As well as running bespoke kayaking trips and courses which are tailored individually to the client, we are now offering a list of open, fixed date courses for the autumn/winter 2011 season.   Autumn and Winter weather often allow us to find water necessary for the practical application of skills development.  It can also be a time to see and appreciate Scotland ’s shore and landscapes in their true majestic beauty! 

Please e-mail if you want to book or enquire about any of the courses below.

The "Stage" numbers refer to the development stages on our Skill level assessment page

This course is aimed at those who are interested in developing their paddling skills so they can take advantage of sea kayaking through the winter months and arriving into a new season without feeling like your skills are rusty.  Boat handling in rougher conditions and wind will be the focus of this course as well as incorporating some journeys so you can apply the skills for real!  

Female only

A four day introduction for women only. Complete beginners or for those who have some experience of non-tidal waters. A relaxed and gentle introduction.

This is an introduction to tidal planning for sea kayakers (stage 1+/2).  The purpose of the course is to help you begin planning your own sea kayaking trips and be given the opportunity to go out and apply it for real.  It is aimed at those who have done a little sea kayaking before but feel like they are ready to step out onto the open sea a little more, learn all the basics of planning a good day out, and to gain confidence in being a more knowledgeable group member.  By the end of the 4 day’s you’ll be rest assured that you will not only be able to plan a good day out, but that you will make it home in time for dinner!

 *Please note that this is not the same as the BCU coastal navigation course. It concentrates on those techniques that we find that we actually use ourselves in practical day to day touring.

Female only

We all learn at different speeds and in different ways, and as part of this we recognize that an all female environment can inspire confidence and self esteem, making it easier to learn at your own pace and without the pressure of having to keep up. Winter is a good time to find intermediate water for learning so ideally you will have a moderate amount of experience, or refer to yourself as a regular paddler.  At least 10-15 days in the last year is a good starting point.  

Do you enjoy getting out on the open sea, but are keen to get a bit more adventurous? Does adventurous maybe mean having to cross a small piece of tidal water, or perhaps having to negotiate a tidal channel without ending up high and dry, or planning a journey to ensure you don’t end up far out to sea?  Aimed at intermediate paddlers (level 2+/3 onwards) this 2 day theory and practice workshop is designed to familiarise you with the knowledge and resources available, so as you can plan your own tidal coastal trip in confidence.  We will also help you build a toolbox of top tips for paddling Scotland ’s West coast!

 Please note that this is not the same as the BCU coastal navigation course. It concentrates on those techniques that we find that we actually use ourselves in practical day and multi-day touring.

If you feel you lie somewhere in the middle of being a beginner and an intermediate paddler, this course will help you learn some new techniques and fine tune what you already know.  We will then aim to give you the opportunity to apply these in conditions that challenge you, but at your own pace!

If you feel you lie somewhere in the middle of being a beginner and an intermediate paddler, this course will help you learn some new techniques and fine tune what you already know.  We will then aim to give you the opportunity to apply these in conditions that challenge you, but at your own pace!

Skills development (Stage 2 to 3) (max persons - 4)

A three day course aimed at fine tuning your existing skills and perhaps learning some new ones and applying them for real.  

This 4 day course is based in luxury accommodation on the idyllic west coast of Scotland .  Taking time to look after yourself is important, especially as a sea kayaker!  How many times do we think about warming up or warming down, or how many times do we think that the ‘old muscles are a bit creaky!’   You may have heard people mention yoga as helpful to a sea kayakers flexibility, but have you ever tried it?  Well here’s your chance to discover that, if you're able and willing it really does help!  Since we intend sea kayaking too you will find that one is the perfect compliment to the other! All the more reason to go paddling more often!

We think there is no better thing but to get a little me time!  If sea kayaking is something you’ve always wanted to try, why not combine it with a little relaxation too?  As you unwind, you will get a real sense of how your flexibility can compliment your new favourite sport!

Any time you like!

If you like the sound of one of our programs but the dates don't suit you, email us and let us know. We can often re-arrange dates to suit