Clearwater Paddling specialises in sea kayaking and each
trip is personalised, avoiding pre-set schedules, which allows
the interests of the group to shape our days. To ensure a
relaxing, fulfilling and memorable experience we deliberately
keep our groups small with a maximum of ten people.
We see to all details from guiding on the sea and land, to
preparing and cooking meals. We are an eco-friendly company,
and take every step possible to minimise our impact on these
beautiful islands. As we gently travel around our dedication
to the environment will be clear.
The team
The Clearwater Paddling team is enthusiastic, professional
and above all we love what we do. Our aim is to make every
trip as memorable and enjoyable as we possible can.
Chris Denehy. I set up
Clearwater Paddling in 1996, and from small beginnings
we now run twenty tours a year from Scotland to Oman
and Trinidad. I have worked in the outdoor field for
over 20 years, whislt my love of paddling has taken
me to Norway, Wales, Scotland, Canada, and the Outer
Hebrides. In addition to being a qualified sea kayak
coach I am also a river canoe coach, mountain leader
and first aider. I get huge enjoyment from our leading
kayaking tours, and when I am not found on the high
seas I like to head to anywhere there is snow and mountains.
Katie Denehy. Katie was
brought up on Barra and left the island when 18 yrs
to pursue a career in social work. We both met up in
1992 whilst studying in Edinburgh and after a few years
of working, we both travelled extensively around Canada
and Alaska; ski-ing, climbing and biking through Alaska.
We returned to Barra in 2001, to bring up our four little
children. Katie works as a youth and community worker
and also keeps Clearwater Paddling running smoothly
by organising the bookings and keeping on top of all
the emails. Her favourite means of escape is to head
off in her running shoes, spend any spare time climbing
mountains, and sharing wine with friends!
Sarah. Without a doubt Sarah
is the best kept secret on our Barra based tours……she
is the cook! Married to a local fisherman, Wallace,
Sarah now runs their croft, tends to the hens, tries
to keep the pigs in their fields and battles the bees
for their honey. Using only the freshest local produce
she works wonders in the kitchen and produces the most
fantastic food. The crabs and fish caught by Wallace
are on your plate within 24 hours.
Tom. Tom has been guiding with
us for three years, and is back for more in 2007. Tom
was born in Uist and lived all his life on Barra until
escaping to Edinburgh University. If you want to learn
how to roll your kayak or do some mysterious paddle
stroke then Tom is your man.
Jake, Millie, Callum and Ben. The
four Denehy juniors can be found hanging out on the trampoline,
biking or heading down to the shore for a spot of crabbing. They
can easily be recognised by their dog Kipper who herds them like
sheep.
Kipper. Kipper is the Denehy
dog.
If you head out walking, or
set off on a bike you can
be sure Kipper will be
hot on your heels,
if she is not busy
herding her four
young owners.
I have been blown away, (sometimes literally) by Barra's beauty and wild creatures. 40 minutes with dolphins, and seals galore. The list of pleasures is endless. We will be back.