Women’s Sea Kayak Retreat
A mixed-ability retreat for women who already have some sea kayaking experience and want to build confidence, explore the coast and enjoy relaxed days on the water.
Two days · Small groups · Experienced female coaches · Essential equipment included · Pembrokeshire coastline
The Women’s Sea Kayak Retreat is a supportive, women-only sea kayaking experience focused on confidence, connection and enjoyable time on the water.
Led by experienced female sea kayak coaches, the retreat offers a relaxed and welcoming environment where women can paddle together, explore the coastline and enjoy being at sea without pressure or expectation.
Retreats run as weekend or midweek experiences, with dates chosen to make the most of quieter conditions and a slower pace of life on the coast.
What the retreat is like
The Women’s Sea Kayak Retreat is a coached coastal experience shaped by the conditions, the coastline and the group. It combines enjoyable journeys with opportunities to consolidate skills, try new things and build confidence without a rigid syllabus or assessment pressure.
There is time to paddle, explore, rest and connect, with an unhurried pace and plenty of space for individual coaching.
A typical retreat day
- Meet at New Holmus Farm to check the forecast, discuss the day and organise equipment.
- Choose the most suitable part of the Pembrokeshire coast for the conditions and group.
- Enjoy a coached coastal journey with skills and challenges woven naturally into the day.
- Take time for breaks, conversation and exploring the coastline.
- Return to the Academy with facilities for washing and drying paddling kit.
Every day is different because the plan responds to the sea rather than following a fixed itinerary.
Who the retreat is for
The retreat is mixed ability, but it is not a first-time beginner course. It is suitable for women with some sea kayaking experience who are comfortable spending time on open water.
Experience within the group may vary considerably. Coaching and routes are adapted to the conditions and the people involved, allowing everyone to consolidate skills, try new things and progress at their own pace.
If you’re unsure whether the retreat is right for you, email the Academy and we’ll help you decide.
Weather and flexible planning
Sea kayaking is weather dependent, so each day is planned around the forecast, sea conditions and the group. Our local knowledge gives us a range of possible paddling locations, including more sheltered options when conditions are unsettled.
Where useful, we may combine time on the water with practical sessions at New Holmus Farm—such as weather and trip planning, navigation, equipment setup and skills discussions. This helps us make good use of the day without pushing conditions simply to follow a fixed itinerary.
If conditions prevent us from delivering safe, worthwhile kayaking, our usual provider-cancellation policy applies.
Accommodation and logistics
All Women’s Sea Kayak Retreats are based at New Holmus Farm. On-site camping is available, Holmus Cottage may be available on request, or you are welcome to stay elsewhere and travel to the Academy each day.
Accommodation and meals are not included in the retreat price. Camping and the cottage are booked separately; please email us to ask about availability.
Dates and booking
Choose an available retreat date below to see live availability and book online.
If you have questions about experience, confidence or logistics, please email the Academy before booking—we’re happy to help.
Want to know what a retreat day really feels like? Read a participant’s first-person account.
Ant handles bookings and coordination—your coach will take care of everything on the water.
What’s included
- Two days of coaching with experienced female sea kayak coaches.
- Daily planning and venue choice based on the conditions and group.
- All essential sea kayaking equipment if you need it.
- Use of the Academy base, including facilities for washing and drying paddling kit.
- A supportive small-group environment with individual coaching woven into the days.
Accommodation and meals are not included. Camping and Holmus Cottage are booked separately.
If a date shows as “call to book”, please email the Academy and we’ll arrange the booking directly.
Led by experienced female sea kayak coaches
The Women’s Sea Kayak Retreat is led by experienced female sea kayak coaches with extensive local knowledge of the Pembrokeshire coast. Each day is shaped by conditions, group needs, and sound decision-making to ensure safe, enjoyable paddling on real coastline.
Plan your retreat
Every Women’s Sea Kayak Retreat meets at Sea Kayak Academy, New Holmus Farm. We check equipment, discuss the forecast and choose the most suitable part of the Pembrokeshire coast for the conditions and group.
Before booking or travelling, you may find these useful:
- Where We Meet – the Academy base and what to expect
- Getting Here – travel guidance and approximate journey times
- Accommodation & Camping – on-site camping and Holmus Cottage
- FAQs – common questions about equipment and logistics
Detailed arrival instructions are sent to booked participants.