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.

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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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child enjoying watersports session

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!

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children enjoying swsa kids club

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.

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.

credit: Colin Tennant, CT Productions

Latest News

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Skiffs competing in SkiffieWorlds 2019
credit: Saskia Coulson for CT Productions

Record-breaking entry for SkiffieWorlds 2025

Stranraer is preparing to host the largest gathering of St Ayles coastal rowing boats in history this summer, as a record-breaking 79 rowing clubs registering to complete in SkiffieWorlds 2025. Taking place from 6-12 July more than 2,000 rowers are expected to complete as the triennial world championship event returns to Stranraer following its highly successful debut in the town...

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Troon coastal rowing crew
credit: Bill McCandlish

Challenging Conditions Test Crews at The Long Ryan

‘The Long Ryan’ event, a circumnavigation of Loch Ryan took place on Saturday 27th April in un-forecasted challenging conditions, with Troon emerging as the winners of the coastal rowing and sailing race.

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Sailing boats on Loch Ryan
credit: Pete Robinson

Staff Changes

As some members will already be aware, Tom Wilson tendered his resignation as Chief Instructor of Stranraer Water Sports Association, and the Trustees have accepted his resignation. We wish Tom well for the future.

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.