Paddle UK personal performance award
Coastal Sea Kayak Award
For experienced sea kayakers who want to bring planning, navigation, boat control, safety and judgement together in moderate coastal conditions—and, where the required standard is demonstrated, gain the recognised award.
A purposeful next step
Develop capable, independent coastal paddling
This is not an introduction to sea kayaking. It brings together the skills and decisions needed to plan and complete more committing coastal journeys within the award remit.
A good fit if you…
Already have solid coastal experience
- Are comfortable in a sit-inside sea kayak on coastal journeys
- Have paddled in wind, waves and tidal flow appropriate to your experience
- Can launch and land on open beaches, with small surf where suitable
- Have practised assisted and self-rescues in open water
- Want to strengthen planning, navigation and independent judgement
Important to understand
The award is not automatic
Training and observation are integrated, but attendance alone does not guarantee the award. Your provider must see the current Paddle UK standard demonstrated in suitable conditions. If further development would help, you will leave with clear, constructive feedback.
What you will develop
Coastal skills connected by sound decisions
The exact emphasis adapts to your experience, the group and conditions. Skills are coached and observed in real coastal contexts rather than treated as isolated tests.
Planning & tides
Bring together weather, tidal planning, coastal effects and appropriate options for the day.
Dynamic control
Paddle efficiently and maintain control in wind, waves and tidal flow within the award environment.
Navigation & crossings
Use charts, timing and deck-top navigation to support headlands, crossings and route choices.
Coastal features
Choose and manage lines around open beaches, headlands and more complex coastline.
Rescues & towing
Apply self-rescue, peer support and towing effectively in more exposed situations.
Risk & judgement
Make calm, proportionate decisions and explain the reasoning behind them.
How the course works
Training, performance and feedback in context
The course can run over two to five days depending on experience, conditions and the agreed learning pathway. Each day starts at the Academy before the most suitable coastal venue is chosen.
Plan at the Academy
Review the forecast, tides, route options, equipment and priorities for the day.
Perform on the coast
Apply skills and decisions in moderate coastal environments selected for the award remit and conditions.
Review clearly
Receive practical feedback as the provider gathers evidence throughout the course.
Included
What we provide
- Small-group coaching, training and observation
- Sea kayak, paddle and essential safety equipment
- Drysuit and other paddling kit if required
- Use of the Academy classroom, kit-wash and drying facilities
- Joining information before arrival
Practical details
Before you book
- Normal meeting time is 9am unless arranged otherwise
- This is a personal performance award, not a leadership qualification
- Courses begin at New Holmus Farm before travelling to the coast
- On-site participant camping is £15 per person per night
- Holmus Cottage may be available separately
- Unsure about readiness or course length? Email before booking
Dates & booking
Choose your Coastal Award course
Choose a scheduled date to book online for instant confirmation.
Prefer bank transfer? Request your place by email and we’ll confirm availability.
If you are unsure whether the award suits your experience, please talk to Ant before booking.
May 2027
31 May–3 June 2027
Book securely online for instant confirmation.
July 2027
12–15 July 2027
Book securely online for instant confirmation.
Plan your visit
Everything you need before you arrive
Explore the Academy base, travel options and places to stay. Exact joining details and directions are sent to booked participants.