Paddling in Loch Lomond - Scotland

  • by Jayne
  • 17 Nov, 2018

Some hints and tips.

Before i traveled up to Scotland last year, i had a nose online about the best places to launch around Loch Lomond and didn't really find much. Maybe i wasn't looking hard enough, but i thought i'd share my findings with you guys on where i went and the best places i found. Always wear a BA, thems the rules :) 

Balloch
 Launching from Balloch was really easy. You just head towards the main shopping centre but take the turning for the slipway. There's plenty of sign posts along the way so you can't get lost. Once you're there, you can launch right off the slip and into the stunning waters of Loch Lomond. Be aware of the boat activity on the water though, there's plenty of it. 

Luss
 Just a few mins around the corner from Balloch is Luss. There is a watersports pop up here and you can hire sup boards and canoes too. Or, you can launch your own. There is a small car parking fee aswell, so take some pennies.

Tarbet
 Carrying on North up the A82, you'll find Tarbet Pier. I didnt actually launch from here but we took the dog for a work and seem some kayakers heading out :)

Balmaha
 On the western side of the Loch, you'll find Balmaha. You can park in the reserve car park and walk across the road to the slip way. If you don't fancy a paddle, its a perfect spot for a nature walk or a pint.

If you have any questions let me know 

Jayne

by Jayne @ LSC 05 Dec, 2018
Before purchasing your very own SUP Board, it's important to find the right one for you, so trying different ones is always the biggest advice i would give. Don't just buy a board because some one tells you too, test it first :) 

However, doing your research and reading reviews also helps a lot! So, here's my handy guide on the Fanatic Pure Air; 

  1.  It's not cheap but it's not expensive either, in comparison to other boards out there. You get amazing value for money, great quality and craftsmanship and a board that will last.
  2. It's an all rounder, which means it's great for anyone and everyone. With upto 20 PSI, it can hold some weight, but if you're worried about anything like that, then definitely come and test it out (email me for a taster if you like). 
  3. At 10'4, this board is a biggie, but surprisingly light, so easy to carry. 
  4. The single layer Drop-Stitch Light Technology provides great quality construction.
  5. It offers great balance with good glide, and manoeuvrability, so ideal if you fancy a go at surfing, general touring or endurance.
  6. It's an Inflatable, which means it comes with easy storage so you can take it on holiday with you! 
  7. Comes with a bungee for secure dry bag storage, ideal for those long adventures! 
  8. Detachable fin which allows you to set the fin how you want it (yes, there are different ways to place your fin :p) 
  9. Great surface area, so plenty of room for balance, especially with a Staffy running along it :)
  10. Comes with a pump, not the easiest to inflate, but gives you a good warm up. Or invest in an electric pump to do all the work for you :) 
I use this model in my sessions so feel free to ask for a go when you come along. I'm not on commission or anything like that, just passionate about people enjoying and investing in SUP! 
by Jayne 15 Nov, 2018
Working in conservation, i don’t exactly earn the big bucks. I do however know how to find a bargain. Any Stand Up Paddleboarder will know, there is little joy in pumping your board up. Ever the optimistic, i do think of it as a warm up!
After the first few times, i quickly got bored and went on the lookout for an easier option…the electric pump.
On first glance, you’re looking at £100+ for a decent pump but like i mentioned earlier, i ain’t got that type of cash. So i went on the hunt for a cheaper one and came across this Itiwit electric pump. At £40 i was a bit apprehensive as to its efficiency, and a few other paddlers in my social circle said it’ll be rubbish. Nevertheless, i bought one anyway and i’m glad i did.
I have been using this for just under a year now and it has not let me down yet (fingers crossed). It simply plugs into your lighter socket in your car, you set the PSI then off you go. It pumps the board up within 10 mins to upto 15psi which is handy while you do the other 300 things you have to do. I have definitely got my moneys worth out of this bad boy and i would recommend it.
The only cons; its a bit noisy (but they all are in my experience) and it bounces about like a mexican jumping bean, but if you leave the main part in the car it’ll be fine. Also, if you want any higher than 15psi you’ll have to look elsewhere.
So, all in all, I would definitely recommend getting this pump, its cheap, its handy and it does the job



by Jayne 15 Nov, 2018
People always say to me 'what made you get into Conservation and saving nature?' and i honestly can't tell them. I have always loved it, it's always been in me to help save wildlife & nature, i can't actually pick a moment or an event that made me go 'um i like this!'
My true passion lies in the Marine Conservation, also known as 'Saving the Ocean'. I have always studied it, and the species that live in it, the effect it has on the weather, the planet and more importantly us! Without the Ocean, there is no us, there is no life, there is nothing. Every second breath we take has been generated by the ocean! That's how important it is!
But we're choking our seas! Through over fishing, climate change and pollution. We need to wake up and save that next breath otherwise there's no hope for our species!!
It's not all doom and gloom though! Here are a few small ways that you can make a BIG difference!!
1) Reduce your Carbon Footprint
We know the drill! This isn't something new, yet people are still using up valuable resources, leaving the lights on (it's like Blackpool Illuminations in HERE!), driving everywhere, when you can walk or use public transport, yada yada yada! I'm not here to teach you how to suck eggs (odd but fascinating saying), but i am here to tell you that by making these subtle changes, it makes a big difference to your little ones future! Also, check your tyre pressure, you have no idea how much extra fuel that uses!!
2) BYOB & Skip the Straws
Also known as Bring your own bag, bottle or Brew Cup (Ok i couldnt exactly use Boffee cup could i?) By reducing the use of Single Use Plastics, you're contributing to the fight against Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution! We are literally drowning in plastic and by 2050 there may be more plastic in the Ocean than fish! Plenty more fish in the sea? Nah, plenty more bottle tops in the bay! Reduce and Reuse have now taken precedence over recycle. We can't throw stuff in the blue bin for much longer in the hopes that it's gonna get recycled. We need to stop it at the source, US!
3) Take part in a clean
As the Regional Rep in Liverpool of Surfers Against Sewage, i regularly do Beach Cleans (follow my insta/facey for updates) but you dont have to come along with me! Check your local council for clean ups, your beach may have a Friends of Group too but you can do a two minute beach clean yourself (check out @2minbeachclean for info) ! If you're walking your dog, cat or lizard, take a bag with you and pick up some rubbish. It adds nothing to your day except helping the Ocean, and thats a pretty big something if you ask me!
4) Donate to charity
Listen, i know we're all skint, but for the sake of a few quid a month, you could make a massive difference! Supporting a conservation charity means that you're donation can go to saving nature, tackling climate change and giving a voice where its needed! My favourites are of course: RSPB, Surfers Against Sewage, Marine Conservation Society & The Wildlife Trust! However do your research and chose your own.
5) The 4 P's of Toilet etiquette
There are only 4 things that should ever go down the loo:
* Poo
* Pee
* Paper
* Puke
Anything else, is a flushy gushy no no! Throw it in the bin!
Also, adding onto this...be careful what you flush down your drain. Fats and oils that are flushed can lead to blockages in the drains, or even worse can head out to sea slurrys that can block up caves etc! Not a pretty sight i tell ya!
6) Eat sustainable salmon
Not just Salmon though. How about some Mackerel, Cod, Ray, Prawns etc etc etc! Here is the Marine Conservation Society's guide to sustainable seafood - https://www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide/search?start=16&perPage=15
7) Share with a friend
Share this post with a friend or colleague! Word of mouth is the best way to get your concerns out there! Be an ocean advocate and stick to your principles and be proud that you're paving the way for future generations!
If you have any Qs then drop me an email jayne@liverpoolsupco.co.uk
:)
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