Gayle heads to Knockburn Loch in the heart of Royal Deeside for a spot of paddleboarding.
The sun pierces the clouds and a gentle breeze causes waves to form on the surface of the crystal clear water.
I’m on a rowing board in the middle of Knockburn Loch and miraculously I didn’t sway.
In less than an hour, instructor Jason Topley turned me around, twisted me, climbed me up and, in his own words, “looked great,” despite the serious wobbles, I still haven’t rained anything on my feet.
I’m just an amazing paddleboarder, hell, no! This is more because Knockburn is a wonderful position to be informed of the game and hone your skills.
It is quiet, protected and free of risks like jellyfish and massive waves and I am reliably informed that there are no pike hidden (oh, those teeth in the form of a scimitar!) But I realize some fish jump.
I’m on an inflatable board that incredibly deflates into a backpack, which means you can carry it with you on your travels, just like Jason does.
My board, which looks like an even longer, wider and wider surfboard, is attached to one of my legs to make sure it doesn’t and disappears, but Jason warns me that the paddle can sink if I’m not quick to grab that.
Having practiced rowing several times in the afterlife, at Stonehaven Harbour, in Clunie Loch, Loch Faskally, Loch Lomond and on a river in Florida, I figured I would be quite decent in the sport.
And even if it’s a bit like riding a motorcycle, once you’ve learned, you never forget it, if you haven’t done it for a while, the trend can be tense.
The worst thing for beginners is to move from being on your knees to standing, even if other people are satisfied enough to stay on your knees.
As I last rowed for at least a year, I get very shaky, my legs tremble and adopt a bulging and unflattering posture.
But Jason, cheerful, cheerful and boy, is full of encouragement.
“Well done, natural!” gets excited. “It’s a brilliant balance!”
Back on dry land, he showed me a very fresh paddle, basically a wrist movement.
If you master this smooth and fast manoeuvre, it will avoid splashing and give the total company an elegant and streamlined look.
It also allows you a technique that you don’t need to disturb, or maybe fishermen, quietly and discreetly.
I’m doing everything I can to perceive this movement, but I think it’s going to take a little work.
Another trick is to keep your knees slightly bent. This gives strength to your career and encourages you to be less rigid.
In essence, tension is your friend when it comes to paddle surfing!
Soon we achieved a picturesque island covered with forests and wildflowers at the end of the lake and took a break to enjoy the good looks of our surroundings.
The fauna here is abundant: we practice ducks, geese, fish, dragonflies and a huge bird of prey, a vulture.
But Jason’s education is over, it seems.
It is here, next to the island, where it requires me to check the “backward turn” that it describes as a “faster turn than general on the board” and “pretty advanced”. Hmmm.
“It takes balance to finish this round,” he warns me. “Many fail spectacularly!”
To do this, you stand at the back, or tip of the board, and paddle while turning your body slightly.
It feels hugely unstable (the best balance is achieved by standing in the centre of the board) and I come very close to getting a dunking.
Some screaming and screaming, and some swearing, but I’m proud to say that I remained on board.
When we return to the base, the gentle breeze turns into a strong side wind and I take myself to shore.
I keep fighting, my abdominal muscles to soften up, until we succeed on the continent.
It’s been a fantastic experience and I’ll definitely be coming back for more watery action.
“Rowing in the calm waters of Knockburn Loch is a wonderful pleasure for other people of all ages,” Jason says.
“This can improve balance and coordination and is a wonderful way to strengthen and make the core more flexible.
“It’s a gentle and discreet workout for many parts of the body.”I like that idea Ab, where are you?
It’s another story, of course, when you’re looking to paddle in the sea, with waves breaking and hitting you against you.Oh, and there’s a smart chance of finding you face to face with jellyfish.
Much better to nail the game in a shelter like Knockburn before looking at this.
In addition to individual lessons, Jason organizes paddleboarding “festivals” with youth and corporate rowing sessions.
“You can’t beat the splashes in the water or laugh a little when the boss falls!” he laughs.
Knockburn is an access point for open water swimmers, and with covid-related restrictions on indoor pools, the site is incredibly popular.
Before I go, I can’t resist a little dip in my suit. I find out the water’s not freezing, but it’s not hot.
Refreshing is the most productive way to describe it!
Knockburn Loch is a specially built lake in downtown Deeside, six miles from Banchory. See knockburn.co.uk or Facebook page.
Combinations and buoyancy aids are and a comprehensive protection briefing is
The lake is used for open water swimming, triathlon, kayaking, rowing, sailing and windsurfing.Recently, Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley used the lake as land.
Knockburn also has a soccer field, volleyball court, motorcycle trail, jogging, walking and mountain biking trails and orientation trails.
Organize children’s camps which are great fun, kids build rafts and shelters, report a variety of water sports, take categories of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and much more.
You can try paddleboarding in places across Scotland. Visit paddlesurfscotland.com in Birnam to row in Perthshire and Gairloch.
Sessions will also be held at Perth willowgateactivitycentre.co.uk Dundee’s City Quay’s Willowgate Activity Center foxlakedundee.co.uk and Lochore Meadows in Fife via Och Aye Canoe, ochayecanoescotland.co.uk.
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