Sea Kayaking Expeditioning

Location

Tollymore National Outdoor Centre

Dates

Jul

to

Jul

Time

19:30 to 17:00

Price

£172.00

The course fee involves instruction, transportation and whatever expedition equipment is needed including resources necessary for planning and paddling equipment.

About the Event

Who is the course for?

Course pre-requisites:

If you have a moderate level of sea-paddling experience and would like to learn more about journeying and becoming a more independent paddler then this is for you. If you have a good ability to manoeuvre a sea kayak and are comfortable with several hours forward paddling in a variety of conditions, perhaps you would like to take yourself and your boat to a more challenging or new location and be exposed to a variety of environments.

Course summary:

When the staff meets the group and discusses aspirations and previous experience, they will decide on a more accurate structure for the course, however the idea of the course is to travel to a new location and involve all participants in the decision making processes involved. This will ensure that all participants will have the opportunity to learn new skills at a pace that suits them. They will also bring course participants into the planning process, looking at the prevailing weather conditions, state of the tides, equipment required etc.

A variety of skills will be covered over the weekend, including:

•Planning simple journeys

•Packing a boat for overnights

•Learning to get the most out of the boat

•Develop navigation and seamanship skills

•Develop skills necessary to be an effective member of a group

•Develop safety and rescue skills

•Equipment appropriate to this environment

These are some of the essential skills required to journey on the sea. All of these areas will be covered in a practical way during the course and reinforced on the evening sessions, giving you the opportunity to learn from the staff and other course participants alike.

Outline programme:

Friday

•Arrive 7.30pm – 8.00pm Pack trailer and equipment.

•Friday evening will be spent in Tollymore

Saturday

•Depart for sea journey. Camp or hostel as appropriate

Sunday

•Sea journey. Camp or hostel as appropriate

Monday

•Sea Journey

•Return to base late afternoon for review, before departing for Tollymore

(It is important to note that the above outline programme is a guide. Times may vary due to weather conditions or other reasons).

Accommodation:

Centre on first night, hostel or camping. (Self Catered)

All essential equipment is available from our extensive stores. We advise you not to rush out and buy kit for the course, but use it as a chance to find out what would best suit your needs. But if you do have any of your own equipment do bring it along our staff will be required to vet for suitability equipment such as buoyancy aids and helmet.

What to Bring

Wet footwear –wetsuit boots preferably (not wellingtons), thermal tops, personal camp gear (if owned), warm outdoor wear (fleece is ideal), head torch, hat, personal medication, towel, small first aid kit, vacuum flask, compass, notebook and pen.