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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Kids sailing group at Loch Ryan

Five Reasons to Join SWSA’s Kids Club

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.

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group trying stand up paddle boarding

Discover Loch Ryan: A Beginner’s Guide to Water Sports

At Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA), we’re here to make your first steps into water sports as enjoyable and accessible as possible. Find out why Loch Ryan is perfect for beginners.

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Sailing on Loch Ryan

Stranraer Water Sports 2024 Review: A Year of Waves and Wins

Here’s a closer look at the highlights and milestones that made 2024 unforgettable as Stranraer Water Spors Association celebrate a remarkable year packed with activities, achievements, and prepare for even greater things to come in 2025.

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Stranraer Watersports

SWSA Memberships

Membership gives you access to be able to row with our rowing club, Stranraer Coastal Rowing Club and to sail* with our sailing club, Loch Ryan Sailing Club. As members some water sports activities are discounted, this discount is exclusive to our members. (*minimum sailing ability is RYA National Sailing Scheme Stage 2 or to be assessed by our Senior Instructor).