Intro to Sea Kayaking and Improvers Sea Kayaking in Torquay

A combined two-day block starts on sheltered water with launching, a forward stroke, edging and basic rescue thinking, then moves into skeg use, trim and a coastal journey for adults who want both steps in one outing. Distances sit around 12 to 16 km across the two days, with coaching stops rather than a race. Solo touring kayaks are used on the more committing legs, so the course is 18 and over.

📋 Key Details

• Duration: 2 days
• Meeting point: Confirmed before each morning, often Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Paignton or Brixham
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Group: Between 2 and 6 paddlers
• Kit: Sea kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid and technical clothing

🏄 Key Skills

• Launching, landing and an efficient forward stroke
• Edging and basic rescue thinking
• Using the skeg in wind
• Trimming the boat for better glide
• A short coastal journey to put the habits together

👀 What to Expect

Day one is land and sea work on sheltered water: how to set the boat up, a clean launch, forwards paddling, a turn and a first look at rescue. Day two adds improvers coaching, skeg and trim, then a journey leg on estuary or headland water when the forecast allows.

Venues may include Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Paignton backwaters, Brixham and Berry Head. Both days finish so you can go home overnight. We send each morning's pin before you travel. Pack snacks, water and layers to wear under dry kit.

📍 Location

Oddicombe is a common first morning when the bay is kind: sand launch, Blue Flag water, and south-westerly wind blocked by the cliffs. That gives a calmer start before a move to more open water on day two.

If the syllabus or the wind needs Meadfoot, Paignton or Brixham, the pin comes before you travel. Parking notes sit with that message. Changing rooms and lockers are at Oddicombe when we operate from there.

✅ Prerequisites

Eighteen and over. First-timers can start on day one. Day two assumes you have those first habits, either from the day before or from time already on the water. Solo touring kayaks are used on the more committing legs.

Tell us your paddling background when you request dates so we can plan pairings. Bring snacks, water and gym or walking layers. Both days finish so you can go home overnight.

⭐ Why Choose Us

The two days are written as one block, so you do not have to wait weeks between a first launch and a first journey. Groups stay at six, which keeps time for feedback on boat fit and how you edge.

Kit is issued each morning, including technical layers when the air is cool. Coaches here work these coasts through the year, so the drills match real Torbay water rather than a pool script.