Paddling Film Festival makes splash in Nairn
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Watersports enthusiasts enjoyed a break in the rainy week as they gathered in Nairn for a special cinema screening.
The only Scottish date for the Paddling Film Festival saw around 130 people in attendance for the showing of 13 award winning video shorts from the paddling world.
The event, which was brought to Nairn by activities provider Highland Experiences, had a local angle as charities Green Hive and Blue Space Highland took part to the festival, organising a litter pick, a wellness session and with information stalls during the screening.
Cory Jones from Highland Experiences said: “What a good day everyone has had.
“We had a very good kayak sale on the day. Over 20 volunteers braved the afternoon winds to head down to Nairn beaches for a litter pick. Loads of plastic was collect which can be recycled in Nairn at Green Hive’s workshop.
“There has been a tremendously good vibe all day, culminating with some of the most moving and stimulating paddle sport films.
“We have had sea and river kayak films, paddle boarding, pack rafting, canoeing and sweeper raft films. The films have been so diverse.
“Around a dozen people made a weekend of the festival and came up from the central belt to stay in Nairn for the weekend. Bringing income to local business and accommodation providers.”
He added that there is a possibility that the event might return to Nairn next year.
A raffle raised £235 to be split between Blue Space Highland and Green Hive.
Mr Jones and local adventurer Dave Crosbie had their own video on show on the night; Unpeeled captures their 1000 mile canoe journey through the Canadian wilderness.
Mr Crosbie said: “What a wonderful evening of presentations, some happy, some inspirational and life-changing, lots of laughter. It was a great evening.
“Our adventure canoeing across the Artic Circle and over the American continental divide showed us how much climate change has affected these pristine wilderness environments. Loss of salmon in the rivers, trees falling over as the permafrost melts and forest fires that now last for months and months. At least we can highlight these issues by showing the film of our journey highlighting what we learned along the way.”
Sean Unwin, Inverness store manager at Alpkit – the headline sponsor for the event – said: “We are pleased to sponsor the Paddle FiIm Festival so it can take place in the Highlands.
“It has been an inspirational evening of films showing not only paddlesports but what they can do to support change for the better. Social and environmental change, activism; these are things Alpkit supports, as well as adventure and inspirational journeys.”
