Learn to paddle a kayak - Sea Kayaking Courses 2012
Our sea kayaking courses are designed to make you a better paddler. We tailor our courses for those interested in learning sea kayaking basics, those who want to improve their paddling skill level and those who intend to be responsible for others on the water whether as professional or recreational paddlers. Our courses are approved by the Irish Canoe Union and certificates are issued upon the completion of each course.
Sea Kayaking Courses 2013
| Learn to paddle a kayak - Sea Kayaking Courses 2013 | ||
|---|---|---|
| An introduction to sea kayaking | ICU sit-on-top kayak awards | ICU level 2 sea proficiency |
| ICU level 3 sea proficiency | Personal kayak training | Rough water kayaking course |
Our kayak courses offer a comprehensive programme in all the necessary skills in sea kayaking. They can be structured to fit over one or two days and are the perfect combination of weekend getaway and learning opportunity. Small group sizes ensure that our professional instructors can respond directly to your needs and allow you to learn kayaking in a way that prioritises safety and develops confidence on the water.
In addition to general paddling skills, our courses cover complimentary skills such as navigation, tides, weather, advanced sea kayaking techniques, the packing of boats for extended tours, route-planning, weather forecasting basics and technical stroke improvement. The importance of appropriate judgment calls and seamanship skills are emphasized throughout these programs.
We also offer a course in a heated swimming pool that allows you to practise (and practise and practise!) the art of Eskimo rolling your kayak! Courses can be tailor-made so please call us to discuss your ideas and requirements. Click for course schedule
One Day Introduction to Sea Kayaking Course
Not sure if kayaking is for you? Try our one-day ‘Introduction to Sea Kayaking’. This is a taster course that covers basic sea kayaking in theory and practice. The one day course is normally held in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford and is for those who are new to kayaking and are looking for a foundation in basic paddling skills. No prior experience of sea kayaking or canoeing is necessary but if you have paddled a kayak before this course will develop your skills to a higher level. While there will be some theory, the main part of the day will be spent on the water.
The course is aimed to make the budding sea kayaker aware of the marine environment, safety on the water and develop basic paddling skills.
Adventure Race Training & Coaching
The adventure race is becoming widely popular in Ireland and offers competitors the opportunity to cycle, climb, swim and kayak in Ireland’s most spectacular scenery without leaving any trace of the track or the effort involved in moving though these challenging terrains. Athletes who have years of swimming, running and cycling experience often find that a little skill, confidence and know-how on top of the water in a kayak can make the difference in the power/effort ratio that leads to improving performance and times in races.
Irish Canoe Union Sit-On-Top Kayak Awards
Sit on top kayaks have become extremly popular over the past number of years. Due to their extra stability they allow a novice paddler to take to the water with no previous instruction. With more and more of these boats it was inevitable that there would be safety issues associated with the increased number of people paddling these craft. Lack of knowledge and engaging with the outdoors created situations where people got in to difficulties with sometimes serious consequences.
Irish Canoe Union Level 2 Sea Proficiency
This is our two-day weekend introductory sea kayaking course including assessment and our most popular to date. Usually based in Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, it is ideal for first time paddlers to learn kayaking as no previous kayaking or canoeing experience is necessary. The course incorporates paddling techniques, weather and tides, safety procedures, choosing a kayak and environmental awareness.
There are theoretical elements but most of the day is spent kayaking in a calm water environment that is relaxing and fun. Both days must be completed in order to cover all elements of the course and Irish Canoe Union certificates are issued at the end of day two.
Irish Canoe Union Level 3 Sea Proficiency
Our improvers sea kayaking course offers a step up in your skills, an introduction to more challenging sea conditions and certifies you to kayak safely and competently on moderate seas as a member of a group being led. This ICU level 3 course is geared towards people who already hold a Level 2 Irish Canoe Union sea kayaking certificate or have equivalent kayaking/canoeing experience.
The course is held over 2 days but there is a possibility that a pre course training day may be required depending on individual abilities. The course is designed to enable you to become a sufficiently proficient paddler to allow you take part in open sea kayaking expeditions.
Personal Kayak Training
At seapaddling.com we understand the desire for some of you to have one-on-one instruction and feedback. Whether you're a novice who wants to progress quickly, an intermediate stuck at a certain level, or a proficient paddler that wishes to fine-tune, personal kayak training may be your answer.
Personal training offers you a flexible, one on one coaching service that will be customized to your individual needs and frequently produces rapid improvement in your paddling skills. It also allows you the flexibility to work on particular paddling skills at your own pace. Private sea kayaking lessons with Mick O’Meara are available by appointment all year round.
Rough Water Sea Kayaking Course
The seapaddling.com rough water sea kayaking course is a full day course designed for paddlers who intend to try their hand at open coast paddling or intend to play in the surf. The course will also increase your time at sea, your exposure to wind and waves, your skill level during rescues and if weather allows, your confidence in moderately challenging sea conditions. Ideally you will have completed the level 2 Irish Canoe Union course or can demonstrate intermediate kayak paddling skills and experience. The course will be run in sea conditions of force 3 – 4 which makes it a fun and exhilarating.
