Paddle 'n Skidaddle with Russ

13/09/2026

What a day down at the harbour! Absolutely one of the best Sundays we’ve had yet.
​The water was flat calm, the sun was shining, and we had six local bairns out on the water having the time of their lives. Handing out the spare wetsuits, getting everyone geared up safely, and watching their confidence soar is what this is all about.
​Highlight of the day had to be the 18ft Mammoth board in action. We had a wee one start off in tears before getting out there, but with Tina alongside her, it took all of two minutes to turn into full-blown "Paddle Princess" mode—she didn't want to get off! That’s the magic of it: molding that confidence and seeing smiles replace the nerves.
​Nearly 50 years of playing in this harbour, and nothing beats passing that love of the water on to the next generation of village kids.
​Huge thanks to the family on shore and water support, and to the locals who came down to chat, paddle, and make the day what it was. Every week we’re learning, growing the fleet, and proving that the community spirit here is alive and well.
​Feet up with a well-earned brew tonight before the working week starts. Next time the winds drop and the water goes glass-flat, we’ll see you back on the slipway! 🌊🏄‍♂️
​

13/09/2026

What a day to be out! The water is looking like glass and the sun is doing its thing.
​The boards are pumping up right now and we’re getting ready to hit the water. Whether you fancy having a go, bringing your own board along for the Sunday social hangout, or just fancy catching some fresh sea air and a bit of craic on the shore, come on down and join us!
​See you on the water! 🏄‍♂️✨

12/09/2026

We were so looking forward to today but safety comes first

⚠️ INVERGORDON RNLI OPEN DAY – CANCELLED ⚠️

It is with great disappointment that we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Invergordon RNLI Open Day due to the forecast high winds.

The safety of our visitors, volunteers, stallholders and everyone involved in the event must always come first. Unfortunately, the expected conditions mean that we cannot safely proceed with the Open Day as planned.

We know how much everyone was looking forward to the day, and a huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes by our volunteers and supporters to prepare for the event. We are incredibly disappointed that we won’t be able to welcome you to the station on this occasion.

We would like to thank everyone who has donated prizes, bottles, tombola items and their time, as well as all the organisations, businesses and individuals who had planned to support us on the day. Your generosity and support for Invergordon RNLI is hugely appreciated.

We’re sorry for the disappointment and thank everyone for their understanding.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post.

🧡 From all the crew and volunteers at Invergordon RNLI – thank you for your continued support.

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

12/09/2026

Important Update: Today's Sessions Cancelled 💨
​We’ve kept a close eye on the forecasts right up until this morning hoping things might settle, but Mother Nature simply hasn't played ball.
​Due to the heavy winds and gusts across the water, we’ve had to make the hardest call and cancel our paddle sessions at the RNLI Invergordon Open Day today. Safety is always our absolute number one priority, and it’s just going to be far too windy to get people out safely.
​Please still head down to the station today if you can! It’s a fantastic day out, a great chance to meet the crew, and the perfect opportunity to show your support for our local RNLI lifesavers.
​Thank you all for your understanding, and we’ll see you back on the water when the calm weather returns! 🌊⚓

01/09/2026

Invergordon & Alness… it’s your turn! 🌊🏄‍♂️
​We’re heading to the RNLI Invergordon Open Day on Saturday, 12th September for our last big event of the season!
​If you saw “Paddle Board Demo” on the flyer, don’t worry—you won’t just be watching! 😂 We’re bringing the exact same hands-on setup as the Seaboard Gala:
​Taster Sessions: Have a go on our single and tandem boards.
​The Giant Mammoth Board: Get the whole crew or family on the water together.
​All Kit Provided: Buoyancy aids, safety gear, and coaching on hand for all abilities.
​Come support the fantastic RNLI crew, check out the station, and get out on the water with us!
​📍 Where: RNLI Invergordon Lifeboat Station
🗓 When: Saturday, 12th September
​Who’s coming down for a paddle? Let us know below! 👇

29/08/2026

🌅 SUNDAY MORNING SOCIAL PADDLE – SHANDWICK BAY 🏄‍♂️
​Fancy getting out on the water for a relaxed start to your Sunday?
​Join us tomorrow morning at Shandwick Bay from 07:00 to 11:00!
​Whether you have your own board, fancy trying one of ours, or just want to pop down to the beach, have a yarn, and see what paddleboarding is all about—everyone is welcome!
​Completely FREE community social paddle
​Board or no board—just pop along
​Super relaxed, no pressure, just chilling on the water
​Perfect way to kick off your Sunday morning
​If you caught the action at the gala and fancy giving it a go in your own time, come say hello! 🤙
​📍 Location: Shandwick Bay
⏰ Time: 07:00 – 11:00

29/08/2026

🏄‍♂️ WHAT A DAY AT THE SEABOARD GALA! 🌊
​A massive thank you to everyone who came down to Balintore Harbour today to jump on a board, have a yarn, and support the gala!
​From complete beginners finding their sea legs to the youngsters cruising the harbour, it was brilliant seeing so many smiling faces out on the water.
​Highlights from Today:
​The 18ft Mammoth Board in Action: Seeing a full crew team up, find their rhythm, and cruise across the harbour was pure gold.
​Taster Sessions: Brilliant confidence-building runs on the singles and tandems—shout-out to all our new paddle buddies who gave it a proper go!
​Community Spirit: Huge thanks to the Seaboard Gala Committee for putting on a cracking event and having us along.
​Massive appreciation to Tina and the home crew for keeping base camp, sign-ins, and the brews running like clockwork on the beach.
​Check out the photos from today’s sessions below! Drone and on-board GoPro video highlights will be dropping soon once we get them off the cards. 🤙
​Until next year! 🌊
​Paddle 'n Skidaddle with Russ
📍 Balintore Harbour & Easter Ross

29/08/2026

That's us all setup ready for the gala pop down and say hello.

28/08/2026