Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about choosing a course, booking, equipment, the day itself and staying at the Academy.
Start with your experience—not the course names
Sea Kayak Foundation and Sea Kayak Development are Academy pathway courses. Paddle UK awards, leadership training and assessments are separate and clearly identified.
Unsure where you fit?
Tell Ant what paddling you have done, how you feel on the sea and what you would like to achieve. We will help you choose before you pay.
Ask Ant about your next stepWhere should I start?
Sea Kayak Foundation is for people new to sea kayaking, returning after time away or still building comfort on the sea. Sea Kayak Development suits paddlers already comfortable in calm sea conditions who want greater control, range and judgement.
Our starting guide explains the wider pathway without asking you to label your own level.
Do I need previous sea kayaking experience?
Not for Foundation. Development and the more advanced pathways expect increasing experience; each page explains who it is designed for. If your experience sits between two options, email us rather than guessing.
Are Foundation and Development qualifications?
No. They are coaching-led Academy pathway courses focused on confidence, skill and judgement. Paddle UK awards, leadership training and formal assessments are separate products and are named clearly.
All activity is planned and delivered within the appointed coach’s Paddle UK qualification remit.
Do I need to be very fit or a strong swimmer?
You do not need to be an athlete or a strong swimmer, but course days involve several hours of activity and movement over uneven coastal ground. You should be comfortable around water while wearing a buoyancy aid.
Please email before booking if health, mobility or water confidence may affect participation so we can give honest advice.
Choose the booking route that suits you
Scheduled public dates can be booked online, with written confirmation normally sent immediately after successful payment. Email the Academy if you prefer bank transfer, need private coaching or are arranging a club or group booking.
View course datesHow do I book a scheduled course?
Use the date shown on the course page or visit the course dates page. After successful online payment, written confirmation is normally sent immediately. Your booking is confirmed when payment has been received and that confirmation has been issued.
If you would rather pay by bank transfer, use the direct-booking option on the dates page or email the Academy before booking online.
Does online booking add a fee?
FareHarbor adds its online booking fee at checkout and shows the full total before payment. Paying the course price by bank transfer avoids that online booking fee.
How do private coaching, journeys and club bookings work?
These normally begin by email so we can agree the right dates, group size, aims and coaching plan before taking payment.
When will I receive joining information?
We send joining information once your booking and payment are confirmed. It covers the meeting point, arrival time, what to bring and anything you need to complete beforehand.
Meet at the Academy, then work with the conditions
The coach chooses the most useful coastal location for the group, weather and sea state. The plan can change because adapting well is part of good sea kayaking.
Meet first
The normal meeting time is 9am at New Holmus Farm unless your joining information says otherwise.
Prepare together
Check equipment, discuss the forecast and agree the plan before leaving for the coast.
Paddle the right place
The launch is selected for the group and conditions—not fixed weeks in advance.
Do I drive straight to the coast?
No. Academy courses normally meet first at New Holmus Farm. After the briefing and equipment check, the coach will explain the plan and how the group is travelling to the selected launch. Only go directly to another location if your joining information specifically tells you to.
Is equipment included?
Yes. Sea kayak, paddle and essential safety equipment are available, together with a drysuit and other paddling kit when required. You are welcome to use suitable equipment of your own.
What should I bring?
- Lunch, drinking water and any medication you need
- Swimwear or comfortable layers for under paddling clothing
- A towel and footwear that can get wet
- Warm layers, sun protection and a hat appropriate to the forecast
Your joining information will flag anything specific to your booking.
Will we paddle in rough conditions?
Conditions are chosen to serve the course aims and the group—not to prove anything. More experienced courses may use more dynamic water when it is appropriate. The coach’s decisions about location, conditions and group safety are final.
Make the course easier to settle into
The Academy base brings together the classroom, equipment, kit care and optional participant accommodation at New Holmus Farm.
Arrange it with your booking or email the Academy.
Can I camp at the Academy?
Yes. The simple on-site campsite is for Academy participants and costs £15 per person per night. Please arrange the overnight stay with your booking. See our camping and accommodation information.
Can I stay in a campervan?
Yes. Campervans are welcome as part of an eligible Academy stay. You do not need to decide in advance between the campsite and hardstanding; choose on arrival according to the ground conditions. If the grass is softer than expected, we can help tow you out. See our camping and accommodation information.
Is indoor accommodation available?
Holmus Cottage sleeps up to four and may be available separately, normally on a Friday-to-Friday basis. You are also welcome to stay elsewhere and travel in each day.
What facilities are at the base?
There is free parking, the Wheelhouse classroom, toilets, guest Wi-Fi, kit-washing facilities and a drying tunnel. See the Academy base and facilities page; booked participants receive the practical instructions before arrival.
Coastal plans stay flexible
Rain rarely stops a course. Wind, sea state and the needs of the group influence where we paddle and what the day focuses on.
What happens in poor weather?
Courses run in rain and a wide range of conditions. We may change the launch, route or emphasis to make good use of the day.
If the Academy cancels the booked activity, you may choose a full refund of the amount paid to us for that activity or a transfer to an alternative available date.
Can I move or cancel my booking?
More than 60 days before the activity, you may request a transfer to another available date or receive a refund of 50% of the activity price. At 60 days or fewer, no refund or date transfer is available under the standard policy. In genuinely exceptional circumstances, we may choose to offer a credit or transfer at our discretion.
Should I arrange insurance?
We strongly recommend suitable travel or activity-cancellation insurance. Personal accident, travel and cancellation insurance are not included with your booking.
What if I booked the wrong course?
Email as soon as possible. We will look at your experience and the available options. Any change remains subject to availability and the booking terms, so it is best to ask before paying if you are unsure.
Everything useful before you arrive
Explore the Academy base, travel options and places to stay. Exact directions and joining details are sent to booked participants.