Cam Allan - Manager
About Me:
I was first put in a kayak at the age of 6 years old on Loch Insh
near the Cairngorms.
Since then there has not been a year pass without me being out in a boat.
Where I really earned my paddling stripes was working on the river as a raft guide and going paddling after work with some really enthusiastic guys who are still great friends to this day. Looking back we used to paddle really hard whitewater with pedal footrests and karimat foam stuck in the seat for better padding. Not like the fully adjustable set ups you see in the current range of WW boats.
I enjoy all aspects of paddling, but whitewater is where I always seem to be drawn back to. I love the thrill of being out on the river. I have explored most of what I want to in Scotland but I’m always up for an adventure. I am always keen to give something back and show people to my favourite rivers. These include local Perthshire runs like the River Braan, Tummel, Tilt, North Esk and of course the Tay.
I spent many years paddling rivers all over Scotland and then I took off and ventured further, to Europe first and then I embarked on a 9 month round the world trip taking in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, following the summer! When I came back I got a real job! Well, I started to work for KOGG Caledonia selling awesome paddling kit made in Scotland. I then moved on to work for Pyranha, you might have heard of them. I ran one of the successful stores belonging to Brookbank Canoes and we launched Go Kayaking Scotland in 2013 after Brookbank went into administration.
Since then there has not been a year pass without me being out in a boat.
Where I really earned my paddling stripes was working on the river as a raft guide and going paddling after work with some really enthusiastic guys who are still great friends to this day. Looking back we used to paddle really hard whitewater with pedal footrests and karimat foam stuck in the seat for better padding. Not like the fully adjustable set ups you see in the current range of WW boats.
I enjoy all aspects of paddling, but whitewater is where I always seem to be drawn back to. I love the thrill of being out on the river. I have explored most of what I want to in Scotland but I’m always up for an adventure. I am always keen to give something back and show people to my favourite rivers. These include local Perthshire runs like the River Braan, Tummel, Tilt, North Esk and of course the Tay.
I spent many years paddling rivers all over Scotland and then I took off and ventured further, to Europe first and then I embarked on a 9 month round the world trip taking in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, following the summer! When I came back I got a real job! Well, I started to work for KOGG Caledonia selling awesome paddling kit made in Scotland. I then moved on to work for Pyranha, you might have heard of them. I ran one of the successful stores belonging to Brookbank Canoes and we launched Go Kayaking Scotland in 2013 after Brookbank went into administration.
Locations Explored:
Africa (Zambezi), Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, France, Italy and of course Scotland, England and Wales.Favourite Paddling Location:
Doorstep run on the River Braan or the Tay in high flows.
What Else Do You Do?
I am a keen Cyclist and Skier.Favourite Kit:
I am loving the Palm Neo Flex Long Sleeve. I have been wearing it most of the summer without a cag. When it is cold you wear it under your cag and still stay warm. A must for paddling. I also love the new Pyranha 9R!What animal (other than a horse) would be the best mode of transport?
Highland Cow!
Mark McDiarmid
About Me:
I started kayaking as
part of a college course around 10 years ago gaining qualifications as an
instructor. After college I went on to work with various organisations as an
instructor and guide in Open Canoeing and Kayaking.
I then worked with Brookbank for 6 years. Now I am the proud Assistant Manager of Go Kayaking Scotland. I am a keen
white-water paddler but do like to partake somewhat in canoe expeditions with a
bit of hillwalking thrown in on the side.
Locations Explored:
France,
Austria, Italy, Czech Republic, USA, Israel and Egypt
Favourite Paddling Location:
Scotland
What Else Do You Do?
Play guitar and drums,
Ski, Snowboard and Mountain bike
Favourite Kit:
Vintage AV3 Semi acoustic
cherry top hollow body with custom dual humbucker pick ups.
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