You will be granted accesss to EWWS Autumn Creeking Camp 2024 - Scotland, UK.
Dates 26th October - 2nd November 2024 CATEGORIES Creeking Trips, Teen Camps Tag Creeking class IV - IV+26/10/2024 02/11/2024
Scotland
Quim Fontané
Agata Sobieraj
14 - 25 years
Edinburgh (EDI)
Airbnb Style
Creeking Class III - IV
12 spots
We are going north. FAR NORTH! This trip to Scotland will pack in a handful of adventures paddling the classics of the West Highlands. Rivers like the Coe, Etive, Spean, Orchy or Moriston will all be on our watchlist. Keep in mind, however, we are at mercy of the quirky Scottish weather gods. Most days we might not know what river section we are hitting and the final calls in regards to where we will be paddling will be made with very short notice. Be ready for sudden changes of plans, less than ideal weather conditions, some driving around and a lot of adventures and fun!
No need to worry though, even in the driest or wettest conditions Scotland has loads on offer with high and low water alternatives. This will be an intermediate trip and the level of difficulty of the rivers we paddle will be around class III-IV – a solid roll is required. (Check with one of the coaches if you are unsure). With that said, we will aim to keep it flexible and adapt the level of the sections we ran to that of the group.
Please do come prepared for harsh weather both on the water and off of the water. Scotland can either be mild or a freezer box. A dry suit is strongly advised. You’ll also need to come prepared with the right kayak shoes and PFD. This is the trip where you’ll have the heaviest kitbag!
One last point is to be made here; days in Scotland are short during winter time. We will need to be sharp with our timing in order to make the most of the week. We expect you to help the coaches as much as you can; pack your gear in time, finish your housekeeping duties early and be responsible and generous.
FLY IN/OUT & PICK UPS -Pick up at Edinburgh Airport (EDI), aim to book a flight landing before 4:00PM on the 26th of October. For the UK based paddlers it will be possible to pick a ride with the EWWS convoy. For that we will meet at the parking of HPP at 9:00AM on the 26th. We could also potentially pick up paddlers on our way to Scotland from Notts.
DROP OFF – We will drop you off at the Edinburgh Airport (EDI) on the 2nd of November. Aim to book your flight back home departing after 4:00PM.
GAME PLAN
The game plan will be totally subject to the water levels we find in Scotland. We will be chasing the rain and making sure we hit the best sections available. Some of the rivers in our radar are the Spean Gorge, Coe, Orchy, Etive, Moriston, Falloch...
INCLUDES
✔️ Loco Parentis (24h supervision) from point of drop off until hand over or check in completion at return airport.
✔️ Transport during the whole length of the Camp.
✔️ Airbnb-style accommodation.
✔️ World class, personalised, low-ratio coaching by the EWWS team.
✔️ All meals included except one eat out and meals during travel.
YOU WILL ASLO NEED
➕ Flights, in case you need to fly in or out at the beginning and end of the camp.
➕ Your own kayaking gear. If you don't have a creekboat the EWWS has a complete fleet of recent models for rent. Boats can be rent starting at 25€/day. Available boats include; Rexy, Zion Slalom L, Black Jack, Scorch S, Scorch M, OG, Tutea...
➕ A suitable travel insurance.
➕ About 80,00GBP spending money.
AM I GOOD ENOUGH TO JOIN THIS CAMP?
This is going to be an intermediate to advanced trip. In order to join this camp you should be a confident class III paddler with a solid eskimo roll. If this is your first time enrolling the EWWS the coaches might ask you for some footage that will help us assess your current skill level and advise whether this is the right camp for you.
WHAT BOAT SHOULD I BE BRINGING WITH ME?
A creek boat or half-slice are the only right choices for Scotland. Whitewater here is very varied and we will may hit from big water runs to the steep ditches Scotland is famous for, so something versatile would work best.
I DON’T HAVE A NECESSARY BOAT 🙁 WHAT NOW?
Not to worry, we can rent you a boat – We have a few Rexys, Zions, Black Jacks, OGs, Scorches, Tuteas and Queen of Hearts you can choose from. Feel free to reach out to our live chat for kayak availability. To help us recommend the most suitable kayak model for you, please provide your current height and weight. Rent starts at 25€/day. Book the kayak by adding it to your trip during the checkout process!
HOW DOES THE ACCOMMODATION LOOK LIKE?
Currently sorting out our accommodation whilst in Scotland.
MY ENGLISH IS NOT THAT GOOD… IS THIS OK?
Can you think of any better opportunity to study English without even noticing it? Sessions will be run in English but in case you don’t understand or you have any questions, our coaches do speak French, Spanish and Catalan. Other Burners may be able to help you as well. Don’t worry, we will find the way to understand each other and your English will improve by the day!
WHAT KAYAKING GEAR DO I NEED TO BRING?
We are going creeking, this means that there are some pieces of gear and safety equipment we expect all paddlers to bring with them. On the first place you will need to bring a drysuit or a combination of drytop + drypants or drytop + wetsuit. You will also need a pair of grippy river shoes, a full-cut or full-face helmet and a river running lifejacket. Other mandatory safety equipment every paddler needs to have every time we go paddling include; whistle, throwline and river knife. Boats must have airbags! We strongly recommend you to bring elbow pads.
