SUP Ocean Conservation Adventure – Scotland
Linn van der Zanden
A summary
This is a unique learning opportunity combined with adventure for those curious to learn more about the ocean and how to protect it.
Ocean Drifters, a not for profit women-led ocean conservation initiative, are delighted to team up with Love Her Wild to offer this SUP adventure in Scotland.
Led by qualified female SUP Guides, you’ll paddle along the coastline of Isle of Arran while learning about ocean conservation and participating in hands-on citizen science, from plankton sampling to marine observation and ID. Your findings will contribute to national and local conservation efforts.
There will also be an opportunity to snorkel in the island's Marine Protected Area and visit the COAST initiative as featured in David Attenborough’s documentary ‘Ocean’.
This is a slow paced adventure, but you will need prior SUP experience to take part. This includes self-rescue and experience of coastal paddling.
The adventure includes:
• 2 days of guided paddling and guided conservation activities
• 1 guided snorkel session
• All SUP, Snorkel and safety equipment provided
• Qualified and insured expedition leaders
Not included are accommodation, food and ferry transport to the island. There are plenty accommodation options available on the island with various budgets and locations. Meeting points on the island will be shared nearer the time as these are informed by weather conditions.
Upon booking, a more detailed itinerary, kit list and WhatsApp group invite will be sent out in due course.
More information can be found below, or you can contact Linn at linn@oceandriftersproject.co.uk for any questions.
You can also find out more about Ocean Drifters on Instagram @ocean.drifters or on our website www.oceandriftersproject.co.uk
Tickets
Adult Ticket
£250Ticket for weekend adventure 30 July to 2 August 2027
Adult Ticket
£250Ticket for weekend adventure 30 July to 2 August 2027
Itinerary
- FRIDAY (7pm) - Meet on Isle of Arran for introductions and a welcome briefing. This is our opportunity to try on kit for the next day and to get to know each other.
- SATURDAY - Meet at specified location on Arran. SUP Coastal Tour around the North of the island with conservation activities and sampling along the way. The tour will take around 4 - 6 hours depending on weather conditions. There will be an opportunity for some free time late afternoon and an optional relaxed evening meet up.
- SUNDAY - Meet at specified location on Arran. SUP Coastal Tour around South of Isle of Arran with conservation activities. The tour will take around 4 - 6 hours depending on weather conditions. Some free time late afternoon and an optional social meet up on the last evening.
- MONDAY - Meet at COAST in Lamlash. Snorkelling in the Marine Protected Area and visit to COAST marine centre. This session will take around 4 hours.
Finish at 2pm to allow for onwards travel.
Experience needed
- SUP experience paddling on the sea
- Ability to self-rescue and get back on your board independently
- Experience paddling on a Tourer board (preferable)
- Good fitness is helpful as the tours will last several hours, but the pace will be slow and explorative
You can obtain this experience before attending if you are keen to book and take steps to build on your SUP experience in good time. You will be asked to confirm the relevant experience before attending and there will be no refund possible if this has not been obtained.
If you are keen to bring your own board, this is possible as long as it meets the requirements for coastal touring. Please let us know in advance if you would like to bring your own board.
About your mentor
Linn van der Zanden
Linn van der Zanden
Linn works across expedition leadership, education and ocean advocacy. As founder of Ocean Drifters, she runs conservation based paddleboarding trips around her local islands in the West of Scotland.
Location
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Basic DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
Safeguarding Training
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit
Smoke Detector
Please note:
It is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the measures provided above and any other details represented in this listing. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed.
Cancellation policy
No refunds are given except in the case of a cancellation by the Mentor.
My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.
