Water Sports & Surfing
The North Highlands of Scotland and in particular, Caithness is one of the UK’s top destinations for water sports.
In recent times, we’ve seen a significant increase in locals and visitors enjoying wild swimming and cold water experiences and if there is anything the North Highlands has in abundance, it’s water!
The town of Thurso offers some of the best cold water surfing in the world and has played host to some major events on the UK and international surf calendar. It’s not just surfing that Caithness has to offer though, Thurso also hosts the annual Scottish Surf Kayak Championships and is home to Caithness Diving Club – the northernmost dive club on the UK mainland.
With the recent addition of a 70 berth marina and the opening of a new chandlery at Wick Harbour, Caithness is fast becoming a prime sailing destination too.
Sutherland is known for it’s incredible landscapes which can be seen as we travel by train, car and bus but some prefer to experience the beauty from the water. There’s been an increase in Adventure Tourism businesses offering tranquil, relaxing water experiences as well as extreme options!
Water Sports
Based in Thurso, the Pentland Canoe Club enjoys some of the best canoeing and kayaking in the world. Caithness and Sutherland offer a fantastic variety of environments for kayaking. We have miles of amazing coastline and islands to explore, world renowned surf, loads of lochs and even a river or two.
The club offers the opportunity for experienced paddlers and those new to the hobby the chance to meet like minded people to enjoy the surroundings with. The club can offer an extensive stock of boats and kit if you haven’t got your own. The club offer opportunities all year round with indoor Winter pool sessions and Summer outdoor sessions.
Caithness Kayak Club was established in 1977 to unite canoeists and kayakers in the east of Caithness. Club members currently participate in a wide variety of paddle sport activities such as sea touring, inland touring, kayak surfing and whitewater kayaking and canoeing. The club run trips and coaching sessions on a Friday evening on the sea and inland lochs during the summer months based at Ackergill Harbour and Watten Loch, and white water kayaking / canoeing on local rivers all year round. During autumn and spring they run pool sessions in the East Coast Community Facility in Wick.
Caithness Diving Club was formed in the 1960’s, diving routinely around the north-eastern tip of the UK on both the north and east coasts.
They dive all year round when sea and weather permit and would be thrilled to welcome new members.
The Wick Sea Diving group offer the opportunity for keen sea divers to make use of their vessel which can safely take 10 divers. The crew are fully qualified to keep you safe during your dive and can offer a guide for more technical dives. Caithness offers some excellent caves and wrecks in crystal clear waters along with stunning marine life. See their facebook page for more information.
Surfing
North Coast Watersports provides unforgettable cold water surfing experiences amongst the best waves in the UK where you will see our breathtaking coast from a new perspective. People of all ages can grab a board and enjoy the beautiful waters. The team promise the wetsuits they provide will keep you perfectly cosy! North Coast Watersports are based in Caithness.
North Shore Surf Club offer surf coaching for people of all ages and has been the starting point for many of the local, now champion level surfers.
The club works from various beaches around Caithness and has it’s own purpose built club house at Thurso East, the world famous cold water surfing spot.
North Coast Wet n Wild Ltd provides stand up paddle boarding, open water swimming coaching, open water guided swimming trips, cold water dipping and Coasteering in beautiful and unique coastal and inland locations on the far northern Highlands of Scotland on the NC500 route.
North Coast Wet n’ Wild are based in Sutherland.
Experience the waters, hills, landscapes and culture of the East Coast of Sutherland with Sutherland Adventure Company.
Paddleboard hire & lessons, bike hire, guided walks, body board hire and much more. The team are always adding new activities and adventures!
Caithness Chamber of Commerce
Naver Business Centre
Naver House
Naver Road
Thurso
KW14 7QA
Telephone: 01847 890076
Email: enquiries@investcaithness.com