Sea Kayak Scotland Courses

We offer a full range of instruction courses from beginner to advanced. We keep our instructor to group ratio small to ensure quality instruction. From foundation techniques for beginners to advanced guided trips through the Corryvreckan. Using our extensive knowledge of the local area we can tailor a session to suit your requirements. So whether you want to just try sea kayaking or progress through the BCU Star Award Scheme or learn the advanced skills in the water of the West Coast we can offer you the opportunity to reach your potential.

You can bring your own boats and equipment our use ours.

Bespoke/private courses
Tailor made for you and your group. Our normal mode of operation. There is an almost infinite variety. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

BCU/SCA courses 1 - 4 star and rescue.
Scroll down for details and dates or click the link to jump down the page.

The following is just a sample of what we offer.

Introduction to Sea Kayaking
In the beautiful sheltered waters on the east and north of Seil we will introduce you to Sea Kayaking. Starting with the basic skills in the morning, followed by lunch on a small island we could end the day with a gentle paddle towards the Atlantic Bridge, and wind and tide permitting take in a drink at the famous Tigh na Truish Inn. On previous trips our clients have encountered seals, feral goats, otters, heron, buzzard, sea eagle, roe deer and dolphins. This truly is the perfect introduction to Sea Kayaking. The BCU/SCA 1 star award can be taken on any of these courses.
Click for picture.

Around the Isle of Seil
This trip is more exposed taking in the west and south coasts, you will experience open water paddling and tide races - under the supervision of our experienced instructor. With breaks for lunch and to explore, this is an excellent course for those wanting longer days on the water.

The pictures show locations on the west coast of Seil . TOP

Expeditions
Anything from a two day trip with an overnight camp to multi day trips in our local area or further afield to the Western Isles or Shetland or anywhere in between.
Camping equipment can be hired from us if required.

The pictures show a sea cave off Shetland and campsites around the Sound of Luing TOP

Garvellachs trip
Involving an open crossing this trip could be combined with the Scarba trip or any of the islands in the Sound of Luing. On one trip we saw seals, sea eagles, dolphins and otters.

The picture shows the Garvellachs with Belnahua in the foreground. TOP

Round Scarba trip
Taking in the tide races of Cuan sound, the Corryvreckan the sound of Luing and the Grey Dogs. TOP

Round Luing trip
A good trip for those who want to broaden their experience and put to practice their skill in the tide races of the sound of Luing it could be combined with a visit to the slate island of Belnahua. TOP

Introduction to tide races and moving water techniques for sea kayakers
Using the more sheltered tide races in the Firth of Lorne this course will provide and develop the planning, skills, and techniques required to confidently deal with moving water on the sea. TOP

Advanced tide races
These will take place in the Grey Dogs and Cuan Sound on our doorstep. We can even show you the Grey Dog itself !! By using the different channels waves and eddies and techniques we can tailor the session for different abilities.

The picture shows the first wave in the main wave train of the Grey Dog tide race at the end of the second hour of tidal flow when the tidal range was 1.9m. TOP

Rescues and incidents for sea kayakers
Looking at the best of modern techniques and equipment to give the sea kayaker safe simple procedures to look after themselves and others. As this course will involve swimming dry suits will be provided.
Progression will be made from sheltered water to more exposed water to allow students to build confidence at their own speed. TOP

Advanced rescues and incidents for sea kayakers
Rescues in more challenging conditions involving wind, waves and current. TOP

Navigation for sea kayakers
A study of tidal planning chart and map work followed by practical applications. TOP

BCU courses
BCU/SCA 1 Star Training and Assessment
This can be covered on any of our courses.
The 1 Star is a clear stepping stone to becoming a paddler. Designed as a basic award, the one star is the level people would typically reach after an introductory course of six hours quality water time.
Click this link for syllabus details. TOP

BCU/SCA 2 Star
This is an improvement award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddlesport skills on flat water. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding into how the paddle, boat and water interact. As our coaches each hold the sea, white water and open boat coach awards we are well suited to providing the "alternative craft" aspect of this course.
Click this link for syllabus details.
Training Dates
Assessment Dates
Or by arrangement.TOP

BCU/SCA 3 Star Sea
To train and recognise the level of skill, understanding, and knowledge of an able improving sea paddler
Click this link for syllabus details.
Training Dates
Assessment Dates
Or by arrangement. TOP

Sea Kayak Scotland 4 Star Sea Leader Award Refresher.
A one day top up or pre entry couse to develop and check your skills if aspiring to this award.
Dates TBA
Or by arrangement. TOP

Sea Kayak Scotland 5 Star Sea Leader Award Refresher.
A one day top up or pre entry couse to develop and check your skills if aspiring to this award.
Dates TBA
Or by arrangement. TOP

BCU/SCA 4 Star White Water Leader.
Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate has the skill level required to lead a group of 4 competent paddlers (not including themselves) in appropriate locations, up to moderate conditions.
Click this link for syllabus details.
Training Dates
Assessment Dates
Or by arrangement. TOP

BCU/SCA Foundation Safety and Rescue Course.
Click this link for syllabus details.
Training Dates
Assessment Dates
Or by arrangement TOP

Courses (Note the calendar is for shared courses only please contact us for bespoke/private courses)

BCU courses TOP
Check SCA coaching Calendar for dates http://www.canoescotland.com/Default.aspx?tabid=129
Or by arrangement.TOP

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