Professional Coaching, Skills Development And White Water Adventures Across Scotland And The UK
Who are we?
The White Water Adventure Academy is the culmination of years spent travelling and working in the outdoor industry around the globe, honing the skills and expertise needed to give people incredible experiences in truly beautiful places.
Joe's love and passion for all things paddling has kept him coming back to the rivers for over 20 years and he loves nothing more than getting to share that passion with as many people as possible. If you see him in an eddy, head over and say hello.
Based in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, we offer courses and adventures that are tailored around you. Whether you want us to take you on an adventure or give you the skills and confidence to lead your own, we're here to help you get more out of your time on the water.
Not based in Scotland? That is no problem, we regularly offer courses and adventures all across the UK.
LEARN
We offer a wide range of skills courses for all abilities in white water kayaking and paddleboarding across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
White Water Kayak:
Introduction to White Water Kayaking
Grade 2/3 Skills
Grade 3/4 Skills
Steep Creeking Skills
Surfs, Spins and Tricks
Freestyle for Fun
Rolling Development
White Water Paddleboarding:
Introduction to White Water Paddleboarding
Grade 2 Skills
EXPLORE
For us, adventuring on the water is one of the most wonderful things we get to be involved in, our area based adventures and expeditions offer you the chance to go to places you might not have been before, knowing we have your backs.
White Water Kayak:
This is Scotland - Grade 2/3
This is Scotland - Grade 3/4
Scottish Dam Tour - Grade 3/4
This is Northern England - Grade 3/4
This is North Wales - Grade 3/4
White Water Paddleboarding:
This is Scotland - Grade 2/3
This is Northern England - Grade 2/3
Expeditions:
This is the Spey - Grade 2/2+
This is the Tay - Grade 2/3
Got an idea where you'd like to go but not sure where to start? Drop us an email at hello@whitewateradventureacademy.co.uk and we can help make it a reality
LEAD
Want to do what we do? We offer high quality PaddleUK safety and leadership training and assessments that giving you the tools for a life of excitement and adventure. The question is... Where will it take you first?
White Water Kayak:
White Water Leader Training - Grade 2(3)
White Water Leader Assessment - Grade 2(3)
White Water Kayak - Paddleboard - Canoe:
White Water Safety Training - Grade 2(3)
Trust Pilot Reviews
Tanya Trott
Joe Harbour is one of the best white water coaches out there. He has a wealth of knowledge and knows just what you need at the right time. I have had many a day and course on the river with Joe and would not be the kayaker I am today without his support. Not only is he super skilled on the water but is a lovely person to spend the day with too. Thanks for all your expert coaching Joe!
Adam Thomas
One of the nicest guys you can meet…
One of the nicest guys you can meet within the white water community.
I’ve had coaching and guiding from Joe for a few years.. I was the guinea pig he used to practice for his WW leader qualification. We did a three-river-day which remains one of my all time favourite days on the water.
I trust Joe implicitly & I’d follow him down any river.
Jon Bills
I attended a 3-day playboating course with Joe at HPP, which provided some great input into my ongoing progression, as well as being loads of fun.
It was really evident that Joe gets just as much enjoyment from seeing his clients progress as he does from his own love of the sport, regardless of ability level. He has an incredible depth of understanding and is always happy to share in as much detail as wanted, while knowing when to stand back and let you experiment and find your own way.
A really enjoyable course with plenty of useful learning, and I’d definitely recommend Joe to anyone looking to improve their paddling. I'll be back!
Cheryl
Joe was my coach for a long time, whilst I was a client of Paddle365. Joe took me from essentially being unable to paddle in a straight line on flatwater to being able to successfully complete Serpents Tail, which is a grade 2/3 rapid on the River Dee in North Wales.
Joe's strengths, and why I would choose Joe as a coach are that Joe has the ability to meet clients at their level, listen to their goals and work out a plan which encourages growth not only in kayaking ability but in confidence in their own ability.
Joe encourages understanding of the whys of kayaking and with myself applied techniques learnt in one part of the river to different parts which enabled both my kayaking skills to develop and my confidence when I realised I really could do it.
I would definitely recommend Joe as a coach
Lee Nichols
Perspective from a 58yr old dude.
Perfect mix of knowledge, experience, practical skills, strategy, safety, mind set and fun.
Would I recommend? Absolutely !!!
Would I use again ? For sure !!!
Top marks and thank you.
Jon ford
I’ve been on four multi day paddling…
I’ve been on four multi day paddling courses with Joe in North Wales, without doubt the best instruction I have received, he has really helped me with my white water confidence and improving my skills.
Very knowledgeable in every way I cannot recommend him enough.
Jon Ford