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2-Day Sea Kayaking and Canoeing Courses in Torquay, Devon

Start or develop your career as a paddler with sea kayaking and canoeing courses from Sea Kayak Torbay. Experienced in paddling the waters of Torquay, South Devon, and the English Riviera, we are ideally placed to help learners get to grips with ever-evolving technical clothing and equipment. Serving holidaymakers and the local community, we provide courses for paddlers of all skill levels, whether you are a beginner or an intermediate learner. Get in touch today to discover more.
BEGINNERS
IMPROVERS
INTERMEDIATE

About Our Courses

Suitable for learners of all skill levels, our pre- and post-season courses grant you the chance to increase your technical skills, knowledge, and ability using the latest advanced crafts and equipment. When you choose our courses, we will help you based on your own skill level and requirements, often giving you the chance to meet like-minded people of various nationalities. What’s more, you’ll learn in one of the most scenic areas of the UK, ranging from beautiful and secluded spots to areas of special scientific interest.

Bookings

We always start with a friendly chat to confirm which course is best for you. Itineraries and course structures are available for all course upon request. We also consider a weather window for bookings, so that you can pick a date when you have flexibility to attend courses, and we can pick the ideal weather for you. The more information you provide, the better your course will be.

Sea Kayaking for Beginners

A 2-Day Course for Beginners
Suitable for Learners aged 8 and up
Group Size – 2 Minimum, up to 6 Maximum
If you have never been in a kayak or canoe before, then this is the course for you. Taking in the holistic nature of sea kayaking and its environment, we will train you on land and sea, helping you to master easy paddling techniques. This includes using your body to steer the craft and learning the theory behind the muscle groups that increase your paddling and steering leverage, maneuverability, and glide.

Outcomes

By the end of the beginners’ course, you will have the tools to progress at your own rate or just come and enjoy the adventure of trying something new. Most paddlers find that after the course, their paddling ability, knowledge, and awareness are significantly increased.

Course Breakdown

  • Launching, Landing, and Loading
  • Surf/Rock Emergency Landings
  • Capsize, Self-Rescue, and Low Bracing
  • Paddling Skill Development and Techniques to BCU 2-Star Level
  • Edging (Using Your Body to Steer and Reduce Drag)
  • Using the Skeg and Kayaking in Wind
  • Safety Equipment, Clothing, Boots, and Paddles
  • Setting up Your Boat, Trimming, and Accessories
  • Packing Boats and Choosing a Boat
  • Kayak Fishing and Equipment
  • Coastal Navigation, Meteorology, and the Tide
  • Reading the Water, Lines of Transit, Eddies, and Protection
  • Estuary and River Crossing, Narrows, and Tidal Races
  • Watching the Marine Wildlife Code and Understanding Marine Wildlife Behaviour
  • Paddle-Sport Etiquette on the Water
  • Trip-Planning for Days, Weekends, and Exhibitions
  • Group Management and Leadership
  • Rock Hopping
  • Meeting the Local Seals
  • Paddling through Caves

Locations

  • Oddicombe Beach or Meadfoot Beach for the Hopes Nose Headland
  • Paignton Sands – Boathouse for the Backwaters of Livermead, Hollicombe, and Corbyn Head
  • Brixham Breakwater for St Mary's Bay and Berry Head
  • Brixham Oxon Cove or Goodrington, for the Backwaters of Elberry, Crystal, Churston, and Fishcombe Coves
  • Kingswear to Access the Dart through Waterswell Creek
  • Shaldon Beach or Coombe Sellers for Access to the Teign

What to Bring

Beginners are not required to bring any technical clothing or equipment, as we cater for everything. We would always advise you to bring beach clothes or gym/walking gear on a cooler day, to wear under our dry gear. It’s usually possible to keep your feet dry, but it’s advisable to bring old or wet shoes and, just in case you want to swim, a swimsuit.

Please Note

Due to the size of our solo touring sea kayaks, we only cater for teenagers aged 12 and up on our courses, unless they have their boat, some considerable personal experience in flat water, or relevant certification.

