A new water based festival for paddleboarders in Largs was filled with fun and encouraged more people to give the sport a try.
Paddle Scotland hosted the first South West Paddle Fest on Saturday, August 31 at The Pencil and welcomed over 100 people.
This exciting day of paddling activities saw organisers engage with enthusiasts of all levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned paddlers.
Under the banner of 'Come and Try, Learn and Develop', the South West Paddle Fest aimed to introduce new paddlers to the joys of paddling while emphasising safe practice on the water.
Participants chose from a variety of come and try sessions, where they got hands-on experience with different paddling disciplines, including sea kayaking, racing kayak or stand-up paddleboarding.
There was a wide array of stalls from Water Safety Scotland, HM Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) each offering valuable insights and resources.
Attendees had the chance to engage directly with instructors and coaches to learn about safety protocols, and understand the importance of respecting the often unpredictable nature of Scotland’s waters.
Calum McNicol, development manager at Paddle Scotland, said: "The day saw around 100 people taking to the water off The Pencil and whilst we were blessed with beautiful weather and favourable conditions, the day was made a success by the numerous volunteers, coaches, clubs and other organisations involved in the day.
"The festival served as a platform for aspirant instructors from diverse ethnic backgrounds to gain practical experience on the sea.
"This initiative is part of a broader effort to make paddlesports more inclusive, ensuring that the joy of paddling is accessible to everyone, regardless of background.
"These aspiring instructors, many of whom had never before taught in a maritime environment, embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, contributing to the festival's dynamic atmosphere while sharpening their skills."
He continued: "The sight of so many paddlers on the water, in glorious sunshine, was nothing short of spectacular.
"The South West Paddle Fest was more than just an event: it was a celebration of community, safety, and the simple joy of being on the water.
"For those who attended, the festival provided opportunities to connect with nature, learn from each other, and share in the exhilaration that only paddlesports can provide.
"Paddle Scotland’s South West Paddle Fest has firmly established itself as a must-attend event in the Scottish paddling calendar."
The highlight of the event saw over 50 paddlers take to the water to race around the Isle of Cumbrae in a challenge named Coastworks Cumbrae Kayak Challenge.
Castle Craigs Canoe Club and West Coast Paddlers offered also coaching sessions in both sea kayaking and SUP.
The coaching sessions were particularly popular with those new to the sport, as the supportive environment encouraged many to try their hand at paddling for the first time.
The end of the festival was marked with live music of traditional tunes played by a bagpipers.
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