2-Hour Beginners Course in Sit-On-Top Kayaking or Canoeing in Torquay

The booking is two hours from check-in on the sand through to packing kit away. Most of that time is coaching, with a short brief before you launch into the bay.

Come a few minutes early so changing does not eat into water time. We confirm the exact clock time when we approve your date, and we may shift slightly for tide.

No. The two hours are written for people who have never sat on a sit-on-top or in an open canoe. Coaching starts with launching and a forward stroke before a turn or a stop.

If you have paddled before, say so at the start. The same session can tighten those habits rather than treating you as a first-timer.

Sit-on-top kayaks and open canoes, chosen on the sand for the people in your group. Sit-on-tops are stable and easy to climb back onto. Canoes suit families who want to share a boat.

The instructor picks the craft after the brief, so you are not locked into one type before you arrive. Under 14s share a tandem with an adult.

Four, when the child fits a buoyancy aid. Anyone under 14 paddles tandem with an adult for the whole session, which keeps the group together in the bay.

Tell us ages when you request a date so we put the right boats out. Mixed families share the same instructor, just at a calmer pace if a younger child is in the boat.

Oddicombe Beach, Beach Road, Torquay, TQ1 3LB. Walk down to the watersports desk beside the slipway. There is no parking on the sand itself.

The cliff railway from Babbacombe Downs is the usual way down on busy days. Allow extra time in summer, then come to the desk a few minutes before your start.

A boat, a paddle and a buoyancy aid for each person, plus technical outer layers when the day is cool. Everything is fitted on the sand before you launch.

Bring swimwear or quick-dry clothes underneath. Your own wetsuit is fine. Leave phones in the car unless you have a case you are happy to get wet.

Swimwear or quick-dry layers, a towel, old or wet shoes, sun cream and a hat. A water bottle and a snack help after you come off the water.

On cooler days bring gym or walking clothes to wear under our dry layers. Pack a bag for wet kit afterwards.

Up to six, so the instructor can still give cues while you turn or stop. Family tickets and smaller private groups use the options shown when you request a date.

Tell us your headcount in advance so we have the right boats on the sand. Extra people cannot just join on the day.

Rain alone does not stop the session. We move or shorten the water time if wind or swell makes the planned drills unsafe in the bay.

We contact you when we need to change the plan. Check your messages the evening before if you are travelling a long way.

Through the main season from May to October, often around mid-morning such as 10:00 to 12:00. Exact times are confirmed when we approve your date.

We may adjust the start slightly for tide or how the beach is working that day. Arrive ready to change, not still looking for the path down.