Glasgow Paddleboarders have travelled around Europe searching for the best on-the-water adventures. For lead instructor Alasdair Findlay, Shetland is the ultimate spot.
The range of spectacular cliffs, caves, coves, and crannies makes Shetland a stunning place to explore on a stand-up paddle board. And the 'complete escape' ensures the adventure is like 'nothing on the mainland'.
What first made you want to visit Shetland?
I grew up in Thurso on the north coast of Scotland and spent a lot of time playing rugby in Orkney, but never actually made it to Shetland. I guess I had always been curious about what was beyond North Ronaldsay!
The Shetland trip actually came about because I was getting a tattoo and the artist, Sharon, said, “You need to get to Shetland.” That triggered a bit of an interest in looking at how we could make it work, managing the remote nature of the island and getting folks there!
I’ve been running Glasgow Paddleboarders Co for more than seven years now and have taken folks on trips all over Europe, including Slovenia, Spain and Denmark. The trips we run in Shetland have been going for two years now, and we already have year three ready with bookings in.
Shetland is incredible... There’s something about that complete escape that just captures the imagination when there.
How did you travel to Shetland?
We drove up to Aberdeen from all over the place and took the NorthLink ferry up. It's super comfortable in the cabins… the sleeping pods not so much, but they are better than a chair!
Do the islands live up to your expectations?
Shetland is incredible. The cliffs and caves, and stacks are like nothing on the mainland that we can visit. There’s something about that complete escape that just captures the imagination when there.
A lot of what we do when paddle boarding in Shetland is only possible by sea, which makes it extra special.
What is the best bit about paddle boarding in Shetland?
Ronas Voe is spectacular. Paddling up close and getting into the crooks and crannies within the cliffs is unreal.
Papa Stour is on the list… We’ll get there sometime when the weather is good!
The paddleboarding is all good. It’s why we keep coming back. Last year, we paddled through a crack at Neap and came out the other side!
It all feels like a big adventure. The Shetland trip is actually my favourite trip of everything that we do.
Is there anything that you found difficult about paddle boarding in Shetland?
Managing the weather and the wind was our biggest challenge. I think because there are so many high cliffs, there is a lot of wind shadow, which helps. We also used the support of a local guide, who really helped when thinking about where to go.
Other than paddling in the sea, do you enjoy any other activities?
We have hand-dived for scallops and cooked them on the beach. That was particularly special!
Exploring and walking around Eshaness is amazing too. I feel like we’ve really only scratched the surface as to what we could do. We need to come for six weeks!
Would you recommend Shetland as a destination for paddling?
Yes. It’s an awesome place to explore. The recently updated Orkney and Shetland Sea Kayaking Guide is a must to give you a really superb idea of tidal ranges and routes that are possible.