Take your sea kayaking to the next level
Our Explore Sea Kayaking course follows the Paddle UK Explore syllabus, covering everything from efficient forward paddling to rescues and navigation. But we go beyond ticking boxes, our coaching adds depth to every skill, explaining when, where and why you should use them.
A practical, hands-on course for paddlers who've got the basics and want to develop real competence and confidence on the sea.
Beyond the basics
If the Discover course is about getting started, Explore is about getting good. The skills you learn here are the ones that separate someone who can paddle from someone who can paddle anywhere - reading conditions, handling a kayak in wind and waves and knowing what to do when things don't go to plan.
The morning focuses on boat handling - paddling forwards, backwards, sideways, turning efficiently and bracing in conditions. We work in Chichester Harbour where we can find sheltered water for drills and then move into more exposed areas to put those skills into practice. The moment a brace saves you from a capsize is the moment you understand why we practise them.
The afternoon covers rescues, navigation and trip planning. You'll learn to get back into a kayak after a capsize (yours and someone else's), use a chart and the environment to navigate and plan a trip that accounts for tides, weather and your group's abilities. By the end of the day, you'll have the skills and the confidence to start planning your own adventures on the water, which is exactly the point!
Preparing for your course
- Meeting Point: Itchenor, PO20 7AW
- Duration: Full day, approximately 6 hours
- Accreditation: Paddle UK Explore Award (optional, included)
- Lunch: Bring a packed lunch and water
- Prerequisites: You should have some sea kayaking experience or have completed the Discover Sea Kayaking course
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Discover and Explore?
Do I need the Discover course first?
Do I get a qualification?
Will we practise rescues?
What can I do after this course?
At a Glance
Skills You'll Cover
- Efficient forward paddling
- Edging, turning and bracing
- Handling wind and waves
- Self and assisted rescues
- Navigation and trip planning
- Reading conditions, tides and weather
- Level: Improver → Intermediate
- Certification: Paddle UK Explore Award
- Prerequisites: Some sea kayaking experience, or completion of our Discover Sea Kayaking course.
What to Bring
- Towel
- Complete change of clothes
- Camera and snacks, if required
Practical Details
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Season: Year-round
Gallery
What People Say
“The beautiful scenery and the back support on the kayaks for someone with posture issues it made all the difference”
“Going a place never been before. Upstream from Pulbrough”
“Getting out into the water again after two years absence - absolute joy ! Not having to transport the kayak on our car or store the kayak at home. Perfect easy entry to the kayak from the beach.”
Book Your Course
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Looking for something different?
Explore our full range of guided tours, courses, and outdoor experiences on the South Coast.