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 courses
Tailor made for you and your group. Our normal mode of operation. The following is just a sample of what we offer. There is an almost infinite variety. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

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.
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 .

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

BCU courses
BCU/SCA 1-3 Star Sea Awards Training and Assessment
Follow this link for details http://www.bcu.org.uk/tests-and-awards/personal-performance-awards/paddlesport-start-i-1-to-3-star/

BCU/SCA 1-4 Star 'Leader' Awards Inland Kayak.
Follow this link for details http://www.bcu.org.uk/tests-and-awards/leader-i-guide-i-helm-qualifications/paddlesport-four-star-leader/

BCU/SCA Foundation Safety and Rescue Course.
Follow this link for detailshttp://www.bcu.org.uk/tests-and-awards/safety-training-courses/foundation-safety-and-rescue/

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

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