Are you missing any piece of gear? Not to worry, the EWWS runs an online shop and we can sort you out - as an EWWS you can enjoy a 10% discount for most products of our shop.
WHAT SORT OF STUFF DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
We will be sending out a detailed list with all the things you'll need to bring once we get close to the camp. However, in short you will need; sleeping bag, documents (ID, passport…), some pocket money, your favourite board game, a book, an open mind, lots of motivation…
HOW DO I BOOK MY KAYAK ONTO MY FLIGHT?
It is generally easy to book your freestyle boat onto most airline companies. However, some companies have length limitations that would exclude most creekboats. It is important to read the sport baggage policies of the companies you are considering to fly with before booking your ticket. Here is a quick breakdown of the fares of various popular airlines:
Ryanair - 35€ for the regular Sports Equipment, 55€ for a Large Sports Item. It is possible to check in up to 2 Large Sport Items per person per flight. The maximum weight allowed is 20kg, but you might be allowed to fly paying an additional fee of 11€/kg up to 32kg. In general quite a friendly company for both freestyle and creekboats.
EasyJet - The fee is 55€ and only one item per passenger is allowed. You can check in your kayak without problems as kayaks are amongst the items that are allowed on the airline's sports baggage policy. Up to 32kgs. Friendly for both freestyle and creekboats.
Eurowings - Up to 32kg allowed, it has a cost of 50€. Generally a friendly company for both freestyle and creekboats.
Norwegian Airlines - Max dimensions stated on website are 250cmx79cmx112cm. This is more than enough for any freestyle boat and borderline for most modern creekboats. Likely that they would not care about 20cm extra as width and height of the kayaks are much less than their max allowance. 32kg max. weight allowance makes it a good company to chuck your kayaking gear inside your kayak :).
Cost is very reasonable at 30GBP (if booked online) or 50GBP directly at the counter.
Vueling - Kayaks are not on the allowed item list, but surfboards are. You will most likely not have any problems convincing the employees your kayak is actually a paddleboard. The weight limit is 32kg and the maximum length 270cm, which is good for all freestyle boats and many creekboats. The cost is 45€.
Lufthansa - Kayaks are not on the allowed item list, but surfboards are. You will most likely not have any problems convincing the employees your kayak is actually a paddleboard. The maximum length allowed is 3,15m and the maximum weight is 32kg so this is a creekboat-friendly company. The cost is quite elevated, at 70 - 150€ depending if it's a domestic flight or an international flight.
Aer Lingus - Kayaks are not on the allowed item list, but surfboards are. You will most likely not have any problems convincing the employees your kayak is actually a paddleboard. The maximum weight allowed is 23kg and maximum length is 240cm, so freestyle boats are a go, but it is not a friendly company for creekboats. The cost is 40€.
Wizz Air - Kayaks are not on the allowed item list, but surfboards are. You will most likely not have any problems convincing the employees your kayak is actually a paddleboard. A slightly odd company as the price depends on the season and it's higher during the summer months and lower during the winter. Not the most kayak friendly company so better to be avoided if you travel with your boat.
We highly recommend that you book your sports equipment in advance to avoid higher fees in the airport check in, or even worse, finding out that the flight is full and not being allowed to bring your kayak with you on board.
Also, packing your kayak nicely in a bag or using a "sock" for surfboards will maximise the chances that everything goes smoothly and that you don't have any problems.
I AM UNDER 16 AND TRAVELLING ALONE. WHAT COMPANIES ALLOW U16s TO FLY IN THEIR OWN?
Ryanair - This company does not allow unaccompanied minors under 16 years to travel. U16s can travel only in case there is a responsible adult over 16 years of age.
Easyjet - This company does not allow unaccompanied minors under 15 years to travel.
Eurowings - This company allows minors as young as 12 years old to travel unaccompanied. Children between 5 and 11 can also fly if they are accompanied by a sibling over 16 years of age. The company also offers an unaccompanied minors service at an extra charge for passengers younger than 12 years of age. DIRECT FLIGHTS ONLY!
Norwegian - Maybe the best company out there to fly if you are an unaccompanied minor as they accept ages ranging from 5 - 15. From 5 - 11 you will need to contract the Unaccompanied Minor Service. This service is available but only optional from 12-15 and once your 16 you'll be considered an adult.
Vueling - This company allows minors as young as 12 years old to travel unaccompanied. Exception - Italian kids must be at least 14 to be able to travel alone.
Lufthansa - This company allows minors as young as 12 years old to travel unaccompanied. Children between 5 and 11 can also fly if they are accompanied by a sibling over 16 years of age. The company also offers an unaccompanied minors service at an extra charge for passengers younger than 12 years of age, although it is also possible to book for up to 17yo. DIRECT FLIGHTS ONLY!
Aer Lingus - This company allows minors as young as 12 years old to travel unaccompanied. DIRECT FLIGHTS ONLY!
Wizz Air - This company does not allow unaccompanied minors under 16 years to travel. U16s can travel only in case there is a responsible adult over 16 years of age.
REMEMBER: Some countries have specific requirements for any children under 18 years who wish to travel into, out of or within their country. You must contact the country’s embassy website or national authorities for more information before you make your booking, and commence travel as these requirements can vary depending on the country, and can change regularly.
1,595.00 €
If in doubt, please use the live chat in the corner to make sure the camp in Scotland is suitable for your age and experience.
