sea kayak academy header logo
Book

Advanced Sea Kayak Leader (Tidal) Training – Paddle UK

The Advanced Sea Kayak Leader (Tidal) Training is designed for experienced sea kayakers who are already leading groups and want to develop the judgement, decision-making, and leadership skills needed for more demanding tidal and coastal environments.

This Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) endorsed training focuses on advanced leadership rather than introductory skills, and is suitable for paddlers preparing for Advanced Sea Kayak Leader assessment or consolidating experience at this level.

Who This Training Is For

This course is aimed at paddlers who already have significant sea kayaking experience and are operating confidently as leaders in tidal environments.

  • Experienced Sea Kayak Leaders looking to step into more advanced conditions
  • Paddlers regularly leading journeys in wind, swell, and tide
  • Outdoor instructors or professionals expanding their leadership scope

This training is not suitable for paddlers new to leadership or those still consolidating core Sea Kayak Leader skills.

What the Training Focuses On

As an Advanced Sea Kayak Leader, you’ll need to confidently lead groups in challenging sea conditions and manage incidents when margins are reduced.

  • Leadership and decision-making in complex tidal environments

  • Advanced journey planning and dynamic risk assessment

  • Managing groups in exposed and changing conditions

  • Incident management, rescues, and towing in demanding scenarios

  • Leadership communication under pressure

The training is intensive and responsive to the group, with time spent developing areas where you want to build confidence ahead of assessment.

Course Format & Environment

  • Duration: 2 days

  • Environment: Exposed tidal coastal waters

  • Group size: Small groups (typically 1:4)

  • Equipment: All equipment can be provided

  • Timing: Some low-visibility training may take place in the evening

Low-visibility navigation training is usually included, which may involve paddling into the evening on day one.

Relationship to Assessment

This is a training course only. Assessment is a separate Paddle UK process and is not included as part of this course.

This course does not include the Offshore Navigation, Tidal Planning (ONTP) course, which is required before assessment.

Practical Information

  • Daily hours: Typically 9am–5pm

  • Accommodation: On-site camping and local accommodation available

  • Minimum participants: 1

Next Steps

If you’d like to discuss whether this training is appropriate for your experience, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.

Before you book

All essential sea kayaking kit is included if you need it.

If a date shows as call to book, please email the Academy to enquire β€” we’ll get you booked in directly.

If you’re unsure whether this training course is right for your experience, or would like to discuss which option is most appropriate before assessment, feel free toΒ get in touchΒ β€” we’re happy to advise.

Available Training Dates

Plan your visit

All Sea Kayak Academy courses meet at our base in Pembrokeshire before heading to the coast.

We always meet at the Academy to check equipment, talk through plans, and choose the best paddling location for the conditions on the day.

Helpful information before you book or arrive:

  • Where We Meet – meeting point and what to expect on arrival
  • Getting Here – travel options and approximate journey times
  • Accommodation – on-site camping and Holmus Cottage
  • FAQs – common questions about courses and logistics

πŸ‘‰ Arrival details and directions are provided to booked participants.

Plan your visit