Paddle UK's Surf Kayak Award

The Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) Surf Kayak Award will endorse your surf experience. Our expert instructors will focus on your skills and knowledge in gentle surf conditions. We will give you the confidence to build on your skills and give you hints and tips to broaden your knowledge beyond the knowledge needed for the assessment.

If you want to take this course but are yet to have much surf kayak experience then jump on our Introduction to Surf Kayaking experience.

Information

Season

All year round

Duration

2 Days

Group Size

4-6

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18 Max weight: 18 stone (115kg).

Aim

To build on existing surf kayaking skills with a view to planning and executing your own trips.

Who is it for?

Anyone wishing to endorse their surf kayaking skills in small surf conditions.

Prerequisites

You must be a competent flatwater kayaker, have experience paddling in the surf previously, and be confident using a spraydeck.

Course Syllabus

Please follow this link to download the syllabus from the Paddle UK website.

Itinerary

Skills covered

  • Beach safety
  • Surf theory
  • Predicting surf
  • Equipment selection
  • Kayaking techniques
  • Rescue techniques
  • Surf etiquette
  • Access and egress
Locations

Devon and Cornwall

Equipment

Equipment supplied

All kayaking and safety equipment is supplied including:

  • Kayak (if you are bringing your own kayak please let us know the make/model in advance)
  • Paddle (if you require a left-handed paddle, please contact us in advance)
  • Buoyancy aid
  • Helmet
  • Spray deck

Equipment needed

For all kayaking courses you must have extra warm clothes and waterproofs, we will provide you with a full kit list upon booking.

  • Wetsuit / drysuit
  • Wetsuit boots
  • Extra jumper
  • Warm hat / gloves
  • Towel
  • Lunch / Snacks / water
  • Medication / Tablets / Inhaler etc.
  • Dry bags (to store your kit in your boat and for wet kit at the end of the day)

The above list is just a guide and appropriate clothing for the time of year should be worn. We highly recommend you have a dry bag for all your kit on the water and to put your wet clothing in at the end of the day.

*Clothing should comprise of several layers to trap the warmth. Please do not wear denim as it restricts movement, is cold when wet and is slow to dry. You must wear footwear whilst kayaking (old trainers, plimsolls) please don’t wear sandals. Wetsuits are not required as they only work when they are wet; if you wish to bring a wetsuit we still recommend you have a warm top.

Equipment shop

Take a look at our online shop for any equipment you might want for your outdoor adventures. We stock a variety of equipment and can give expert advice if you have any queries. Choose to collect your order on a course (free of charge) and your instructor will have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive.

Transport

Lift sharing can be coordinated.

Accommodation

2 Nights Bunkhouse Accommodation.

Catering

Day 1: Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 2: Breakfast and lunch included.
The evening meal is not included, but please join us at the local pub for some food and a pint.