Sea Kayak Leader Development Week

This course is designed for intermediate to advanced sea kayakers who are looking to develop their skills further, either to prepare for the Paddle UK Sea Kayak Leader Award or simply to improve their ability to paddle and lead in coastal environments. You should have prior experience in sea kayaking and be comfortable paddling in open water conditions.

Yes, you will need to bring your own sea kayak and paddling kit, including a paddle, buoyancy aid, helmet, spray deck, and any other personal safety gear. We do not provide equipment hire for this course, so please ensure you have everything you need before attending. If you have any questions about whether your equipment is suitable, feel free to get in touch before the course.

Yes, you will need to bring your own packed lunches, snacks, and water each day. While there may be opportunities to purchase food locally, it's best to come prepared for long days on the water. Ensure you bring enough food and water to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

There is no pressure to take the Sea Kayak Leader assessment at the end of the course. The development week is designed to help you progress your skills, and whether or not you feel ready for assessment, you’ll leave with improved abilities and confidence. If you decide you’d like more practice, you can always book the assessment at a later date.

Throughout the week, you'll receive personalised coaching from Andrew and our experienced team. We provide continuous feedback during and after each session, helping you to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Our aim is to ensure you feel supported and confident in your development, whether you're working towards the Sea Kayak Leader Award or simply improving your overall skills.

To get the most out of this week, you should already have some sea kayaking experience, particularly in coastal waters. Ideally, you will have completed the sea kayak tidal planning element, but we will review tidal planning during the course. If you're unsure about your skill level or prerequisites, please contact us for guidance.

No, the assessment is not included in the course fee. However, if you feel ready and wish to take the Paddle UK Sea Kayak Leader assessment, you can book it separately for £250. The assessment will be conducted by an independent assessor and is typically scheduled towards the end of the week or on a subsequent date. This is optional, and you are welcome to attend the development week purely to enhance your skills without pursuing the qualification.

This course covers a wide range of skills to develop your sea kayaking abilities, including:

• Rescue Techniques: Learn the essential rescues from the Sea Kayak Rescue Award, including self-rescue and rescuing others in challenging conditions.
• Tidal Planning: Reinforce and build upon your understanding of tidal planning, enabling you to make informed decisions while paddling in tidal waters.
• Paddling Techniques: Refine key paddling skills such as forward paddling, bracing, edging, and manoeuvring in dynamic coastal environments.
• Leadership Skills: Learn how to lead groups safely on the water, including decision-making based on group ability, weather conditions, and sea state.
• Optional Surf Kayaking: If you're interested, we can incorporate some surf kayaking into the course, using South Devon's excellent surf beaches.

Each day typically runs from around 9am to 5am, depending on weather conditions and tides. The course includes a mix of practical on-water sessions, rescue drills, and leadership exercises, with time spent reviewing skills and receiving feedback. The exact schedule will vary depending on the conditions, but expect full days of kayaking and development. Daily debriefs help consolidate learning and plan for the following day.

The course is based in the South Hams region of Devon, along the beautiful South Devon coastline. This area provides a diverse range of sea kayaking environments, from sheltered coves to more challenging open water conditions, giving you the opportunity to practice in real-world scenarios. The coastline is renowned for its natural beauty, making it an inspiring place to learn and paddle.

Sea kayaking can be physically demanding, especially in rougher conditions or during rescue practice. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared for full days on the water. That said, the course is designed to be supportive, and we will work with you to adjust the intensity as needed. If you have any concerns about the physical demands, please contact us beforehand.

We closely monitor weather and sea conditions throughout the week. If conditions are unsuitable for one location, we will move to an alternative area along the South Devon coast to ensure your safety and the best possible learning experience. Our team is highly experienced in adapting to changing conditions, so you’ll still gain valuable experience even if the weather isn't perfect.

No, accommodation is not included in the course fee. However, we can help coordinate shared accommodation with other participants, such as local bunkhouses or lodges. Many participants choose to stay in nearby accommodation to keep costs down and share transport. You are also welcome to arrange your own lodging, and we can recommend places close to the course location.