Outdoor Guernsey now offer kayak skills courses to suit all abilities. Available on certain dates throughout the year.  Each course will take place at various locations around the Island and in different conditions.

 

Sit on top skills

 

The sessions will be relaxed and informal and aimed at giving you the skills and knowledge  you need to confidently enjoy your kayaking. These sessions are aimed at paddlers new to kayaking or wishing to refresh their knowledge.

 

These courses will be run by arrangement, please contact us on 01481 267627




EQUIPMENT & INSTRUCTORS

You are welcome to use your own boat and equipment if you have it or we can supply everything you may need. The instructors will give advice on equipment and there will be opportunities to use different kinds of boats and try new techniques. The sessions will also cover topics such as tides, weather conditions, and importance of local knowledge.

Our instructors will coach skills to British canoe union (BCU)standards but will concentrate on the skills you need in our local waters. We will assess for BCU 1 and 2 star awards if required. We will also offer 3 star training and assessments.

ACTIVITY GALLERY

KAYAKING FAQ'S

What kind of kayaks will we use?

We have many different types of kayaks including ‘sit in’ and ‘sit on’ types both singles and doubles. The instructor will help you decide which is most suitable for you on the day. We have a large range of Ocean kayaks available to try. if you are thinking of buying one and would like to try a specific boat please make a request at the time of booking.

I have no experience with kayaks...

...are your explorations suitable? Yes. All our explorations are designed with the new or inexperienced paddler in mind. Our well trained and knowledgeable instructors will give a full explanation of the equipment and what to do. Then will give everyone chance to practice (with helpful advice if needed) before leading the group gently on a trip appropriate to their ability. Each exploration will be different and will concentrate on your enjoyment!

What clothes should I wear?

Wear clothes that you are prepared to get wet (kayaking is a water sport after all) Shorts or track suit bottoms, tee shirt or rash vest and maybe a thin fleece if the air temperature is cold. Please do not wear jeans or denim. Wear something on your feet such as old trainers, crocs or wet shoes.Children are advised to wear wetsuits as they often like to spend time in the water. We have wetsuits as well as footwear and other appropriate clothing for you to borrow if you do not have any. 

What should I bring with me?

A change of clothes and a towel would be useful just in case.

What equipment do you supply?

We supply everyone with Buoyancy aid, helmet, splash proof jacket as well as boat and paddle! Wetsuits are available if requested.

Where will we be going from?

We have a number of venues around the Island; we will choose the most appropriate venue according to the tides and wind direction. Please contact us the day before for details of where to meet or phone the info line.

How many people will be in the group?

There will generally be between 4 and 12 people in the group. Most people will have little or no experience of kayaking. They may be a mixture of ages but in our experience always a friendly bunch.

What is the minimum age for children?

Children aged 6 years and above are welcome on our explorations when accompanied by a responsible adult on a double sit on top kayak, at age 12 they are generally able to control a kayak by themselves however this will be decided by the instructor on the day.

Will the exploration go in bad weather?

No, we want people to enjoy our trips so they will only go ahead in suitable conditions, we will ask you to ring us the day before to check if the session is going ahead. Details will also be on our info line.

Do I have to be super fit?

Not at all, this is a pleasant experience not an endurance test! Anyone with reasonable mobility can take part. The instructor will lead the group on a trip that is compatible with your ability.

Can I bring my own equipment?

You are welcome to use your own equipment if it is suitable, the final decision will be made by your instructor.

Can I choose where the location will be?

We choose the location according to the weather conditions to make the exploration as enjoyable as possible, you are welcome to request a specific location and we will try to accommodate your request but conditions on the day may make certain venues unusable. all of our locations will provide plenty of interest and enjoyment!

Can anyone take part...

Are non swimmers or people with special requirements able to take part? Yes this is not a problem! Please let us know at the booking stage so that we can be well prepared. We will make effort to accommodate any special requirements with advance notice.

TESTIMONIALS

Matt Said...

Just a quick note to say thanks to you and the team for making our little kayak adventure such fun this morning.

We look forward to seeing you again soon. Matt

GIFT VOUCHER

Outdoor Guernsey gift vouchers available from Quayside Marine, North side, St Sampsons, Guernsey or by post to any address, please contact us on 01481 267627

WE ARE WISE ACCREDITED

WE ARE A BCU APPROVED CENTRE