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The Ethical Adventure Company

Based in Scotland on the rugged coastline of East Lothian, 25 miles east of Edinburgh we are a passionate team of adventurers specialising in paddle boarding, coasteering, surfing, climbing and mountaineering locally and across Scotland 365 days a year.

What people say about us

Incredible experience with Ocean Vertical! Their winter skills course in the Cairngorms exceeded my expectations. From avalanche safety to navigation techniques, the instructors’ expertise and passion were evident. I left feeling confident and equipped for winter adventures. Emma | London

We had the most amazing day in the Black Mount area with Ocean Vertical. We were a bit of a mixed group with a range of abilities and “risk takers”, and Stevie judged the day and what we would be able to achieve as a group, PERFECTLY. It was such an incredible view from the top and was a wonderful experience. I learnt so much about how to assess weather conditions and make decisions sensibly in the mountains, it has given me much more confidence.

Harriet | Glasgow

What a magical adventure. Went on the Assynt trip with Mollie & Stevie, had no idea what to expect as this was my first wild camp out with OV. It didn’t disappoint, I learned so much from pitching the tent, sleeping under the stars, eating and travelling ‘light’ lacing up boots ‘properly’ all in expert hands. The team had so much wisdom to impart for the novice and the experienced climber. Can’t wait to go again!

Lisa | East Lothian

I booked a group paddle board / SUP experience for my mums 60th in East Lothian. Stevie, Adrian and the team at Ocean Vertical went above and beyond to accommodate our group and made it such a memorable experience! Most of us had little to no experience and, due to the sea conditions being choppy, they customised our trip for a day that suited us and offered to take us to a beautiful secluded lake instead – we had such a blast and our instructors Molly and Kirsty were brilliant. Can’t recommend enough!

Mrs C Harper | Aberdeen

Very enjoyable, we really enjoyed seeing the coastline from another perspective Coasteering in East Lothian, as well as meeting some of the local sea faring residents (sea urchins, starfish and seals). The session was great fun mixed with a good kick of adrenaline; Stevie is a skilled and experienced guide and we felt safe and informed throughout our experience.Thanks Ocean Vertical!

Gingal and friends | England

Our team of 20 had a fantastic corporate activity day at Ocean Vertical! The selection of activities offered to the team suited both the thrill seekers and those in need of some R&R. Staff were amazing, the location was stunning in East Lothian, and the food, BBQ and drinks in the evening were just fantastic. A good time was had by all – Thank you Ocean Vertical!

Kelly - Office Manager 10 Design | Edinburgh

Fantastic day! We booked paddle boarding / SUP in East Lothian – the wind was too strong to head out to sea but the girls took us to a beautiful Loch instead. We were all beginners and they were great guides – we all managed to stand up and had loads of fun in the process!
Thanks to all the team for the hospitality afterwards too – would HIGHLY recommend booking with them.

Pathfinder | Edinburgh

First time with an ice axe and crampons! What a day in the Glen Coe mountains with Ocean Vertical. It was absolutely breath taking with amazing views and lots of snow! Feeling a lot more confident after this trip and cant wait to get out again….. Brilliant!

Sally | Edinburgh

Had a fantastic day out learning basic mountaineering under the tutorage of Stevie and Adrian. Lots of knowledge shared on key skills for the mountain, as well as having a go with crampons and ice axe for the first time.

Felt safe at all times and throughout the day the guys did a fantastic job make sure the pace was suitable for the whole group.

Brilliant value for money, will definitely do again very soon and can’t recommend enough!

Pete | Haddington

Amazing day out winter mountaineering in Scotland in the snow with Stevie and Adrian yesterday. We learned loads of new techniques including how to use crampons and an ice axe! Feeling more confident in managing Scottish winter conditions and looking forward to getting another day out with them soon.

Ciara | Edinburgh

Just back from a day with Stevie and Adrian. Both are masters of there trade. Making sure everyone was comfortable and understanding the terrain. I felt in very safe hands on my first winter mountaineering day out with the boys.

I would highly recommend Ocean Vertical to everyone thinking of winter mountaineering in Scotland. Both guys’ are very knowledgeable of mountains and the surrounding areas. I’ll definitely be back out with Ocean Vertical very soon!

Kev | Newcastle

Just had an amazing morning out climbing with my friend at Ocean Vertical. I didn’t know you could do real rock climbing in East Lothian.

I don’t have much experience but I felt safe and the guys really knew what they were doing. I feel a lot more confident now and it was even sunny! We will be back!

Emily and Tash | London

Fantastic day out with Stevie and Adrian today climbing Stob Ghabhar. Scottish winter mountaineering at its best! These guys really know their stuff and I felt in very safe hands for my first venture up to this height in winter.

Amazing experience and I learned to use an ice axe and crampons! to be repeated! Highly recommended!

Caroline | Edinburgh

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Coasteering

Explore our rugged coastline, scramble over inaccessible tidal islands, discover our local marine bio-diversity and learn to jump from height safely with our professional guides.
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Paddle Boarding

We've created three levels of paddle boarding sessions. Learn more about the different levels and choose the right session for your experience here!
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Retreats

You deserve a break! Join us for the ultimate day retreats in East Lothian, incorporating Yoga and your choice of Adventure.
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Nepal Trekking Expedition

Join Ocean Vertical on the incredible Mardi Himal trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal!
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Professional guides

Stevie Boyle is our lead guide and has 20 years of experience leading clients on adventures in the mountains and ocean.

As an accredited professional guide and instructor he has hands on responsibility for ensuring clients have a safe and inspirational adventure.

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Accreditations
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority ASI Accredited School - Stand Up Paddle ASI Academy of Surfing Instructors NCC Promoting Safe Coasteering