WA is blessed with a wonderful environment for sea kayaking. With many months of excellent weather conditions throughout the year and the wide expanse of the Indian Ocean on our doorstep, there are many possibilities to enjoy paddling on the ocean and wider expanses of enclosed water.
Sea kayaking also has risks that are not present in other forms of paddling. It is for this reason we recommend those interested in progressing into this area of the sport undertake appropriate skills training to enable them to enjoy the activity competently and safely.
Our course is also tailored for those who may want to undertake adventure travel to locations such as the Arctic or Antarctica, or other locations around the world where paddling comprises part of the adventure. Tour companies often recommend that those who travel with them do our sea kayak skills course as a prerequisite to travel with them.
Sea Kayak Paddling Skills
The course can be tackled by novices or by those who have some limited experience and have maybe just bought their first sea kayak, or by those who have paddled for some time and now want more advanced training. We can tailor the level of training to suit your skills and objectives.
Whether you own your own craft or use our equipment, we will ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to enjoy this wonderful form of paddling.
The program is a one-day course in a sheltered location that takes you through all the essential knowledge and paddling skills, and finishes with appropriate safety and mutual rescue skills.
The course commences on the bank, and takes you through the process of how to correctly set up the kayak to match your physique, how the other items of equipment are fitted and used, and how paddles are designed to be used and held.
The course then progresses to the water in three sessions during the day that cover:
- Balance skills
- Correct use of the paddle
- Correct posture
- Use of the correct muscle groups for efficient paddling
- Developing an efficient forward stroke, with emphasis on how to build an accurate stroke and avoid strain injuries on longer paddles
- A range of turning strokes to assist in manoeuvring the craft in different circumstances
- Use of the rudder and strokes that can steer the craft
- Bracing strokes that can be used to steady the paddler or prevent a capsize
- How to stop the craft in an emergency
- Reverse paddling
- Skills when encountering flowing water
The course finishes with a series of safety drills that cover what to do should you capsize. It includes how to safely exit the kayak after a capsize, and progresses to mutual safety skills and how to regain the craft following a capsize.
Upon completion of the course, a detailed set of notes is provided that covers what has been taught during the day. We can provide certificates for travel companies that require certification of the training you have undertaken.
