This course is perfect for those eager to advance their sea kayaking skills. Ideal for those who want to start planning their own trips, it offers hands-on training in a wonderful coastal environment.
On Day 1, you'll start with a morning orientation session where you’ll meet your coach and fellow participants. The coach will outline the course content and goals. The morning session includes learning how to select good launching and landing sites. By mid-morning, you’ll be on the water, focusing on personal skill development and efficient paddling techniques, with individual coaching and feedback. The afternoon involves paddling along the coast, focusing on group dynamics and assisting a friend in difficulty. You’ll also learn about the necessary equipment and its usage, with a break on a scenic beach for wildlife spotting. The day ends with a debrief and planning session for the next day’s activities.
Day 2 begins with a review of key lessons from Day 1 and planning the day’s route. The morning session covers rescue and emergency procedures, with practical, real-life scenarios. Mid-morning, you’ll explore more challenging sections of the coastline, applying tidal planning and navigation skills. If you’re interested, you can start or refine your eskimo roll technique. In the afternoon, experience the thrill of surfing waves in a sea kayak, conditions permitting. Continue exploring the coast, enjoying gorgeous views and a serene environment. The day concludes with a final debrief, discussing your progress and future improvement areas, and you’ll receive your Paddle UK certification.
The course is based in Castletown, Portland, in the beautiful county of Dorset. This area is renowned for its beautiful coastline, offering a mix of sheltered bays, rugged cliffs, and open water.
The diverse marine environment is perfect for developing a wide range of kayaking skills. Our world-class location provides ample opportunities to explore and paddle through some of the most scenic parts of the Dorset coast, including areas you might not have had the confidence to explore on your own.
No previous kayaking experience is required, but participants should be averagely fit and comfortable in water.
We offer guided sea kayak trips, skills courses, SUP, and coasteering for all abilities. Founded in 2022 by Paul, who has 25 years of experience delivering quality adventure experiences along the Dorset coast, our centre prides itself on its friendly, highly qualified guides.
We provide stable, easy-to-control sea kayaks, and double kayaks for youngsters or apprehensive paddlers. While we recommend experienced paddlers bring their own equipment, we provide all necessary technical kit for those who need it.
No prior experience is needed. The course is designed to accommodate beginners as well as those looking to enhance their skills.
Bring personal clothing suitable for the weather, food, and drinks. All technical equipment is provided.
Yes, experienced paddlers are encouraged to bring their own equipment.
However, we can supply any technical kit you might not have.
That's completely fine. Inform your coach of your preferences, and the course will be tailored to suit your comfort level.
Our standard 2-day course is packed full of information and top coaching that will help you learn new skills and gain knowledge. You will get to enjoy the classic Sea Kayaking on offer around Dorset.
On our 4-day course, you will do a deep dive into the world of Sea Kayaking. You will get to plan trips and launch from a variety of remote locations. Every day is a unique experience that you will remember for years to come.
To book a different duration, please see our other courses at the bottom of this page.
A choice of Sea Kayak’s for your use. We also have a large range of Paddles, Buoyancy aids, Cags, Spray decks, Charts, VHF Radios and a range of personal safety equipment for you to try out.
Our waterfront location is right by the water and we have toilets and secure storage facilities here. For chart work on wild winter days, we have a comfortable classroom at the kayak base.
There are several accommodation options available:
Additionally, there are hotels on Portland including the Aqua Hotel, Admiralty Hotel, and Portland Heights Hotel.
Included with all of our courses is the internationally recognised Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) Paddle Start Certificate.
You can receive this, free of charge, as a digital PDF certificate direct from Paddle UK. Higher level, PUK Paddle Awards are available on all of our courses if you meet the required skill criteria.
L1 – Discover
This will be your first time in a kayak. You don’t need to be sporty or adventurous; you don’t even need to be particularly confident in the water for this level. Our team will show you all there is to know about sea kayaking and help you find what really makes it fun!
PUK Equivalent: Paddle Start/Discover
L2 – Introduction
If you’re an outdoors-y person who wants to go on adventures in a kayak, this course is perfect for you! You may have some experience with kayaking or water sports such as sailing, surfing, or river kayaking and are looking to increase your skill level.
PUK Equivalent: Paddle Explore
L3 – Intermediate
Your passion for kayaking has spurred you to learn all about sea kayaks, from logistics and safety to tips for efficient paddling. You’re comfortable paddling at upwind speeds of four knots, or 5 miles per hour.
PUK Equivalent: Sea Kayak Award
L4 – Advanced
You should be an active and experienced sea paddler; over the years you should have undertaken some longer and more challenging expeditions. You should already have the ability to be an active part of the group and know how to help others if they get into difficulty. You should already be able to roll or self-rescue. We will be looking for conditions where you can test your skills so you will get the most out of the course if you are keen to challenge yourself. You should be happy in Force 4+ conditions and launching/landing through surf.
PUK Equivalent: Coastal Sea Kayak Award
About the centre
Osprey Leisure Centre, Castletown, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1BD
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Sea Kayak Dorset, a partner of adventuro.
