Conquering the Mysteries of Loch Ness by Paddleboard
As a lifelong Washington, D.C. resident, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the city’s waterways. From the Potomac to the Anacostia, I’ve explored them all – paddling my trusty pink stand-up paddleboard (SUP) through the urban landscape, marveling at the monuments and buildings from a unique vantage point. But when the opportunity arose to venture beyond the Beltway and tackle the legendary Loch Ness in Scotland, I couldn’t resist the thrill.
Embracing the Supernatural
Loch Ness is a place steeped in mystery and intrigue, forever associated with the elusive Loch Ness Monster, or “Nessie” as she’s affectionately known. As I stood on the shores of this vast, deep lake, the sheer scale of it was captivating. According to TotalSUP, Loch Ness is a whopping 23 miles long, one mile wide, and contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. And with a maximum depth of 755 feet, it’s no wonder the legends of Nessie persist – there’s plenty of room for a monster to hide.
A Thrilling Adventure Awaits
As I geared up for my stand-up paddleboarding adventure on Loch Ness, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. Sure, I’d conquered the waters of the nation’s capital, but this was a whole new ballgame. Fortunately, I had connected with the team at Highland Outdoor Adventures, who would be guiding me on an unforgettable Nessie SUP journey.
Exploring the Loch’s Hidden Gems
The day began with a safety briefing and a crash course in paddleboarding technique. With my balance and confidence established, I set out onto the deep, mysterious waters of Loch Ness, paddling first through the calmer waters of Loch Dochfour. As I glided across the surface, the dramatic hills and mountains surrounding the loch came into view, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder.
Searching for Nessie
As we continued our journey, my guide pointed out various hidden gems along the lakeshore, and we even stopped for a scenic lunch break. But the real excitement came as we started searching for any signs of the elusive Loch Ness Monster. I strained my eyes, scanning the depths of the loch, half-expecting to catch a glimpse of Nessie’s famous long neck or flipper breaking the surface. Though we didn’t spot the legendary creature, the thrill of the hunt was palpable.
Mastering the Paddleboard
Throughout the journey, our guide incorporated fun paddleboarding games and techniques to help us hone our skills. I found myself leaning back, shifting my weight, and even attempting a few turns and sprints, all while keeping a watchful eye on the mysterious waters around me. The sense of freedom and exhilaration I felt, gliding across Loch Ness on my trusty SUP, was unlike anything I’d experienced before.
A Memorable Conclusion
As the day drew to a close and we headed back to the starting point at Dochgarroch, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness. This adventure on Loch Ness had been like no other, and I knew I’d carry the memories with me for years to come. Whether or not I’d glimpsed Nessie, the opportunity to explore this iconic Scottish landmark by paddleboard was a true highlight of my travels.
As I loaded my board onto the car and bid farewell to the loch, I felt a renewed sense of adventure coursing through my veins. This experience had reignited my passion for seeking out new and exciting challenges, and I couldn’t wait to plan my next expedition. Who knows – maybe next time, I’ll be the one to finally catch a glimpse of the elusive Loch Ness Monster.
Until then, I’ll be dreaming of my next visit to Loch Ness Shores and the thrilling stand-up paddleboard adventures that await.
