British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award
Become a Fully Independent Paddler and Achieve the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award!
Are you ready to take your sea kayaking skills to the next level?
Our comprehensive course focuses on developing your independence as a paddler, equipping you with the knowledge and competence to plan your own trips and handle any challenges that may arise along the way.
Whether you aspire to obtain the prestigious British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award or simply want to enhance your skills at that level, this course is perfect for you.
Duration: 2-5 days of immersive training
All equipment provided for your convenience
Learn essential safety practices for sea kayaking
On-site camping and accommodation options available
From £100 per day + 6% booking fee
9.00am to 5pm
Details & Itinerary
British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award Course
Overview
Welcome to the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award Course! This comprehensive program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in sea kayaking. By the end of the course, if you demonstrate the required paddling proficiency, you will have the opportunity to obtain the prestigious British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award.
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites are required for this course. However, previous experience with sit-in kayaks and the use of a spray skirt is recommended. This prior experience, even if not in a sea kayaking context, will help you familiarize yourself with the basic techniques and skills required for kayaking.
Location and Paddling Conditions
The course offers a diverse range of paddling conditions to challenge and enhance your sea kayaking abilities. The exact paddling location will be determined on the day of the course, taking into consideration current weather conditions. This ensures optimal safety and allows for the best possible learning experience.
Course Structure
Classroom Session
The course begins in our purpose-built classroom, where you will receive theoretical instruction and valuable insights into the world of sea kayaking. This session will provide you with a solid foundation and understanding of the essential principles and techniques before hitting the water.
On-Water Training
We’ll start in relatively calm waters, allowing you to explore, refresh, and expand your understanding of the fundamentals of sea kayaking. Our expert instructors will guide you through various exercises and drills to refine your paddling technique, boat control, and navigation skills.
As you progress, we’ll gradually introduce more challenging environments. You’ll have the opportunity to navigate through rock gardens, experience waves, winds, and surf, and develop your ability to handle diverse paddling conditions. This hands-on experience will build your confidence and competence in tackling the complexities of sea kayaking.
Obtaining the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award
Upon successful completion of the course and meeting the required paddling level, you will be offered the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award. This prestigious recognition signifies your competence and proficiency in sea kayaking, highlighting your ability to navigate safely and confidently in challenging coastal waters.
What we will cover:
- Trip planning; tide, weather and other environmental factors
- Paddling your kayak efficiently; development of more complex paddling techniques such as bow-rudders and bracing.
- Rock hopping, wind up to F3, surf up to 0.5m and gentle tide races (conditions dependant)
- Simple peer rescues, towing and self rescues
- Map and chart reading skills including deck-top navigation
What you should bring:
Essential:
- Lunch is not provided, please bring your own packed lunch and any other snacks you require for the day/course (in a suitable container to be taken on the kayaks i.e plastic food container)
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Drinking water
- Hat
On cold days: Bring a jumper or fleece that you don’t mind getting wet.
On hot days: You might wish to bring clothes to wear kayaking that you don’t mind getting wet (much more comfortable than a wetsuit). The kayak coach will advise on this during the introductory talk.
What we provide:
Top-quality instruction and leadership from our qualified coaches
Small coach to group ratio of 1:4 or 2:6
We will provide all equipment you need or you are welcome to use your own.
We will have available:
- Kayaks
- Paddles
- Wetsuits
- Windproofs
- Drysuits (in winter and on particularly cold days)
- Buoyancy Aids
- Spray Skirts
- Dry Bags
- Helmets
- Towlines
- Map Cases
Your coach will discuss this with you on arrival and can provide anything extra you require.
Minimum participants to run: 1
All of our courses are guaranteed to run with only one person booking.
You can book your course safe in the knowledge that it will run, even if it’s only yourself booked on!
Want to know why we’re operating this way?
We have many years of experience in the kayaking world and we have all been frustrated when we book a course and make plans around it, only to be told shortly before that the course will not be running due to low participant numbers.
We want to be as customer-focused as possible. We have committed to running all courses even if only one person has booked.
Yes, this does mean we are operating at a loss in these instances, but we think you’ll be so impressed with the service we offer that you will be returning and bringing friends with you in the future!
And it’s a day out at sea doing something that we are passionate about, so we all win!
More FAQs...
Can I take my camera?
You are welcome to take your camera/phone on the water but please understand we take no responsibility for anything being lost or damaged as waterproof phones are not saltwater proof, a case with a tether is required. After testing we have a reliable case available to purchase on arrival. We ask all customers taking their phones on the sea to put their phones onto aeroplane mode.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather can stop this course but if this is the case we will get in contact via email and/or text to let you know.
Taught By Experts
A passionate team that is dedicated to helping customers on their personal journey in kayaking.
Small instructor to group ratios to ensure you get the personal attention you need.
All Kayaking Equipment Included
We can provide everything you need including wetsuits, windproofs, paddles, buoyancy aids and kayaks. Your coach will discuss this with you when meeting you and get anything extra you require.
Join us!
