About Us
Standing Waves has been going now for over 10 years and is one of Scotland’s oldest and leading Kayak / Canoe centres.
Standing Waves was set up to provide canoeing opportunities to people within the Central Belt of Scotland from a base in Strathyre. Things quickly progressed and we started working with group’s right around the country. We have had fixed bases by the waterside at various points but are now completely mobile to make the most of our time with our groups. As things have progressed we have built up a large selection of canoes and kayaks for use with our groups. This allows keeping moving forward and providing groups with the best experience possible.
Standing Waves has grown into one of the countries leading canoesport providers. We provide qualification and coaching courses right around the country with Dave also working for the National Centres and National Governing Bodies. As well as providing courses in this country we are now leading / guiding expeditions and holidays around the world.
Our staff are passionate about paddling and can often be found out and about on the rivers / sea and surf. As well as this Dave is one of the main organisers of the Scottish Canoe Symposium.
Coaching is where our heart lies. To this effect Standing Waves helps out with paddlesport advice / support to coaches / Local Authorities / Outdoor Centres and National Governing Bodies. We provide opportunities for new coaches to come and observe our staff working as well as providing more specialist help to those going for the Level 5 coach award.
We are at the fore front of developments with in the industry. Some examples: ~
- We have helped develop the new coaching awards
- Help develop the new star awards
- Help develop the new safety modules
- Opened up areas for commercial expeditions throughout the world
- Organise and deliver symposiums
- Design of coaching aids
- Work on coaching conferences
This gives you the confidence in us that when we say that we are specialists we mean it!
We have an unblemished safety record and we work hard to keep it that way. We provide expert coaching / guiding by experienced, enthusiastic and passionate coaches. All our staff are Disclosure checked and Standing Waves have been approved by the National Governing Body and by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority for Canoeing and Kayaking since we started.
Dave
Dave has been paddling for as long as he can remember. Having worked for a centres and seeing a need in the market Dave together with Susan (wife) and Rena (mother in law) set up Standing Waves. Dave has built up a wealth of paddling experience around the country and world in all forms of canoesport. He has competed in most disciplines but now his time is spent looking for the next adventure.
His passion lies in white water kayaks although a huge amount of time in canoes has brought that to equal levels.
Dave’s passion for paddling sees him devote a huge amount of time to working for the National Governing Body.
Some of these positions are as follows -
- Director of the SCA (Coaching)
- Director of the BCU (Coaching)
- Regional Coaching Organiser
- Chair of the UK Coaching Management Committee
- River Advisor
Dave's Qualifications
- Level 5 A5
- Training Director
- Contracted Course Provider
- Canoe Safety Test Provider
- White Water Safety & Rescue Provider
Dave has spent a large part of 2007 helping to write and work on the pilot courses for the Safety / Star and UKCC awards.
Guest/Freelance Coaches
For some courses will bring in key guest/freelance coaches to help with ratios or expertise. Key Staff among these are;
Sid Nodes - Level 5 Asp
Dougie Shannon - Level 5
Canoe
Our van
Dave
Canoe