Most Sea Kayak Academy courses can be booked directly online via the course page.

Some courses or dates show as “Call to book” — this simply means you should email us to enquire and book, rather than booking instantly online. We don’t usually take bookings by phone.

If you’re unsure which option applies, just email us and we’ll guide you through the next st

Joining details are sent after full payment has been received.

Once your place is confirmed, we’ll email you everything you need to know, including meeting time, what to bring, and any final logistics ahead of your course.

Not always — some Sea Kayak Academy courses suit paddlers with little or no previous experience, while others are designed for paddlers with existing skills.

Each course page clearly explains the expected experience. If you’re unsure whether you’re a good fit, contact us before booking and we’ll point you towards the most sensible option.

Sea Kayak Academy courses are primarily designed for adult paddlers.

Participants under 18 may be possible only by prior arrangement, and a parent/guardian must be present (including on the water). If you’re enquiring for someone under 18, please get in touch before booking.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but a reasonable level of general fitness helps.

As a guide, you should be comfortable paddling for a few hours and moving around independently on uneven ground at the coast.

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be comfortable being on and around the sea (and happy wearing a buoyancy aid).

If you’re unsure before booking, we recommend getting in touch so we can advise.

If, once booked, something doesn’t feel quite right, speak to us as early as possible. Where practical, we’ll help you move to a more suitable option.

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

We meet first to check equipment, run through the plan, and choose the most suitable paddling location based on conditions.

Locations are chosen on the day based on weather, tides, sea conditions, and the experience of the group.

This flexible approach allows us to paddle in the safest and most enjoyable conditions available, rather than trying to force a fixed plan.

We regularly adjust plans and locations to suit conditions.

If conditions are unsuitable or unsafe, we’ll contact you to discuss the best option — which might be a different location, a modified plan, rescheduling, or an alternative.

Time on the water varies by course, conditions, and group needs.

Rather than aiming for a fixed distance or duration, we focus on making good use of the conditions available and delivering meaningful time on the sea.

We choose conditions that are appropriate for the course aims and the experience of the group.

That might include wind, swell, tide, or surf where it’s useful for learning — but always in a managed, coached way. We don’t paddle in conditions that aren’t suitable or safe for the group.

Sea Kayak Academy courses are coaching-led, even when they involve journeys or exploration.

You can expect active coaching, feedback, and discussion — not just following a guide from A to B.

No specific preparation is required.

If you paddle regularly already, just turn up as you are. If you’re newer or returning after a break, the course will naturally accommodate that.

We’ll send joining information before your course, but typically you should bring:

• suitable clothing for the weather (including warm layers)

• trainers or water shoes

• a towel and dry clothes for after

• lunch and drinks for the day

Yes — you’re welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer.

If you’re bringing your own kayak or safety kit, we may do a quick check on the day to make sure it’s appropriate for the conditions and the course.

Yes — many courses have limited spaces and can fill up well in advance, especially during the main season.

If a course shows limited availability, we recommend booking as soon as you’re confident it’s right for you. If you’re unsure, get in touch and we’ll help you decide before it fills.

Yes — bank transfer is available for many courses, private coaching, and group bookings.

If you’d prefer to pay by bank transfer, just email us and we’ll confirm availability and payment details.

If you need to change dates, please contact us as early as possible.

Where space allows and notice is reasonable, we’ll do our best to move your booking to an alternative suitable date or course. All changes are subject to availability and our booking terms.

Our cancellation terms are set out in our booking conditions.

If something unexpected comes up, contact us as soon as possible and we’ll talk through the options available.

We hold £5 million public liability insurance.

Personal accident or travel insurance is not included, and participants are responsible for arranging their own cover if required.

Yes — photos taken during your course or trip are shared afterwards at no extra charge.

Most Sea Kayak Academy courses are coaching-focused, not assessments.

Courses that are formal assessments or follow Paddle UK award syllabi are clearly labelled as such on the course page.

Accommodation is not included as part of our courses.

However, there are a couple of options available by arrangement:

• On-site camping is available at Sea Kayak Academy for participants who would like to stay nearby before or during their course. Camping is simple and informal, and can be added to your booking if required.

• We also have a holiday cottage on site, which is occasionally available alongside specific courses. This is not routinely available and cannot be assumed — availability depends on dates and existing bookings.

If you’re interested in either option, please get in touch before booking so we can confirm what’s possible.