British Canoeing Courses
Welcome to the Sea Kayak Academy
Your Gateway to Safe and Proficient Sea Kayaking
Explore the Sea, Obtain Qualifications, and Experience the Wonders of Pembrokeshire
Located in the breathtaking setting of Pembrokeshire, Wales, the Sea Kayak Academy is the premier provider of official British Canoeing Courses and Canoe Wales sea kayaking courses. Our programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to navigate the dynamic marine environment with utmost proficiency while ensuring your safety remains paramount.
Tailored Courses for Your Personal Sea Kayaking Journey
At the Sea Kayak Academy, we understand that each individual has unique needs. That’s why our courses are tailored specifically to you and your personal sea kayaking journey. Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced paddler looking to advance your skills, we have a wide range of sea kayaking courses to cater to your goals. From introductory programs to Advanced Sea Kayak Leader certifications, we can guide you every step of the way, helping you achieve the qualifications you desire.
From Novice to Advanced: Achieve Your Desired British Canoeing Qualifications
Work towards and obtain your next British Canoeing qualification here in the beautiful setting of Pembrokeshire, Wales. At the Sea Kayak Academy, we endeavour to make the process of gaining qualifications as natural and stress-free as possible. With each course tailored to you and your needs, we provide a supportive and personalized learning environment that empowers you to progress from a complete novice to an Advanced Sea Kayak Leader, if that’s your wish.
Discover the Majesty of Pembrokeshire’s Coastline and Wildlife
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Pembrokeshire coast, with its towering sea cliffs and abundant wildlife. Our sea kayaking courses take full advantage of this stunning backdrop, providing you with an unforgettable experience as you explore the natural wonders this region has to offer. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the coastline, encounter unique wildlife, and create lifelong memories in one of the most captivating sea kayaking destinations.
Student-Led Learning in a Positive Environment: Inspiring Safer and More Confident Paddlers
In all our sea kayaking courses, we take inspiration from British Canoeing and Canoe Wales coaching philosophies of having positive learning environments that are student-led. We believe in inspiring you to kayak more by making you safer and a more confident paddler. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the course, providing expert guidance and fostering an environment where you can develop your skills, gain confidence, and forge lasting connections with fellow sea kayaking enthusiasts.
Join us at the Sea Kayak Academy in southwest Wales for your next sea kayak course and embark on a journey of growth and discovery. Let us empower you to navigate the open sea with skill and grace while immersing yourself in the beauty of the marine environment. The Sea Kayak Academy is here to support you every step of the way on your sea kayaking adventure.
More information about British Canoeing and Canoe Wales including membership can be found in the following links:
1. Use this guide by clicking on the level tabs above. ↑
2. Find the tab that describes your level best.
3. Match your level with the courses available below. ↓
Previous experience required:
None, start here if you haven't been in a kayak before or only a few times. We will endeavour to find the most *sheltered water* possible.
Sheltered Water as defined by British Canoeing:
Areas of open water (e.g. lakes and lochs) where the paddlers are no more than 200 metres offshore and the wind strength does not exceed Beaufort force 3, avoiding the group from being swept/blown out of the safe working area. Slow-moving estuaries (less than 0.5 Knots)
Small enclosed bays, enclosed harbours where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore, defined beaches with easy places to land throughout, no tide races, overfalls or surf.
Previous experience required:
For our level 2 courses, you should have a small amount of previous kayak/watersport experience or at least be fairly water confident. We stay mostly in *sheltered water* but will look to start developing your confidence in small waves and light winds.
Sheltered Water as defined by British Canoeing:
Areas of open water (e.g. lakes and lochs) where the paddlers are no more than 200 metres offshore and the wind strength does not exceed Beaufort force 3, avoiding the group from being swept/blown out of the safe working area. Slow-moving estuaries (less than 0.5 Knots)
Small enclosed bays, enclosed harbours where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore, defined beaches with easy places to land throughout, no tide races, overfalls or surf.
Previous experience required:
For our level 3 courses, you should have a fair amount of experience in a kayak in *sheltered water* - whether it be in a Sit-on-Top, sea kayak or other. At this level, we start to guide you out of *sheltered water* and spend some time in areas of *moderate water* conditions.
Level 3 courses are often pitched at paddlers looking to obtain their British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award.
Sheltered Water as defined by British Canoeing:
Areas of open water (e.g. lakes and lochs) where the paddlers are no more than 200 metres offshore and the wind strength does not exceed Beaufort force 3, avoiding the group from being swept/blown out of the safe working area. Slow-moving estuaries (less than 0.5 Knots)
Small enclosed bays, enclosed harbours where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore, defined beaches with easy places to land throughout, no tide races, overfalls or surf.
Moderate Water as defined by British Canoeing:
A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straightforward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Up to 2 Knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort force 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1 metre, trough to crest height).
