Beginners Intro to Sit-In Sea Kayaking in Torquay

One full day, about eight hours from check-in on the sand through to packing kit away. Starts are usually around 9am.

Most of that window is coaching on land and on the water, with time to eat. We confirm the exact clock time when we approve your date, and we may shift slightly for tide.

No. The day is written for people who have never sat in a sit-in sea kayak. Land work comes first, then short spells on sheltered water before any longer look along the coast.

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

Twelve. Younger teenagers on solo touring kayaks are the usual group. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian in the conversation when you request a date.

Tell us ages so we put the right boats out. Mixed groups share the same instructor, just at a calmer pace if someone is new to a sit-in cockpit.

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

Meadfoot, Paignton, Brixham, Berry Head, or Dart and Teign access may be used when that water suits the day. We send the pin before you travel.

A sit-in sea kayak, a paddle, a buoyancy aid and technical outer layers suited to the day. Everything is fitted on the sand before you launch.

Bring gym or walking clothes to wear underneath, plus lunch and water. Your own wetsuit is fine if you prefer it.

Lunch, snacks, drinking water, gym or walking layers, old or wet shoes, a towel and a spare top. Sun cream and a hat help when it is bright. A swimsuit if you want a swim.

Pack a bag for wet kit afterwards. Leave phones in the car unless you have a case you are happy to get wet.

Between two and six, so the instructor can still give cues while you edge or practise a rescue. Tell us your headcount when you request a date.

Larger parties can be looked at with an extra guide if you share numbers in advance. Extra people cannot just join on the day.

The stable beginner solo boat holds up to 130 kg. Tell us in your request if you are near or above that so we can confirm craft before the day.

We may suggest a different boat where that makes the day safer and more comfortable.

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

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

Launching and landing, a forward stroke, body steering, edging, skeg use, capsize and rescue practice, and a simple look at coastal navigation and the day's forecast.

Rock hops, caves and wildlife can sit in the same day when the venue and conditions allow. The instructor stays with the group on the sand and on the water.