Introduction to Sea Kayaking 26th May

What to expect

The sea offers a unique environment for paddlers - we can explore caves, have fun in the surf, and much more! But it takes skill to launch and land safely, paddle efficiently, and control our kayaks to truly experience what the coastline has to offer. Whether you are a complete beginner or have paddled before, this course will equip you with a solid foundation of practical skills for kayaking on the sea. Suitable for age 16 and above. We will choose a location and route sheltered from strong wind or swell, typically Tenby South Beach or the surrounding area. After a short briefing on weather and tidal conditions, and basic instructions on how to use the equipment, we will get on the water. We will spend the day learning skills in the bay, before venturing out along a short stretch of sheltered coastline. You will learn how to control and manoeuvre your kayak efficiently, develop an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling (such as wind and tide), enabling you to make decisions and become a more skilled and independent paddler. You will also have the option to learn how to self-rescue from a capsize, and to help others in difficulty. We will stop for lunch on the beach, so please bring food and drink with you. You can choose between two types of kayak: - Sit on Top Kayaks are easy to manoeuvre and highly stable. They have an open cockpit, so you sit 'on' them rather than 'in' them. - Sea Kayaks are longer and take a bit more skill to control. They are designed for longer journeys and a wider range of conditions. They have a closed cockpit, so you sit 'in' them with a deck covering your legs. If you don't indicate a preference, or are unsure, then we will provide you with a Sit on Top kayak. Included in the course fee are the kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid, helmet, dry bag, and waterproof cag. If required, you can also hire a wetsuit from us for a small additional fee. As part of the course you can be assessed for the Paddle UK ‘Discover Award’ (you would need to pay a small additional certification fee of £7 charged by Paddle UK after the course for this). Occasionally we may need to change the location depending on the weather - if so we will contact you at least 24 hours before the session. We also run Beginners Sea Kayaking Trips, where you can practise your new skills whilst exploring the coastline for a full day - the closest date to this course will be 27th May.