Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) Training (Paddle UK)

The Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) Sea Kayak Leader (Tidal) Training course develops the skills required to lead groups safely on the sea.

This training focuses on leadership, group management, decision-making, and safety in moderate coastal environments. It is designed for paddlers who want to prepare for Paddle UK Sea Kayak Leader assessment, lead members of a club, or confidently look after friends on the sea.

This is a training course only. Assessment is a separate Paddle UK process. Many paddlers choose to train, consolidate their experience, and return for assessment at a later date.

How the training is delivered

This course is delivered over either two or five days, depending on experience and learning goals. The training focuses on developing leadership skills in real coastal environments, with time to practise, reflect, and build confidence ahead of assessment.

Two-day and five-day options

The two-day course is an intensive leadership skills refresher, suitable for paddlers who already have experience leading on the sea and want focused preparation before assessment.

The five-day course provides a more in-depth development pathway and includes the Paddle UK Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning course, which is a prerequisite for Sea Kayak Leader assessment.

Previous experience required

Participants should be confident paddling a sea kayak independently in moderate coastal conditions. Some experience leading or supporting groups on the sea is recommended, along with a willingness to take responsibility for others.

What the training covers

The course focuses on the practical and decision-making skills required to lead groups on the sea, including:

• Leadership styles and group management

• Trip planning, including tides, weather, and coastal effects

• Managing risk and decision-making for others

• Leading journeys in moderate coastal conditions

• Incident management, rescues, and towing

• Communication, briefings, and debriefs

Before you book

All essential sea kayaking kit is included if you need it.

If a date shows as call to book, please email the Academy to enquire — we’ll get you booked in directly.

If you’re unsure whether this training course is right for your experience, or would like to discuss which option is most appropriate before assessment, feel free to get in touch — we’re happy to advise.

Equipment provided

All required kayaking equipment is provided. If you have your own kit you’d prefer to use, this can be discussed on the day.

Plan your visit

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

We always meet at the Academy to check equipment, talk through plans, and choose the best paddling location for the conditions on the day.

Helpful information before you book or arrive:

• Where We Meet – meeting point and what to expect on arrival
• Getting Here – travel options and approximate journey times
• Accommodation – on-site camping and Holmus Cottage
• FAQs – common questions about courses and logistics

👉 Arrival details and directions are provided to booked participants.