Wild Women
SUP Symposium 2026
Symposium Weekend
Date: 4 – 6 September 2026
Location: Onich. Scotland
We are doing it again! a whole weekend dedicated to SUP paddling in the wild! With women and for women! Whether you want to gain confidence on the water, learn how to paddle on white water or learn how to plan your first SUP expedition, then this is the event for you!
This year we are based in Onich, which is a tidal paddling area. So this could be your first steps into tidal and sea paddling! On the Saturday we will be in the stunning area of Loch Moidart, and Sunday we will be in the Onich area!
There are 2 prices for this event, the 2 day or 3 day price, we also over a single day price please contact us for this price!
Programme
Friday:
All Day: Distance Paddle or River SUP. Location will vary according to the weather
Registration is from 6pm at Beside the Loch!
Saturday:
River SUP All day! (Location will be confirmed by the instructors)
Morning and Afternoon: Sea Trekking, SUP Technique and SUP Fitness!
At Castle Tiorman or Glenuig (If conditions allow).
Sunday:
River SUP All day! (Location will be confirmed by the instructors)
Morning:
SUP distance and Wild Swimming, Events are around Onich
Afternoon: This year we will break for lunch and finish with Land Yoga with Leanne, a round up events and talk from Helen Trehoret!
Where is Beside the Loch?
Where is Castle Tioram?
Accommodation
There are several options!
Option 1: Beside the Loch. Organiser Helen will be based in one of the cabins. The site includes a cottage, 3 small bungalows and 2 brand new cabins. We have blocked reserved this site so you will need to call directly to book a what you want!
The Friday Social will be based out of here!
Option 2: For those with a self sufficient van! Contact Anne to get a space right by the Loch (Telephone number 07828 250436 – book this ASAP – only 6 spaces available)
Option 3: Roam West is very close, 20 minutes by foot. We will be there on the Saturday night so reserve in here and you can roll out the restaurant and into your accommadation!
Ticket Prices
Before you book please look at our terms and conditions. Please click on this link!
Bolt ons! // Extend the Fun with these Trips!
Workshop Content
Stretch yourself in this paddle session aimed at getting some miles under the belts! You will paddle in a group to a local Sea Loch . Learning how to paddle in a group and paddle at a distance with a side wind / head wind / tail wind! This is a session aimed at intermediates, who want to gain experience paddling in Sea Lochs!
Group Size Max: 8
Days offered:
Friday
Session Length: Full day 10am – 4pm
Instructor: Helen Trehoret
Location: TBC
Level Required:Upper Beginner+ // Must be able to stand up and paddle // Must be able to paddle in head winds for at least 10 KM and in winds up to 20 KM/h // Must be able to handle choppy waters
River SUP for beginners. Discover River SUP for the first time with Coach Jess and Mandy
Group Size Max: 6 x 2
Days offered: Friday
Session Length: FULL day
Instructor: Jess Philip and Mandy
Material Needed: SUP . River Finds. Quick Release Leash and Harness.
Paddle Level: The level will be adjusted to the groups needs. From Beginner to intermediate paddlers!
SUP Distance. Just come for a paddle and natter! Make new friends and enjoy the moment!
Group Size Max: 15
Days offered:
Sunday | Morning
Session Length: Half day
Instructor: Leanne Bird and Helen
Location: Onich around Surrounds
Material Needed: SUP.
Paddle Level: Beginner
Get fit for paddling. This is a session to get strong in a way that will help you paddle better. This sessions is aimed at beginners and intermediates! Take the ideas home with you and do them before a SUP session!
Group Size Max: 8
Days offered:
Saturday | Morning and Afternoon
Session Length: Half day
Instructor: Leanne Bird
Location: Castle Tioram, Loch Miodart
Material Needed: SUP.
Paddle Level: Beginner
You will paddle in a group to the head Loch Miodart. Learning how to paddle in a group, with wind and paddle at a distance with a side wind / head wind / tail wind! This is a session aimed at postbeginners to intermediates.
Group Size Max: 8
Days offered:
Saturday | Morning and Afternoon
Session Length: Start at 10am
Instructor: Helen Trehoret
Location: Saturday Castle Tioram, Loch Miodart
Skill Level: Beginner
Group Size Max: 6 – 8
Days offered:
Saturday | Morning
Sunday | Morning
Session Length: Half day
Instructor: Nick from Beside the Loch!
Location: Onich and Surrounds
Material needed: Wetsuit!
The Team
Jess Philip
A paddler with a passion for White water and expedition sup. She is based in the west coast of Scotland where she works as an outdoor instructor and runs her own business Dipper Paddle boarding coaching and guiding on rivers.
“I really love helping people explore new places to paddle and continue to develop their skills in different environments”.
Helen Trehoret
Helen Trehoret is a passionate water sports enthusiast and an accomplished organizer of the Women’s Water Stand-Up Paddleboarding (WWSUP) events. With years of experience in outdoor adventure sports and event management, Helen is dedicated to empowering women through dynamic and inclusive paddleboarding experiences.
As the driving force behind WWSUP, Helen is known for her meticulous planning and innovative approach. She combines her expertise in water safety, group dynamics, and leadership to design events that are as challenging as they are fun. Whether it’s a tranquil sunrise paddle or an exhilarating race, Helen ensures that every participant leaves with new skills, confidence, and unforgettable memories.
Leanne Bird
As Founder of Leanne Bird Wellbeing and Adventure, Leanne’s mission is to support and inspire people
to live happier and healthier lives, for the long term. Through her wellbeing Aand adventure
experiences, she is passionate about empowering people to discover themselves and ultimately, discover their freedom.
F.A.Q.
If you want to bring your own iSUP then no problem. But if it will be a struggle due to catching a flight, then we have iSUPs and paddles available! You do need to bring your own personnal paddle equipment. A wetsuit, or long john.
For the River SUP you need a quick release harniss and River fin. If you don not have this please contact the instructors directly. It will be your responsbility to arrange this!
Totally! This symposium is totally for beginner paddlers! There are plenty of sessions aimed at beginners.
He can come. However, the time in the workshop is only for ladies!
No. But we have a table booked at Roam West and will be getting a menu prepared. You will have to pay for your own meal! I will send out an email to confirm the meal before the event!
Sorry, this can not be permitted. You can only do a direct swap with a person. The organiser Helen will need to be informed, please do not approach the session instructor directly.
Sorry no
We will ensure to run the session, and adapt to the weather conditions
We no longer accept cancellations. Please be double sure you can make the dates!
We can not organise transport or lifts to the meet point. We will send a list of the participants and you are welcome to contact them. We can not organise lifts to the event as well. A few of us have dry suits but this is for seasoned paddlers!
Scotland is cold! a
Post Weekend Overnighter!
Information
Add on 2 days to your symposium with this mini expedition to Peanmeanach bothy !
After the Wild Women SUP Symposium, a small group of paddlers set out on a peaceful two-day journey.
Surrounded by ancient pines and dramatic highland peaks, we explored the loch’s hidden corners, carried our gear on our boards, and camped on its wild shores.
This gentle expedition was the perfect follow-up to the energy of the symposium — a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and gain confidence in a stunning setting.
We returned refreshed, inspired, and ready for more SUP adventures.
Includes
Doesn’t Include
Looking for something else? Look at our Trossachs SUP Weekend!
Barrachou Blog
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- Knoydart Circuit by Paddle – A Wild Adventure in May 2025
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- Wild Women SUP Symposium 2024
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