your own wetsuit if you have one for the best fit.
No prior experience is required, but very nervous beginners are advised to book a dedicated beginner lesson first.
Groups are capped at four participants to ensure coach attention and a safe, social session.
Yes—parents can observe from the slipway and shoreline; coaches will keep the group within view.
Loch Shin sits in historic Sutherland; the shoreline and nearby drove roads reflect crofting and upland land use that shaped the area.
The loch’s peatland and shoreline are sensitive—stick to slipways, avoid trampling bog, and pack out all litter to protect habitats.
Sutherland Adventure Company is a UK-based outdoor activity provider that runs paddleboarding experiences on Loch Brora. The company offers two core trips: Paddleboard Lesson and Paddleboard Hire. Paddleboard Lesson provides tailored instruction for all skill levels, focusing on safety, paddling technique, and fun. Lessons include games and exploration, with private options available. Expert guidance and provision of all necessary equipment ensure participants can focus on learning and enjoying the water. Paddleboard Hire is a two-hour paddleboarding rental on Loch Brora. Hire guests receive a personalized briefing from the expert team before heading onto the water. The briefing covers safety and local conditions to support a safe and enjoyable outing across tranquil waters and scenic surroundings. All activities take place at Loch Brora in the United Kingdom. Equipment is supplied for each booking, including boards, paddles and safety gear. The team's emphasis on safety, clear instruction and tailored sessions supports progression for beginners while still offering value for more experienced paddlers. Sutherland Adventure Company operates as a third-party provider focusing specifically on paddleboarding experiences at this location. The company highlights local scenery, calm freshwater conditions and structured session formats — lessons with coaching and hires with guided briefings. Booking options include private lesson formats and standard hire periods. Sessions are run by the expert team and appear on The Adventure Collective for online booking, including availability, pricing and detailed start times.
Book with Sutherland Adventure Company