Paddle UK personal performance award
Sea Kayak Award
A two-day course for paddlers who are already comfortable in a sea kayak and want to develop—and, where the required standard is demonstrated, gain recognition for—their independent coastal paddling.
Personal performance, not leadership
Develop independent coastal paddling with a recognised goal
The Sea Kayak Award brings practical paddling, planning, navigation, safety and judgement together. Training and observation are integrated through the course, with the award offered when the required Paddle UK standard is demonstrated.
A good fit if you…
Are ready for an independent-paddler award
- Already feel comfortable paddling a sit-inside sea kayak
- Want to plan and undertake your own coastal journeys
- Would like to strengthen navigation and decision-making
- Want to consolidate rescues, towing and practical safety
- Value recognised personal performance without entering leadership
Important to understand
The award is not automatic
The course supports learning as well as recognition, but attendance alone does not guarantee the award. Your provider must see the current Paddle UK standard demonstrated. If more development would be useful, you will leave with clear feedback rather than a pressured assessment experience.
What you will develop
The capabilities brought together by the award
The exact emphasis is shaped by your existing experience, the group and conditions. Skills are practised in context and connected to the decisions an independent paddler needs to make.
Journey planning
Bring together weather, tides, environmental factors and suitable choices for the day.
Boat handling
Use efficient strokes, edging, support and directional control while travelling on the coast.
Navigation
Use maps, charts and simple deck-top navigation to support your journey and decisions.
Coastal journeys
Move effectively around coastal features in environments appropriate to the award, group and conditions.
Rescues & towing
Deal with common mishaps through self-rescue, peer support and simple towing.
Sound judgement
Explain and demonstrate calm, practical decisions appropriate to an independent sea kayaker.
How the two days work
A purposeful plan that can adapt
Each day begins at the Academy with equipment, conditions and the plan. The paddling location is then chosen to make the best use of the weather and the group’s needs.
Plan at the Academy
Begin with the forecast, tides, route options, equipment and the learning priorities for the group.
Perform in context
Practise and apply skills on real coastline selected for the award remit, group and conditions.
Receive clear feedback
Review your decisions and performance as the provider gathers evidence across the course.
Included
What we provide
- Two days of small-group training and observation
- Sea kayak, paddle and essential safety equipment
- Drysuit and other paddling kit if required
- Use of the Academy classroom, kit-wash and drying facilities
- Joining information before arrival
Practical details
Before you book
- Normal meeting time is 9am unless arranged otherwise
- This is a personal performance award, not a leadership qualification
- Courses begin at New Holmus Farm before travelling to the coast
- On-site participant camping is £15 per person per night
- Holmus Cottage may be available separately
- You are equally welcome to stay elsewhere and travel in each day
Dates & booking
Choose your Sea Kayak Award course
The scheduled Sea Kayak Award course runs over two days.
Book online for instant confirmation, or request a place directly by email and pay by bank transfer.
Ant handles bookings and coordination; your coach takes care of everything on the water.
June 2027
26–27 June 2027
Book securely online for instant confirmation.
September 2027
11–12 September 2027
Book securely online for instant confirmation.
Plan your visit
Everything you need before you arrive
Explore the permanent Academy base, travel options and places to stay. Exact joining details and directions are sent to booked participants.