Kayaking Courses
Join us on one of our kayaking courses and you will improve your safety and ability in a fun and intimate way.
Our kayaking courses maintain small instructor to group ratios to ensure you get the personal attention you need.
Our kayaking courses are delivered on the Pembrokeshire coastline which is the perfect environment for learning, exploring and developing your sea kayaking skills.
Expect to improve your skills
Increase your awareness and meet like-minded people, all whilst having fun and enjoying the spectacular beauty around us. From complete beginner to advanced sea kayak guru, we have kayaking courses to help you along every step of that wonderful journey.
1. Use this guide to choose your kayaking courses 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).
All Kayaking Courses
Level 1
Kayak-King Tour
If you’ve never been kayaking before and you just want to give it a go why not join our sister company? Kayak King, will take you on a tour to hidden coastlines, beautiful beaches, remote caves and wildlife utopias.
Level 1 and 2
Sit-on-Top Safety Day
Learn about the basics of using a sit-on-top kayak safely in the sea environment. This kayaking course is predominantly water-based and designed to give you the ability to plan simple trips and paddle them with confidence.
Level 1 and 2
Sit-on-Top Improvers Day
Gain even more confidence out on the sea on your sit-on-top kayak. Building on our popular Safety Course (not essential to have completed but highly recommended) we will plan and execute a longer journey. Whilst out we will take time to coach to your specific needs to improve your skills, knowledge and confidence allowing you to get to more adventurous locations in the future.
Level 1 and 2
Weather and Tide Awareness Day
In this dry, classroom-based course you will build on the trip planning elements of the Safety Courses. Prepare to have your mind opened to maps, charts and the environmental factors that affect our time out on the water giving you all the skills to choose your locations safely and with the confidence of knowing what to expect.
Level 1 and 2
Paddle with Maps Day
Take your maps out on the sea and learn how to navigate in a real environment. This course we will take our OS maps out on the sea and learn how things translate from paper into real life.
Level 1
Introduction to Sea Kayaking Day Trip
For those who’ve never kayaked before but who would like to spend a day seeing what sea kayaking is all about. Starting at our base we’ll discuss the weather and tides to find a suitable sheltered location for the day.
On the water, we’ll teach you the fundamentals you need before embarking on a short day trip to showcase the wonders of sea kayaking.
Level 2
Intro to Sea Kayak Safety Day
Learn about the basics of using a sea kayak safely. This kayaking course is predominantly water-based and designed to give you the ability to plan and execute simple trips and deal with some of the common mishaps that can happen on the sea with confidence.
Level 1 and 2
Sea Kayak Beginners Course
Intrigued by the magic of the sea? Perhaps you’ve done a bit of kayaking before? Do you want to explore the majesty of the coast? From trip planning to boat handling, we will cover everything you need to safely venture a little further.
Level 2
Sea Kayak Improvers Course
This is where we start to take all the fundamental skills we’ve learned previously and take them into a slightly more challenging and exciting environment. We’ll introduce you to a bit of wind, small waves, rock hopping and gentle surf in a progressive and comfortable way.
Level 3
Sit-on-Top Sea Kayak Award (British Canoeing)
Here we focus on you becoming a fully independent paddler in conditions up to Beaufort Force 3 winds, surf up to 0.5m and small ocean swells. You’ll soon be able to plan your own trips and be confident to deal with any mishaps that might arise along the way.
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 kayaking 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 4
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 kayaking course does not include the ONTP course needed for assessment.
Level 5
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 5
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 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
Kayaking courses for all abilities
Small coach to trainee ratios
Quality equipment
Dedicated facilities
Top level coaches
Join us!
On a sea kayaking course
