This is by far our most popular course. It is suited to those who would like to take up Sea kayaking as a pastime, those who have just bought their first kayak or those interested in joining a club.
Course Duration
2 Day weekend course or 4 Evening sessions.
Certification Offered
Irish Canoe Union Level 1 & 2 Sea Skills
Start Times
10am for weekend courses. 6:30pm for evening courses.
Finish Times
4:30pm for weekend courses. 9:30pm for evening courses.
Cost 155 euro including ICU Certificate.
We like to think of this course as the look in the door of the sport of sea kayaking and you will find many great joys inside. Our Beginners Sea Kayaking course offers expert tuition in the basics of efficient sea kayaking technique , but it will also fit in some enjoyable short trips, wildlife, scenery and more importantly a focus on how to take yourself further in the sport in a safe way. The course aims to satisfy the participant’s needs and you will be asked for your objectives at the beginning of the course.
One of the more important aspects of the course is that you have the opportunity to enter the Irish Canoe Union award scheme and become certified with either their Level 1 or 2 Sea Skills award (Dependent on the level you achieve). This allows you to tap into a whole award scheme of training that take you to the very highest level of skill or even to becoming an Instructor( Click here to see more about the ICU)link to icu website www.canoe.ie
Course Content
- an understanding of the Basic Safety Rules of canoeing.
- an ability to Enter and Exit a kayak correctly.
- Forward Paddle, Reverse Paddle, and Stop.
- an ability to turn while stationary using Forward Sweep Stroke, Reverse Sweep Stroke and a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes.
- Simple Draw Stroke.
- Low Brace.
- Low Brace Turn.
- Edging while the kayak is moving.
- Capsize Drill.
- an ability to assist in a H Rescue, and in an Assisted X Rescue.
- Lower Body Rotation.
- How to correctly hold a kayak paddle.
- Stern Rudder.
- Use of skeg and rudder.
- Weather interpretation.
- Tide tables.
- Map use.
- Equipment.
Where to go from here after the course?
During the course you will meet many other likeminded adventure enthusiasts and hopefully you will create some paddling buddies of you own. There will always be an expert instructor on hand to answer your questions and to ensure your weekend meets your needs.
Equipment
We endeavour to make these trips as easy as possible to book on and join; therefore we provide all specialist equipment that you will need.
Our fleet of Easky 13ft and 15ft kayak are bought with beginners and complete novices in mind. They are stable yet still give you a sea kayak feel. You can be assured of suitable and well-maintained equipment. We prioritise safety & comfort in these kayaks and we are sure you will find them both stable and easy to paddle. We also have a large stock of wetsuits, jackets, spray decks and Buoyancy Aids in a range of sizes to fit all shapes & height's.
If you have just purchased your own boat please bring this along.
Here is a list of essentials that you will need to bring along.
- A swims togs / shorts (for under your wetsuit!)
- If the weather is really good then you can paddle in tight leggings.
- A towel.
- A pair of trainers / sandals that you don’t mind getting wet.
- If you have your own booties bring them.
- In colder weather a thermal top and light fleece is advisable. I will have limited numbers of these.
- Lunch and snacks.
- A sun hat / sun cream/sun glasses or wooly hat depending on weather.
- A water bottle.
- Waterproof / disposable camera (optional).
- A sense of enthusiasm / Adventure!
