Plans to open with a splash were doused with cold water along with the rest of the country, until the lockdown restrictions eased

A Spean Bridge canoe instructor is offering an opportunity for individuals and families in the Lochaber community to get out and get active on the water this summer.

Reece McAfee was all set to start up his new venture, River to Sea Scotland, when Covid struck.

‘I set up the company over the winter ready for its first season this summer,’ he told us.

‘The west coast of Scotland has so much to offer paddling wise, from world-class sea kayaking, a wide range of white water rivers to suit all abilities, to gorgeous interlocking waterways – making it an expedition haven.’

Plans to open with a splash were doused with cold water, however, and the highly qualified paddlesport guide was forced into dry dock, along with the rest of the country, until the lockdown restrictions eased.

Originally from London, Reece now wants to plunge in and offer something back to the community that he has adopted as his own.

‘This year has been a tough year for many, for a variety of reasons that Covid has brought,’ he said.

‘With that in mind, I wanted to do something to give back to the community and to give locals the opportunity to do something a little bit different

Reece McAfee is running guided community days and canoe hire on a not-for-profit basis.

while having a quality day out with their loved ones without breaking the bank. We wanted to create something accessible to all, regardless of financial backgrounds.’

Reece came up with the idea of holding not-for-profit community day trips and canoe hire. Locations/timings are decided on a Thursday once an up-to-date forecast can be seen and then published on the River to Sea Scotland Facebook page where locals can sign up.

Reece continued: ‘Our day trips are designed for those that have never paddled before, or fancy something a bit more than just a canoe hire. For our day trips, we will find out a bit more about you and your group, and tailor the experience to match your needs and desires.’

So far Reece has run two canoe hire sessions, benefiting eight families, and run a range of day trips, including a surprise canoe trip for two boys who had done a bit of paddling before.

‘Tricked into going to the hairdressers, they arrived at Bunarkaig to meet myself, with a trailer load of canoes for a day on the water,’ added Reece.

‘The surprises kept coming, from introducing canoe sails for sections of the journey, to allowing them to join me on the local rapids at the end of the day.’

Reece demonstrates how it’s done.

A second family was after a splash and dash playful experience with their young children. The group canoed a short distance on Loch Arkaig, went for an exploration on shore and made hot chocolate over the fire before finishing the day with a variety of wet and silly games.

A couple of families paired up for a day of wildlife spotting, so Reece steered them in the direction of Arisaig where they were surrounded by seals, birds, and weird and wonderful rock pool marine life.

A more adrenaline-fuelled excursion provided a trip down the river Lochy, tackling some local white water en route.

All trips and canoe hire are based around the theme of ‘no set prices, donation only – based on what the experience was worth to the individual or group.

Information on how to sign up is on the pinned post on the Facebook page.