For ages 12 and up, no prior experience of water or boats is necessary, and all instruction is provided. The maximum capacity of our stable beginner solo boat is 130kg – if you are near or above this weight, please let us know before booking. Larger groups can be catered for with additional guides. Group discounts will depend on duration and group size.
Upcoming Course Dates
  • 15th May – 10th July
  • 5th September – 25th October
Prices
  • 1 Person – £185
  • 2 People – £350
  • 4 People – £650
  • 6 People – £900
  • More Than 6 People – Please Call for More Information

Sea Kayaking for Improvers

A 2-Day Course for Learners with Previous Experience
Suitable for Adult Learners aged 18 and up
Group Size – 2 Minimum, up to 6 Maximum
When you have had some previous experience of kayaking and canoeing and you know how to hold a paddle, our improvers’ courses will help you advance your paddling career. You will have the opportunity to try a range of boats, paddles, and equipment, and we will show you how to use the kayak skeg (the dagger board in the hull) effectively in wind and how to trim (lower) the boat. We will visit an estuary and a headland to experience the differences in tidal movements.

Outcomes

By the end of the improvers’ course, you should feel confident to go out with peers, backed by the right information and awareness to enjoy your own adventure. We will develop to your ability to “edge” your kayak to increase your manoeuvrability and glide. This will minimise the drag of the hull of the boat through the water and reduce the need for correcting paddle strokes that slow down the craft.

Locations

We will paddle a distance around 12 to 16km from one of the following locations:
  • Oddicombe Beach or Meadfoot Beach for the Hopes Nose Headland
  • Paignton Sands – Boathouse for the Backwaters of Livermead, Hollicombe, and Corbyn Head
  • Brixham Breakwater for St Mary's Bay and Berry Head
  • Brixham Oxon Cove or Goodrington, for the Backwaters of Elberry, Crystal, Churston, and Fishcombe Coves
  • Kingswear to Access the Dart through Waterswell Creek
  • Shaldon Beach or Coombe Sellers for Access to the Teign

What to Bring

You are encouraged to bring snacks and water with you, and in the summer months, we recommend you bring shorts and sports tops. Weather conditions can change, but we will outfit you with any technical clothing that you may require.

Please Note

Due to the nature of this course and the use of solo kayaks, this course is for adults only. You do not need to be physically fit, but this 2-day course is demanding for a teenager except in special circumstances or previous training. We also carry a waterproof camera so we can snap images as we go and forward them to you afterwards.
Upcoming Course Dates
  • 15th January – 6th July
  • 7th September – 25th October
Prices
  • 1 Person – £185
  • 2 People – £350
  • 4 People – £650
  • 6 People – £900
  • More Than 6 People – Please Call for More Information

Intermediate Sea Kayaking

A 2-Day Course for Learners with Previous Experience
Suitable for Experienced Paddlers aged 18 and up
Group Size – 2 Minimum, up to 6 Maximum
If you feel ready to take on a Touring Sea Kayak, our intermediate course will grant you the confidence to go exploring on your own. Participants will have a good understanding of their craft and their environment and be looking to push their boundaries. From learning to read the water to crossing estuaries and passing between islands, the skills you gain from this holistic course will complete your training as a paddler. We have a range of boats for you to choose from, or alternatively, you may wish to come and train in your own boat and learn how to get the best from it.

Outcomes

Over this two-day course, we will develop your skill and ability to paddle in all conditions. This will enable you to manage your craft and get home safely even if you’re caught out by sudden changes in your environment. The course will cover solo paddling and incident management, self-rescues in deep water, rock landings, and learning how to get help or tow a casualty. By the end of the course, you will be competent enough to play a trip and cope with most potential scenarios.

Course Breakdown

Day One:
- Technical Skills
- Controlling the Kayak in Flat, Sheltered Water
- Progress into Open Water
- Work on Self- and Assisted Deep Water Rescues
Day Two:
- Incident Management
- Landing on Surf and Rocks
- Launching and Landing in Small Surf on a Beach and Slipway
Full Itinerary Available on Request

Locations

We will paddle a distance around 12 to 16km from one of the following locations:
  • Oddicombe Beach or Meadfoot Beach for the Hopes Nose Headland
  • Paignton Sands – Boathouse for the Backwaters of Livermead, Hollicombe, and Corbyn Head
  • Brixham Breakwater for St Mary's Bay and Berry Head
  • Brixham Oxon Cove or Goodrington, for the Backwaters of Elberry, Crystal, Churston, and Fishcombe Coves
  • Kingswear to Access the Dart through Waterswell Creek
  • Shaldon Beach or Coombe Sellers for Access to the Teign
Upcoming Course Dates
  • 15th March – 15th June
  • 1st September – 15th October
Prices
  • 1 Person – £185
  • 2 People – £350
  • 4 People – £650
  • 6 People – £900
  • More Than 6 People – Please Call for More Information

Want to Improve Your Paddling?

We provide canoeing and kayaking courses for learners of all skill levels.
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