Geoff

Name?

Geoff Nisbet (30)

Where do you stay? 

Crieff

What made you start kayaking/canoeing? 

A group of us got an “introduction to sea kayaking” gift voucher experience for a day on Loch Lomond. I was hooked instantly and knew it was for me. A few weeks later I found a sea kayak for sale on Gumtree and I haven’t looked back since.  My dad, Danny, followed suit and bought a kayak at the same time. We initially paddled mainly on Loch Lomond and then dabbled with a few saltwater lochs. The best thing we did was join DCKC where we developed our skills and have been fortunate enough to go on so many incredible trips. 

What do you enjoy about the sport?

I love the adventure. I like loading my kayak with all my supplies and heading off on a journey where you can reach and explore places that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

Is it different to what you expected?

Not really – I have always enjoyed sports such as skiing, cycling and hill walking so I suppose it was only a matter of time before I was drawn to exploring by water.

Where all have you been kayaking? 

All over Scotland with some special highlights including North East coast, Skye, The Shiants and St. Kilda.

What’s been your favourite trip so far? 

A very difficult question. The North East Coast trip will always be a very special and memorable trip for me. It was my first big multi-day kayaking adventure and my first proper experience of so many incredible caves/ arches/ stacks. The trip to the Shiants was also exceptional as it included a night paddle around the Shiants where we saw bioluminescence with every paddle stroke.

Have trips always gone to plan?

No – and I think that is part of sea kayaking. You need to be adaptable to the changing forecasts.  I think the club are very good at putting on well organised trips that ensure we are prepared (and enjoy) the challenges that arise.

What’s your most memorable ‘oh shit’ moment? 

Probably my first proper experience of surfing. I went along to Belhaven Bay with 3 other club members. I was raring to go and had heard lots about the Bongo Slide – I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and give it a try! All the theory I had been told meant nothing on that first wave, second wave…most of the morning actually! Then it all just kind of clicked into place and it was brilliant – still went swimming a fair bit of course!

What’s your funniest kayaking moment? 

When Misha was swept up by a big wave and left high and dry, balanced between two rocks for at least a couple of minutes until the next big wave dislodged him. We were all powerless to help and, to be honest, were all doubled up with laughter, scrambling for our cameras!

What’s the one kayaking skill you’d like to learn? 

I would like to improve my close boat control for ease of navigating through narrow caves, channels and general rock hopping.

What does the ultimate kayaking trip have for you? 

A point-to-point multi-day kayak camping trip with lots of caves, rock hopping, wildlife and finished off with a special night paddle.

Where else would you like to Kayak? 

I would love to go to the elusive Shetland! A place that has teased me for the last few years but has been scuppered by the weather. I’ve got my sights set on lots of trips in Scotland (Mingulay, The Small Isles, The Summer Isles) but I would also like to try some warmer water locations!