Sea Kayak Ulster

About the Sea Kayak leader course

The Paddle UK Sea Kayak Leader is an award aimed at those looking to take responsibility leading journeys on the sea in Moderate water environments in and around Tidal coastlines. The award will support you to run safe and enjoyable trips, based on your group’s needs and aspirations.

As a Sea Kayak Leader, you can work independently or be deployed by a club, centre or organisation to lead trips and journeys. The purpose of these trips may be wide ranging from educational experiences, social adventures or trying something new.

The training covers the necessary skills and knowledge required before an aspirant leader goes for assessment.

What experience should I have?

We would expect aspirant leaders to be able to be competent in the moderate water environment and slightly beyond. We would hope to see a clear mastery of their sea kayak in moderate conditions in a multitude of environments such as open sea, rocky coastal paddling and surf zones. Although not essential, Paddle UK Personal Performance awards are a great marker of assessed expertise, however Personal Performance qualifications are not a prerequisite to training or assessment.

What equipment should I bring?

As it is a leadership course it would be prudent to come equipped with a leadership kit suitable for a sea kayaking trip. Paddling kit suitable for getting wet and staying warm along with a buoyancy aid, towing system and helmet. Finally we would expect you to arrive with your kayak and standard paddling gear. (If this is a problem we may be able to provide some – contact us for details.)

How long does the course last?

The course is two days from 9am to 5pm each day. Most of the training will be on the water but there will be short spells of shore discussion and analysis. Each day may be at a different venue, we cannot guarantee access to shops or cafes so we suggest people bring packed lunches and warm drinks.

In addition, following the course, we provide our aspirant Leaders with a clear personalised action plan that allows you to work on your skills and expertise so as to be confident and competent on assessment.