At the heart of Och Aye Canoe is the belief that paddlesports should be for everyone. In 2025, that meant continuing to deliver:
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Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding sessions for complete beginners through to confident paddlers
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Bespoke sessions tailored to individuals
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Inclusive paddling, supporting people with disabilities, injuries, long‑term health conditions and reduced confidence
Some of the most rewarding days this year weren’t about technique at all – they were about watching someone relax, smile, or realise “I can actually do this.”
Inclusive and Accessible Paddlesports
Inclusive paddling remained a huge focus throughout 2025. Working with veterans, amputees, and paddlers with additional needs continues to shape how Och Aye Canoe operates – not as a bolt‑on, but as standard practice.
Sessions were adapted around:
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Equipment choice
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Launch and recovery methods
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Communication styles
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Energy levels and confidence
The goal is always dignity, autonomy and enjoyment on the water – and 2025 delivered plenty of that.
Course Development and Instructor Planning
Not all of 2025 was loud or visible.
Following abdominal surgery later in the year, there was a necessary pause on time spent physically on the water. But Och Aye Canoe didn’t stop.
That recovery time was used to:
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Write and refine new courses
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Develop future training ideas
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Plan how best to serve paddlers across Scotland going forward
Sometimes progress looks like paddling hard. Sometimes it looks like sitting still and planning properly.
Building a Trusted Paddlesports Community
One of the things I’m most proud of in 2025 is the trust people continue to place in Och Aye Canoe. Many paddlers returned multiple times, recommended sessions to friends, or got in touch to ask for something bespoke.
That trust means everything.
Och Aye Canoe isn’t about churning people through sessions – it’s about building relationships, confidence and long‑term enjoyment of being on the water.
Kayaking, Canoeing and Paddleboarding in 2026
2025 laid strong foundations.
With new courses ready to launch, growing demand for inclusive and tailored training, and a busy year ahead, 2026 is already shaping up to be another full one.
If you paddled with Och Aye Canoe this year – thank you. If you’re thinking about getting on the water in the future, keep an eye on the website… exciting things are coming.
Book Kayaking, Canoeing or Paddleboarding in Scotland
Och Aye Canoe offers kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding sessions across Scotland, with a strong focus on accessibility, confidence-building and bespoke experiences.
Gift vouchers are available and make an ideal present for anyone wanting to get on the water in 2026.