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THE ACADEMY TRAINING PATHWAY

Build your sea kayaking skills, step by step

A clear progression from your first purposeful coastal skills through confident personal paddling, leadership and advanced performance. Start at the stage that matches your experience—there is no need to rush towards an assessment.

Real coastlineSmall groupsKit availableProgress at your pace

FOUR STAGES, ONE CONTINUOUS JOURNEY

Start where you are. Build what comes next.

The stages are not tests you must pass in sequence. They are useful starting points for coaching. Your experience, aims and the conditions you have paddled in matter more than collecting course names.

Sea kayakers paddling calmly on the Pembrokeshire coast
01

BUILD THE FOUNDATIONS

Sea Kayak Foundation

For newer sea kayakers who want a calm, structured introduction to capable coastal paddling.

A good fit if you…

are new to sea kayaks, returning after a gap, or want sound habits before moving into more varied water.

You will work on…

boat control, efficient movement, safety, confidence and making sensible decisions in real coastal conditions.

Explore Foundation →
Sea kayaker refining technique during development coaching
02

EXPAND YOUR RANGE

Sea Kayak Development

For paddlers with the basics in place who want greater control, confidence and independence.

A good fit if you…

can paddle a sea kayak in easier conditions and want to become more effective when the coastline and weather add complexity.

You will work on…

refined strokes, manoeuvring, rescues, planning and better judgement across a wider range of coastal conditions.

Explore Development →
Sea kayakers developing leadership and navigation skills
03

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

Sea Kayak Leadership

For experienced paddlers developing the judgement and responsibility required to look after others.

A good fit if you…

are a competent personal paddler and want to develop leadership, group management and decision-making.

You will work on…

planning, navigation, incident management, group awareness and adapting decisions as conditions change.

Explore Leadership →
Advanced sea kayaker demonstrating composed control in tidal water
04

REFINE ADVANCED PERFORMANCE

Advanced Sea Kayak Skills

For strong paddlers seeking precise personal performance, advanced judgement and focused coaching.

A good fit if you…

already paddle confidently in demanding environments and want coaching that responds closely to your aims.

You will work on…

technical refinement, tidal-water control, robust decision-making and the details that unlock higher-level performance.

Explore Advanced Skills →

ACADEMY DEVELOPMENT & PADDLE UK

Skills first. Qualifications when they serve your goal.

The Academy pathway is coaching-led and centred on your development. If you want a recognised award, leadership qualification or assessment, our Paddle UK programme provides the appropriate training and assessment route.

READY TO CHOOSE?

See every Academy course date in one clear programme

Compare the 2027 schedule, open the exact date you want and check live FareHarbor availability. Online booking gives immediate confirmation; bank transfer is available by request if you would prefer to save the booking fee.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Train from our permanent Pembrokeshire base

Courses begin at New Holmus Farm before travelling to the most suitable part of the coast for the day.

TALK TO THE ACADEMY

Tell us what you have in mind.

A few useful details help Ant give you a practical answer. We’ll reply by email.

For a group, include your organisation, the least experienced paddler and any equipment, camping or accommodation needs. For a course, mention the course and date you want.

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