Sit-on-Top 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.
At the end of the course, provided paddling at the required level, you will be offered the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award.
2 - 5 day course
All equipment provided
Learn how to be safe at sea
From £90 per day + 6% booking fee
9:30am to 5:30pm
Details & Itinerary
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.
At the end of the course, provided paddling at the required level, you will be offered the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award.
British Canoeing has no specific prerequisites for obtaining this award. Further information from British Canoeing.
Previous experience required:
Experience and confidence paddling sit-on-top kayaks on flat water (not necessarily on the sea)
Location/Paddling conditions:
The day starts in our classroom. Our exact paddling location will be decided on the day to allow for the current weather conditions.
We’ll start in relatively calm water to explore, refresh and expand the fundamentals of sea kayaking. Progressing into some rock gardens, waves, wind and surf to further develop your skills
What we will cover:
- Trip planning; tide, weather and other environmental factors
- Paddling your kayak efficiently; development of more complex paddling techniques such as rudders and bracing.
Rock hopping, wind up to F3, surf up to 0.5m and gentle tide races (conditions dependent) - Simple peer rescues, towing and self rescues
- Map and chart reading skills including simple 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.
