Welcome to Stranraer Water Sports Association

The home of water sports, fun and friendship on beautiful Loch Ryan. Whether you are an experienced sailor, rower or swimmer, or you’re thinking about dipping your toe in the water for the very first time, we look forward to welcoming you!

credit: Stranraer Water Sports Association

What We Offer

You can get into sailing, standup paddle boarding, coastal rowing, kayaking, open water swimming, powerboating, canoeing and more at our friendly, community-run organisation. We also deliver accredited training, including RYA qualifications and British Canoeing Paddle Awards, and we host major water sports events, such as SkiffieWorlds 2025 and the Fin & Foil Championships.

Architectural side view of new build water sports hub

Naturally Perfect

With its sheltered waters, spectacular views and close proximity to Stranraer, Loch Ryan is the perfect place to enjoy water sports activities and events. Now, we are adding a brand-new Water Sports Hub to make it even better!

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Water Sports for Everyone

We are passionate about making water sports accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for everyone. If you’re new to water sports, give one of our Taster Sessions a go. These instructor-led sessions are perfect for beginners!

Make Waves

For young people aged 8 years and over, Kids Club is a fantastic way to enjoy water sports while making friends, building confidence and growing skills. You can book Kids Club sessions in blocks or on an ongoing basis.

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Loch Ryan

The natural amphitheatre of Loch Ryan is a perfect stage for water sports, with its calm, sheltered water, amazing onshore facilities, a stunning park and its close proximity to the town and its facilities. This makes it pretty perfect for competitive water sports events and for water-based leisure activities.

Find us

credit: Colin Tennant, CT Productions

Latest News

Stranraer Water Sports Association Kids Club

credit: Pete Robinson

Coach of the Year Award for Tom

Tuesday 25 Mar, 2025

Stranraer Water Sports Association has welcomed recognition of their Chief Instructor, Tom Wilson, who was named Coach of the Year at Wigtownshire Sports Council’s Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

SWSA Kids Club welcomes project supporters

credit: Pete Robinson

Construction starts on our new Water Sports Hub

Thursday 20 Feb, 2025

Exciting times as members of our Kids Club and Young Instructors programme officially mark the start of construction!

Five Reasons to Join SWSA’s Kids Club

Tuesday 21 Jan, 2025

Whether your child is new to water sports or wants to build on skills they already have, Stranraer Water Sports Association’s (SWSA) Kids Club offers more than just an opportunity to try water sports. It’s a gateway to fun, adventure, and personal growth.

Membership

Becoming a member of Stranraer Water Sports Association means you officially join our water sports community. It also brings a whole host of member benefits, including discounted sessions, discounted training, member activities and community connection.