Previous experience required:
For our level 4 courses, you should have plenty of sea kayak experience, be very comfortable with the use of a spray-skirt and be comfortable with being rescued in flat water.
Level 4 courses are often pitched at paddlers looking to obtain their British Canoeing Coastal Sea Kayak Award and aspirant British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leaders.
At this level, we generally aim to be in sustained *moderate* sea conditions with the possibility of venturing into some low level *advanced* conditions such as gentle tide races and overfalls.
Moderate Water as defined by British Canoeing:
A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straightforward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Up to 2 Knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort force 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1 metre, trough to crest height).
Advanced Water as defined by British Canoeing:
Any journey on the sea where tidal races, overfalls or open crossings may be encountered and which cannot be avoided; sections of coastline where landings may not be possible or are difficult; sea state 4 and winds above Beaufort force 4; launching and landing through surf (up to 1.5 metres trough to crest height).
Previous experience required:
For our level 5 courses, you should have plenty of sea kayak specific experience in *moderate* sea conditions. You should be comfortable with being rescued in *moderate* sea conditions and an ability to roll is desirable.
Level 5 courses are often pitched at paddlers looking to obtain their British Canoeing Advanced Sea Kayak Award and aspirant British Canoeing Advanced Sea Kayak Leaders.
At this level, we are seeking out *advanced* sea conditions, tidal rapids and/or exposed swell.
Moderate Water as defined by British Canoeing:
A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straightforward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Up to 2 Knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort force 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1 metre, trough to crest height).
Advanced Water as defined by British Canoeing:
Any journey on the sea where tidal races, overfalls or open crossings may be encountered and which cannot be avoided; sections of coastline where landings may not be possible or are difficult; sea state 4 and winds above Beaufort force 4; launching and landing through surf (up to 1.5 metres trough to crest height).
Find the sea kayaking course/qualification you’re looking for in the list below.
British Canoeing Courses
Level 3
Sea Kayak Award (British Canoeing)
Here we focus on you becoming a fully independent paddler, able to plan your own trips and competent to deal with any mishaps that might arise along the way.
Level 4
Coastal Sea Kayak Award (British Canoeing)
At this level, we take the idea of you being a fully independent paddler and transpose it into the moderate sea environment. We’ll focus on safety, rescue and all the skills you need to comfortably control your kayak in winds up to Force 4, surf up to 1m and tidal flows up to 2 knots.
Level 5
Advanced Sea Kayak Award (British Canoeing)
Tide races, overfalls, swell, technical rock-hopping and winds of Force 5 and above. If this sounds exciting and you want to learn to master your kayak in these environments this is the course you’re looking for.
Level 4
Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) Training (British Canoeing)
Learn what it takes to become a Sea Kayak Leader with one of our leadership training courses. You’ll learn how to lead, rescue and master your kayak in moderate sea conditions.
Level 4
Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) Assessment (British Canoeing)
Feeling ready to lead on the sea? We promise to make the assessment environment as organic and stress-free as possible allowing you to focus on providing the best day possible for the people you’ll be leading
Level 5
Advanced Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) Training (British Canoeing)
Learn or refresh the skills you need to pass the British Canoeing Advanced Sea Kayak Leader award with this in-depth 2 day British Canoeing endorsed training course. This course does not include the ONTP course needed for assessment.
Level 5
Advanced Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) Assessment (British Canoeing)
Feeling ready to lead on the sea? We endeavour to make the assessment environment as organic and stress-free as possible allowing you to focus on providing the best day possible for the people you’ll be leading.
Level 4
Sea Kayak Coach Training (British Canoeing)
Whether you’re looking to coach members of your club, or you’re an outdoor instructor looking to expand your qualifications; this course will help you to plan and deliver safe, enjoyable and progressive coaching sessions on the sea.
Level 5
Sea Kayak Coach (Advanced Water) Training (British Canoeing)
Whether you’re looking to coach members of your club, or you are an outdoor instructor looking to expand your qualifications; this course will help you to plan and deliver safe, enjoyable and progressive coaching sessions on the sea.
Level 3 and 4
Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning (British Canoeing)
This British Canoeing course is an in-depth, classroom-based course that will cover all the elements of coastal trip planning and weather forecasting. Aimed at people who have a reasonable amount of experience paddling on the sea and who would like to deepen their understanding of the processes of weather formation and trip planning. This course is a pre-requisite for the Sea Kayak Leader Assessment.
All Levels
Private Kayak Coaching/Guiding
Your guide, your choice of craft, single or multiple days and a bespoke action plan for your progression. This is the quickest most dedicated way to improve your kayaking skills.
Features
Small coach to trainee ratios
Quality equipment
Dedicated facilities
On-site camping and Accommodation
Top level coaches
Join us!
To progress your sea kayaking
