Meet The Team
Och Aye Canoe is proudly owned and operated by Sarah Thomson, an experienced paddler with over 20 years on the water.
To deliver the best possible experience, Sarah is supported by a team of freelance instructors, each bringing their own expertise to coaching, guiding, and adventure experiences. Every freelance instructor working with Och Aye Canoe is verified by Paddle Scotland and holds up-to-date First Aid, PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups), and Safeguarding qualifications. This ensures a safe, inclusive, and professional environment for all paddlers, including beginners, experienced adventurers, and those with additional needs.
Whether you're looking to build confidence on the water, refine your skills, or embark on a unique paddling adventure, our team is here to help.
SARAH THOMSON - Owner / Director & Instructor
I'm Sarah, the owner and operator of Och Aye Canoe Ltd. I have been paddling for over 20 years, and find that being on the water is such a switch off from the stresses of everyday life. I featured in a local newspaper in 2024 which gives my background.
I started Och Aye Canoe because I wanted to share my passion for watersports with others. I want to focus on getting complete beginners out on the water - there is no need to have any of your own gear, I'll provide everything you need to get started. And you don't need to be an olympic athlete either, I'm all about inclusivity and making the sport as accessible as possible. My group sizes are small, and sessions are friendly, with no pressure, for you to have fun and progress at your own pace.
I run most of my sessions at Lochore Meadows in Fife, however also use the Union Canal at Linlithgow, Loch Faskally at Pitlochry, and The Falkirk Wheel. I pride myself in being able to keep each and every tour personal, unique and custom.
I am an accredited first aid trainer, I can run any course required - contact me to arrange. I am also an advanced RYA Powerboat instructor, RYA First Aid instructor and RYA VHF/SRC radio instructor / assessor, available on a freelance basis.
I have the following qualifications:-
- British Canoe Union Paddlesport Leader
- British Canoe Union (BCU) UKCC Level 2 (canoe) Coach
- British Canoe Union Foundation Safety & Rescue course
- Paddle UK Touring Award Provider
- Paddle UK Open Water Touring Award Provider
- Paddle UK Multi-Day Touring Award Provider
- Leave No Trace Accredited Trainer
- Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Advanced Powerboat Instructor
- Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Powerboat Instructor
- RYA Safety Boat Instructor
- RYA VHF/SRC Instructor & Assessor
- RYA First Aid Instructor
- HSE (Accredited) First Aid Instructor (Qualsafe, FAIB, Pro-Trainings)
- RYA Advanced Powerboat Exam
- RYA Commercially Endorsed Powerboat Licence
- RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
- BCU Paddle Awards Provider (Paddle Start, Discover & Explore)
- RYA Personal Water Craft Proficiency
- Safeguarding & Protecting Children
- BCU Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning
- BCU Multi-Day Touring Award
- RYA Level 2 Powerboat Certificate
- RYA Intermediate Powerboat
- RYA Advanced Powerboat
- RYA VHF/SRC Radio Licence
- RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship
- RYA Dayskipper Theory
- RYA Yachtmaster Theory
- RYA Practical Motor Cruising Day Skipper
- RYA Sea Survival
- RYA Teaching in the Classroom
- RYA Radar
- RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
- RYA Professional Practices & Responsibilities
- Level 3 Award in Education & Training
- British Sign Language Level 1
- BCU Introduction to Paddle-ability CPD
- Deaf Awareness in Aquatic Sport CPD
- Disability in Sport CPD (Foundation)
- Disability Awareness CPD (Foundation)
- Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity CPD
- Coaching the Mind CPD (Intermediate)
- Fitness in Paddlesport CPD (Foundation)
I am always looking for ways to develop myself professionally and remain up-to-date with any changes, I regularly attend courses to do this. Future goals include completing my motor-cruising yachtmaster practical, and becoming a RYA Navigation instructor.
In my very little spare time I enjoy coastal rowing, scuba diving (qualified to PADI advanced open water diver & wreck speciality level), relaxation, listening to music, and socialising with friends.
LISA - Freelance Instructor



I'm Gavin, I have always enjoyed activities on the water, learning to sail aged 8, continuing through my teens and racing for my university in the Scottish Universities Sailing Association. I also taught sailing for a summer in the USA, and enjoyed canoe trips there too. Life got in the way for 20 plus years with not enough time on the water, but in the last few years I have got into paddle boarding, as well as canoeing and sailing again too. I particularly love seeing other people gain confidence in these brilliant watersports so they can enjoy them too.