Standing Waves, BCU canoeing, kayaking coaching, kayak hire, expeditions Scotland and worldwide

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.

Another part of the business is Stirling and Nevis Canoes, which provide retail sales for all relevant equipment.

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 is fortunate to paddle for some of the industry's best companies and is pleased to use their equipment for his work and play. Key amongst these are the following ~

Pyranha Kayaks and also is the Northern Region Team Manager for the Team. He works as part of the team coaches and is heavily involved with feedback on the latest projects.

Palm Equipment. He works as part of the team giving valuable feedback on the equipment and is heavily involved with feedback on the latest projects.

Mad River Canoes. He has been associated with these canoes for a long time and is delighted to be using these excellent canoes.

The work with the manufacturers and his sponsors takes all around the country acting as guest coach and brand ambassador.

Dave continues to be involved with the BCU in the developments and reviews of the new awards. This still sees him commit a huge amount of time to help with all levels of the coaching scheme including design and implementation of new awards as well as expertise within the disciplines.

Dave's Key Qualifications