Blue Coast has just turned the fine age of 1 year old. It's been a great first year and we're looking forward to the next (and hopefully many more) doing what we love; giving people the opportunity to experience the benefits of playing in the sea the way we do.
It's been a great off-season with some hard work going into developing new offerings and improving our existing ones (and a little bit of downtime too).
Off-season
During the off-season, the Blue Coast van camper conversion project was finally finished (almost finished - we don't think it will ever be truly finished as there's always something to improve!). We were stoked to get it away for its first few trips around Scotland.
We also managed two short trips abroad to chase some waves and break up the winter. It was great to head back to Fuerteventura and to also have the chance to visit Morocco for the first time.
Sea Kayaking
We are thrilled to announce a partnership with Ali Garrow of Moray Kayaking, offering guided sea kayaking day trips around the coastline of Cullen & Portknockie. All equipment is provided, and a full day trip allows you to explore the stretch of coast from Findochty to Findlater Castle and back, with its many rock gardens, caves, and interesting features. There's even time for a stop off in Cullen for a break and a snack.
Ali set up Moray Kayaking after retiring from Police Scotland, where he was the Chief Inspector leading the Paddlewell program, a wellbeing initiative for Police Officers. We're excited not only to be offering a new activity, but to be working with a partner with a wealth of experience & understanding of the wellbeing benefits of being focused in the water.
Scottish Mental Health First Aid
We had the opportunity to spend 2 days in Inverness taking the Public Health Scotland Mental Health First Aid course with Gwen Robertson and Moray Firth Training Group. The course was thoroughly enjoyable thanks to great instruction by Gwen (who is clearly passionate about her work and knows her subject deeply).
We are looking forward to getting the ball rolling with our planned future wellbeing projects with workplaces & public services.
Coasteering
Coasteering activities will soon be coming to Portknockie at Blue Coast. The coastline around Bow Fiddle Rock is one of the best coasteering locations in the UK, with a variety of jumps, caves, and features to be explored.
We are still in the process of risk assessing and getting the necessary procedures in place, but we are looking forward to offering this activity soon for adventurous groups! Follow us on social media or sign up to our email list if you'd like to keep up to date with this.
Shop
Last year we were consistently asked if we sold equipment after people came for lessons and got the bug. It's disappointing to see some of the low quality paddleboards and surfboards out there at the beach, so we've decided to offer a limited range of tried & tested products from our own shop.
We're always happy to chat and recommend the right paddleboard or surfboard for you so you're set with a quality (and safe) bit of kit.
These can be delivered directly to you or collected from us in Cullen, and any board purchased comes with a voucher for a free surf or paddleboard lesson with us!
Stretch & Surf Dates / SUP Yoga Dates
Last year's yoga offerings with Kimberley Yoga were a popular activity; we think the combination of yoga and sports that require complete focus just makes sense. You always feel good after some breathwork, stretching, and time on the water!
This year we have scheduled the dates for the season in advance, with an early bird discount available for those that book any of the Stretch & Surf dates until Wednesday the 5th April (EARLYBIRDFORPIZZA), we hope to see you there for a feel-good afternoon of yoga, surfing, and good food (Coastal Pizza!).
We're very much looking forward to our season starting on the 1st of April, and getting back to taking you lovely folks out surfing & paddleboarding.
But today we will be eating cake and having a wee dram! Here's to a good year.
