Do I need prior kayaking experience to join this course?

Yes, this course is designed for those with intermediate skills who have completed beginner or rolling clinics.

Is all the equipment provided?

Yes, Pinkston Watersports supplies boats, paddles, PFDs, and helmets for each session.

What happens if I miss one of the weekly sessions?

Attendance for all three weeks is strongly recommended; missing a session may mean you forfeit your place in the course.

Are children allowed to participate?

Participants must be at least 12 years old to join the Intermediate sessions.

Is there parking available on site?

Yes, free parking and changing facilities are available at Pinkston Watersports.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Bring a swimsuit or shorts, old shoes you don't mind getting wet, and a towel; all kayaking gear is provided.

Whitewater Kayaking Progression at Pinkston Watersports | Kayak

Set in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland, Pinkston Watersports offers an invigorating 3-week Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking course tailored for paddlers ready to sharpen their skills beyond the basics. Located on the historic Pinkston Water Activity Centre, this fast-flowing urban whitewater venue transforms the industrial legacy of North Canal Bank Street into a dynamic playground for individuals aged 12 and up who have previous kayaking experience and seek to push their limits with expert guidance.

Over the course of three sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, participants refine critical techniques like precision edging, river reading, and controlled maneuvering on turbulent currents. The course focuses heavily on safety and practical skills such as catching eddies and starting to surf waves, empowering kayakers to confidently navigate moving water. All instruction is delivered by seasoned professionals committed to fostering both competence and enjoyment on the river.

Pinkston’s engineered course carves through bespoke concrete channels, offering a unique training ground with consistent rapids that replicate natural whitewater features without requiring travel to remote locations. This urban setting makes Pinkston an exceptional hub for Scottish paddlers and travelers alike, providing accessible, year-round whitewater challenges amidst the city backdrop.

In addition to skill progression, the site stands out for its community-driven atmosphere and supporting amenities, including free parking and on-site changing rooms. The facility’s evolution from Glasgow’s canal network reflects a thoughtful reimagining of industrial spaces into vibrant outdoor sports venues, connecting urban adventurers with the power of water.

Whether preparing for wild river expeditions or enhancing competitive paddling technique, Pinkston Watersports blends technical growth with memorable adventure moments. This intermediate progression course is a compelling choice for anyone aiming to transform their whitewater kayaking from competent to confident in Scotland’s thriving paddling scene.

About Pinkston Watersports

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.