Consultancy - Moray Kayaking

I am able to offer a range of support to businesses based on many years of experience as a senior police officer and academic study. I have specialised skills in crisis negotiation, project management, adult teaching and wellbeing. Please get in touch if you require any of these services.

Coaching for Wellbeing – while I focus now on coaching paddlesports I am able to support businesses and providers in the development of their own wellbeing programmes. This is not purely focussed on paddlesports, all outdoor activity has the potential to be delivered in a way that enhances the wellbeing of those who participate. Relevant subjects include:

NHS Five Steps for Outdoor Activity Providers

Communication Skills

Influence and Negotiation

Developing a Wellbeing Programme for Outdoor Activity Providers

Challenging Conversations

Communication Skills & Negotiation – from a wider perspective I can support wellbeing and staff development through enhanced communication workshops based on the learning from real life situations over a lengthy career. I have developed practical application of negotiation and presented widely on this to audiences in the UK and USA including FBI Special Agents and the New York Police Detective Division. Subjects can include:

The Role of Dignity in Conflict Situations

Emotional Self Defence

Communication Skills

Influence and Negotiation

Challenging Conversations

Trauma Informed Practice

Diana

2023-08-10

What a great day out kayaking! So happy we decided to book. Alistair is a great guide, all equipment was high quality, whole experience was top notch.

Helen Ryan

2023-08-09

Just spent a fantastic few hours kayaking with Ali on Lochindorb. It was just wonderful to be able to take in the beauty of the surroundings from the tranquility of the kayak. We had a great time and thanks to Ali for supplying not only the expertise and the kayaks but also wetsuits, water shoes, dry jackets etc. Would highly recommend

Stephen DaBell

2023-08-06

Excellent two days on the water. Tuition delivered at an appropriate level and both instructors, Ali & Ruth, were very helpful and capable. Well worth the experience.

Lora Hattendorf

2023-07-10

Ali Garrow put us at ease immediately. We had never sea kayaked before, and we knew how dangerous it is without someone to know the area. We had only ever been on quiet inland lakes, but not only was Ali well equipped and a knowledgeable, intuitive coach, but he was kind and encouraging as well. He had everything we needed from wetsuits to jackets, and we first had lessons in the safe water before he coaxed us out into the deep North Sea Coast. We learned how to really use our legs and how to push the paddle with the top hand as we drew the paddle with the bottom. That trick alone allowed us to traverse the entire Cullen Bay in no time at all, against waves and wind (and a bit of exciting rain that lasted only a short time) with very little fatigue! And we’re in our 60s!! We lunched together in Cullen Harbor, Ali shared story after story to our utter delight, and more than a coach we feel like we gained a lifelong friend. He wrapped up our time with a challenge that we gladly accepted, and that was to purposely tip over and practice rescuing each other. We feel so confident now that we are anxious to go out on the Moray Coast again. Our highlights included kayaking THROUGH the Bow Fiddle arch, and exploring deep blue sea caves while seeing the sea birds all from a new perspective. And isn’t that what kayaking is all about? — Gaining a new perspective on nature and life? We can’t recommend Ali and MORAY KAYAKING enough! Thank you for making our vacation so memorable! Best of luck in all your other endeavors, and please do let us come next year!

Bronagh Smith

2023-05-10

I did the introduction to sea kayaking 2 day course and I am still buzzing! Amazing weekend with lots of new skills learnt. Ali is a fantastic coach, someone who really knows what he’s doing, he is very reassuring and enthusiastic! I felt very safe being out on the water with him. I’m looking forward to booking in some more trips out with Ali but also excited get out with other people to practice my new skills!!! Thank you Ali for giving me more confidence with my paddling! I’m still smiling from the weekend!

Gillian Burtwell

2023-05-08

I’m in my 50’s and for some years now I wanted to take up sea kayaking (your never too old or too young). I have just completed a weekend introduction to sea kayaking with Ali and Fiona of Moray Kayaking who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge and are very encouraging and patient. My face hurts from smiling so much. I met some fantastic people on the course. I can’t wait to do more padding and more courses If you want to learn how to paddle then go to Moray Kayaking. Not only will you learn how to paddle properly and safely but you will have great fun doing it.

Simon Turner

2023-05-07

Took part in a two day introduction to sea kayaking course this weekend. Can't recommend Alastair enough - really good tuition given with clarity, humour and evident experience to back it up. Relaxed but thorough and a good emphasis on safety. It has inspired me to pursue the sport - thanks!

Sarah

2023-04-09

I attended the Introduction to Sea Kayaking course. It was a 2 day course with lots of skills learnt both days. Ali is a fantastic coach, very informative with great experience to share. He explains things really well and is very patient, ensuring everyone understands what you have to do. I would highly recommend his courses and look forward to attending again.

Pete Vowles

2023-04-02

Brilliant family day out with Ali! Ali took the four of us (2 adults and 2 kids (14 & 12)) for an intro day in Findhorn Bay. Even though we were a mixed ability group, everyone learnt something new (forward paddling, steering & turning stokes, rescue drills, low and high brace and more). We also got a sense of the tide and currents in the Bay and had loads of fun! We finished tired and happy & feeling confident in a Sea Kayak and up for doing much more in the future. Ali is great instructor; the day felt tailor made to our needs and his love of the water and kayaks is infectious. Many thanks!

JANE GILL

2023-02-23

Rolling on the first lesson! I signed up for rolling classes at Glenmore Lodge with Ali. It is a fantastic venue. Ali is a clam and confident coach who explains this concisely and clearly with enough room for practice and reflections. He would also demonstrate to help us understand. He is very patient! (I was rolling with a paddle float on the first lesson - so still stuff to learn!)