The calendar displays kayak trips, training sessions and other events throughout the year. Kayak hire for club organised trips is possible on a first come first come served basis – the hire of the kayak, and associated equipment, should be arranged with the trip organiser.

Trip organisers act as a contact point for paddlers interested in paddling that particular trip. Other than on specified training events, organisers do not accept responsibility for other paddlers or for instructing them. Participants need to be self sufficient in paddling equipment. These are generally NOT guided trips run by qualified coaches / instructors. Day and weekend trip gradings are intended to give some idea of the type of trip. However they are only indicative so contact the organiser to understand the trip envisaged.

• Grade A is in sheltered water. Participants should be capable of paddling 20 km (12 miles) per day in Force 2/3 conditions.
• Grade B is in more challenging waters and may include tidal streams, exposed headlands, and open crossings between islands. Participants should be capable of paddling 25km (16 miles) per day in up to Force 4 conditions. A 4* paddler would feel comfortable on such a trip.
• Grade C participants should be capable of paddling in more difficult conditions than Grade b for a longer time.

To help us keep the club equipment in good, safe condition, and to be fair to all members, please observe the following rules when hiring:

• For all club calendar events, boat bookings should be made through the trip organiser/s.
• For members own ad hoc personal paddling boat bookings, please contact the Equipment Officer directly.
• Running sessions for non-members, or day memberships can only be run through the club training officer.
• Only members may hire equipment (new members should be familiarized with system by existing member).
• Initial hires (come-and-try) may be arranged through an existing member, but membership is required subsequently.
• The person removing the boat from the rack signs and pays for it – IOU’s are not accepted,
• Only take the equipment you need for the period of the hire. Ensure spraydecks etc fit the boat you have hired.
• Safety equipment (towlines, VHF, first aid kits, split paddles etc) is included in the hire of the boat – know how to use it!
• Any damage (missing footpegs, stuck rudders etc) should be recorded in the sign-out book, and notified to the Equipment Officer as quickly as possible.
• On return, spray decks and buoyancy aids should be rinsed with fresh water (tap is next to the sea cadets building under plastic crate) and hung to dry on the white PVC pipe rack beside the club boats. Please ensure kayaks are clean and free from debris (sand, leaves etc) – sponge inside dry if necessary
• Sign in the book to confirm return of equipment.

Please be considerate to our hosts (Aberdeen and Stonehaven Yacht Club) and do not park in front of any of the shed doorways. We currently share our shed with Stonehaven Canoe Club who paddle on Monday evenings.

Hire charges for kayaks (per berth, i.e. for double – x 2!):

• Evening: £5
• Day: £10
• Weekend £20
• Week: £50

Below are the access locations for some of our more regular haunts – double-check with the organiser if unsure on the night!