Intermediate 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 first day we will look at equipment and then get on the water. 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 sea kayaking, and this short break is the perfect opportunity to gain the necessary experience which may allow you to join some of our more demanding expeditions and journeys in the future.

The Right Course?

This course is for paddlers who have gained the UKCC / BCU Paddlesport 2 Star Certificate, or paddlers who are confident to launch on the sea in winds up to force 3 and have a competent support stroke. The course will aim to cover the UKCC / BCU 3 Star Sea Training Syllabus. Girls Only courses are available.

Course Outline

We will choose an interesting and beautiful location. Maybe we will go to Ilfracombe Harbour or Lee Bay. If conditions are not too good we can go to the Taw Estuary and get the feel of sea kayaking in a sheltered location.

The first day will be spent teaching you some sea kayak specific skills such as:

Launching & landing
Turning a sea kayak
Efficient forwards paddling
Coping with a beam sea
Paddling in a following sea
Surf & surf landings
Support strokes
Rolling
Safety and rescue
Towing
Planning a coastal journey
Deck top navigation using a map & compass
Coastguard service
Sea kayaking equipment

You will not be "made to capsize" but if it happens anyway (it does occasionally), you will already know what to do and we will be there to make sure that you come to no harm.

The second day will be a 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.

Look here to see a gallery of Intermediate Sea Kayaking course

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