SCOTLAND'S first artificial white water kayaking course will be making waves within weeks in the heart of Glasgow.

Pinkston Watersports will offer inner-city canoeing, kayaking and outdoor swimming, as well as training facilities for the fire and rescue services.

Dozens of watersports clubs have already signed up to use the facility, on the Forth and Clyde canal near Speirs Warf, which is due to open in May.

Pinkston Watersports has trained youth workers from clubs across north Glasgow, including Roys-ton Youth Action, and they have formed the Pinkston Paddlers Canoe Club.

These young people will run training sessions for P7 age children from across the city. Up to 25,000 people are expected to use the centre each year - paddle sports is the UK's fastest growing sport sector.

There is a 'clean water' basin for canoeing, kayak-ing and other watersports and storage facilities, with changing rooms and parking.

However, the biggest attraction is likely to be the artificial white water course, which will suit even the most experienced canoeists.

Although the centre will only initially be used by clubs, in a year or so it hopes to offer turn-up-and -try sessions for the public.

Richard Sherlock, 37, of Royston Youth Action, said: "We are going to be working with the P7s.

"We have trained three youth workers up already. It's great for young people to get the chance to do something like this."

Nick Miller, 28, from Maryhill, is hooked. He said: "Trying it was cold - I've fallen in a few times. We've been inundated with children to try it."

Katie Smillie, 25, from Maryhill, said: "It's hard going at first but it's been an amazing experience."

Centre manager Iain Braithwaite said the facility has dozens of clubs on its books.

AND it causes a stir with passing traffic when the white water course pumps are turned on.

Iain added: "It's exciting now we are weeks away from opening, as we had a few delays. Paddle sports are the fastest growing sport in the UK.

"Park and play will also allow people to bring their own boats.

"We have had a huge amount of interest from clubs but also interest from people who are part of outdoor swimming groups."

Josie Saunders of Scottish Canals said with the Commonwealth Games coming to the city, there couldn't be a better time for the people of Glasgow to take some simple and easy steps to get active.

She added: The Evening Times' Active 2014 campaign shows just how many ways there are to keep fit and healthy in our great city and how even the smallest change in activity and lifestyle can make a huge difference."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk