Sea Kayak Pathway

All pathways are designed to to let you take control of your development. You should where possible track your own progress and make requests to the coaching team on Slack to deliver the sessions you would like to complete.

Our sea kayak pathway is designed for those who are new to sea kayaking but have completed the kayak pathway.

Session: SK1 - Introduction

Who is it for?

This session is for those new to sea kayaking but who are a 'BC Discover' level 

What will I learn?

Expect to learn the basics about the equipment you are using and how to get in a boat, and controlling the craft on flat open water. You will be introduced to different techniques to manoeuvre and steer the craft.

Launching and landing in different conditions

SK1 will consist of up to four sessions and at least two different locations.

Session: SK2.1 - Rescues

Who is it for?

Anyone that does not know how to rescue themselves or another sea kayak if they should fall in.

What will I learn?

You will learn how to stay safe on the water and how to keep those around you safe. You will be introduced to Self Rescues, peer rescues and using other options for example 'paddle float'.

During the sessions within SK2 you will in the first instance learn how to prevent a capsize moving on to deep water rescues both peer and self rescues. The sessions will start on flat water but as confidence grows move into different conditions

Session: SK2.2 - Waves

Who is it for?

For those who have mastered control and balance having confidence in support strokes edging and turning.

What will I learn?

The sea is a dynamic playground and therefore having an understanding of waves and wave types is important.  During this series of sessions you will learn how to paddle into waves, across waves and with the waves - including launching and landing in different situations

Session: SK2.3 - Towing 

Who is it for?

Anyone who paddles on the sea. 

What will I learn?

You will explore the use of various tows and when best to use these. You will be introduced to a variety of towing lines and explore the pros and cons of each.

Session: SK2.4 - Surf

Who is it for?

Anyone who paddles on the sea. 

What will I learn?

Learning to surf a sea kayak is one of the best ways to improve your balance, timing and build confidence. You will learn how to 'take the hit' as the surf explodes on your side, how to 'bongo slide' in control, how to get on and off the surf wave, the best position to take on a wave as well as what to do when it all goes wrong and you have to get out of your boat. This is a skill which takes time and lots of practice along with taking time to understand how surf waves are formed - yes there is theory time to support the practical. Expect to develop over a series of lessons.

Session: SK2.5 - Incident Management

Who is it for?

Anyone who paddles on the sea. 

What will I learn?

Incidents don't normally just happen - they are caused. Therefore you will consider pre paddle procedures and planning. You will discover the significance of dynamic risk assessment as forecast don't always reflect the real situation. You will during the course of these sessions be presented with situations which you will deal with as they happen however you will learn that the best learning will come through personal reflective process.

During these sessions your coach may draw upon support from experienced Sea Kayakers.

Session: SK2.6 - Theory

Who is it for?

Anyone who paddles on the sea. 

What will I learn?

Getting good information is crucial to building a Sea Kayak Journey Plan. You will learn where to find the information and how to apply it to your Journey Plans.