About Rockhopper
The Rockhopper Experience
The Rockhopper experience is about journeying through a breathtaking environment, taking in exquisite scenery and experiencing wildlife in its natural habitat whilst enjoying the freedom of sea kayaking.
Meet our Guides
Stuart Hood and Ben Dodman met whilst completing their outdoor training in 2001. They went on to broaden their experience working at various outdoor adventure centres throughout the UK. When they both moved to Fort William in 2004 Rockhopper was born! Stuart and Ben both share a passion for wild places and of course in particular the Scottish Highlands. They have a combined 25 years experience in journeying with groups in the wild and are dedicated to giving you a personal, professional, dynamic and fun experience. They are both British Canoe Union Level 4 Sea Kayak coaches and hold British Mountaineering Council awards.
Stuart: ‘every time I go to work I am grateful that my trek to the office may mean an encounter with some seals or an eagle. No two trips are ever the same and the people who join us are always interesting and up for a laugh. We even had a trip last season where we paddled in amongst 11 enormous, docile basking sharks for over an hour. When the season kicks off in April its great to get back out there, it makes me proud to live here’
Ben: ‘meeting new people everyday is a huge element of the job, having an understanding for everyone’s needs is paramount and as a father of two small children I really enjoy enabling families to get out and experience the sea. We’ve had kids as young as 8 going solo and far younger in the front of the doubles. Best of all though, is the feeling of freedom when you have packed all your gear into the hatches and the world really is your oyster!’
Personal Instruction
Do you want to improve your stroke technique or learn how to eskimo roll? Practice basic navigation or attempt self-rescues in the rough stuff? Rockhopper can provide skills-based coaching and personal instruction tailored to your needs. We also carry out assessments for BCU qualifications helping you with the skills necessary to progress up the star award system. Whatever type of trip you are looking for, from family seal spotting journeys to one-on-one sea kayaking instruction, we are certain we can provide a memorable experience and help you develop your paddling confidence.
Premises
2011 marks a new era for the business as we start the first stages of the build of our new premises! Soon we hope to be able to offer you a warm welcome, maybe even a cup of tea at our boat storage, office, drying room and meeting point, aiming for completion by summer 2011.
