Advanced Sea Kayaking Course: 2 Days - £160 / 5 Days - £325

Based on the North Devon Coast, you will benefit from lots of kayaking instruction but also enjoy some of the finest sea kayaking in the South West as we explore the surrounding coastline in this area. The group will have a maximum ratio of 1 instructor to 4 clients so you will receive personal kayak coaching throughout the course from our highly qualified and experienced sea kayak guides. North Devon is a wonderful destination for advanced sea kayaking, with world class surfing beaches, fast tidal streams and exposed headlands. We aim to safely develop your rough water handling skills and confidence on the water during this course. Paddling up to 15-20 miles a day, the group will gain experience of kayaking in a range of conditions as we explore the coastline.

The Right Course?

This course is for paddlers who are confident to launch and land through moderate surf, paddle in winds up to and above force 4 and be able to roll a sea kayak. The course will aim to cover some aspects of the UKCC / BCU 4 & 5 Star Sea Leader Training Syllabus such as – personal paddling skills, incident management, deck top navigation and leadership.

Course Outline

We will choose an interesting and beautiful location. Maybe we will go to Croyde or Lee Bay, if conditions are not too good we could go to Combe Martin Bay and get the feel of sea kayaking in a location offering us a little more protection.

We aim to teach you advanced skills such as:

Launching & landing – including surf and rock landings where appropriate
Turning a sea kayak in difficult conditions
Efficient forwards paddling in wind and waves
Coping with a beam sea and a following sea
Surf & surf landings
Support strokes and rolling
Safety and rescue
Towing
Incident management
Planning a coastal journey
Deck top navigation using a map & compass
Coastguard service

There will be plenty of chance to practice your new sea kayaking skills as we journey along the North Devon Coast. With its rugged cliffs, golden sandy beaches and quaint harbours, North Devon has to be one of the most picturesque coastlines in the UK. By far the best way to see this stunning scenery is by sea kayak, no engine noise, no pollution and the satisfaction of providing your own power.

Timings

For these trips, we usually start about 9.30am and finish about 4:30pm depending on tides, weather and how keen you are ! We start the day by checking tide and weather conditions. A coastal journey will be planned to provide a memorable and exciting day on the North Devon Coast. An average of 4 to 5 hours on the water each day ensures that a quality paddle is achieved. You will have plenty of time for instruction and practicing your new found skills or just enjoy the chance to explore this lovely part of the South West. Sea Kayaking South West will supply modern sea kayaks and safety equipment.

What To Bring

We encourage advanced paddlers to bring their own kit where possible, but we have everything you should need for the course. We would recommend the following:

Your own PFD (buoyancy aid) – it will be comfortable & you’ll know what’s in your pockets !
Wetsuit and good cag or drysuit
Helmet
Sea specific towline
Knife
Whistle
Basic first aid kit
Basic repair kit
Exposure bag or emergency shelter
Food & hot drink / flask
Spare clothes
Headtorch / light sticks
VHF & flares if you have them