There is no doubt about it that enjoying a paddle by the sea in a kayak on the Clyde is a fantastic day out, writes Calum Corral.

And I have always had a yearning to go into the deep blue sea, having swan from Cumbrae to Largs for Gillian's Saltire Appeal a few years ago, it was something special to get the opportunity to go kayaking on a glorious weekend on Cumbrae recently.

The opportunity came about as I attended the National Watersports Centre's 40th anniversary celebrations, and unfortunately due to a hectic day of covering events for the paper, missed out on the Come and Try events that took place that afternoon.

I expressed my regret at this, and Sportscotland PR girl Carla Fugaccia said not to mind, as I could go out on one of their kayaking courses soon.

There is something very special and historic about kayaks, and I always remember Largs man Duncan Winning canoeing down Largs Main Street when it was flooded in 1999.

So when the kayaking opportunity came about, I headed over to the centre on a glorious Sunday morning, and our guide was Calum McNicol.

Calum is well known to me as a West Kilbride man, who has rowed the Atlantic, and the Grand Canyon, so I knew I was in very safe hands for a kayak crossing.

The paddle is very different to what you expect, and you use different muscles from rowing a boat, and while kayaks take a while to get the balance correct when you are in the water, in essence, it is a bit like riding a bike.

When you know how, you are away.

The 40th anniversary of Cumbrae Watersports Centre had a number of speeches from important people including Stephen Park, the head of British Sailing, and Principal of the Centre, John Kent, who said that the purpose of the centre was to safely introduce people to the marine environment, and I have to say it fulfilled this remit and more on the day.

After adapting to the kayak, we were paddling north. I had asked Calum if he knew exactly where we were going, and he answered mysteriously 'Who Knows - that is all part of the adventure!"

And indeed it was, as we were heading to the north of the island, but the breeze was getting up, so instead we paddled south, and onwards past the Lion Rock.

The sights on the sea were stunning, as yachts sailed on by, followed by a few speedboats, to provide some extra current! As we bobbed up and down on the waves, the fun was really beginning.

Some oystercatchers knew that we were there as they circled us overhead for a closer look, and all 12 of us on the kayak course gathered together.

Calum announced his plan that the conditions were good enough we could go across the open water to Wee Cumbrae.

With lifejackets, buoyancy aids, and a wet suit on, it was time to go!

The chance to go to the small island across the water, which I have only set foot upon twice in my life, was too good to miss.

There is no getting away from it that kayaking is very good exercise, and it is hard work, but the day was brilliant and very worthwhile. We could see porpoises in the distance, and it was great to set foot on a small alcove of Wee Cumbrae for lunch.

I was pretty shattered but felt resurrected by the refreshments. It took around 35 minutes to kayak across to Wee Cumbrae, and then we returned to Millport, and out the corner of my eye behind me, there was a giant seal! I called it over, and to my amazement, it turned its head and looked at me, no doubt intrigued by this friendly stranger who happened upon his domain!

We kayaked around The Eileans, and could hear the strains of the 'Grumpy Old Pipers' of Millport as we headed to the Newton Sands before returning to the Watersports Centre.

Calum said that kayaking is undoubtedly one of the boom sports, and having taken a chance to enjoy the open seas, where kayaking was traditionally very strong in the 1930s and 40s, it was nice to enjoy a thoroughly relaxing pastime, and enjoying the peace and calm of the open sea.

For more details about the kayaking courses, and a range of other watersports on offer, go to www.nationalcentrecumbrae.org.uk/