Sea kayak leader training

Location
This two-day course is based around the Sound of Arisaig on Scotland's west coast — one of the finest stretches of coastline in the country for sea kayaking. We'll meet at 9.30am on Day 1 at a meeting point near Glenuig and finish by 5.00pm on Day 2.

Is it for me?
This course is for paddlers ready to take the step into leadership. To get the most from it, you should already be comfortable paddling your sea kayak in winds up to Force 4, waves up to 1m and tidal flows up to 2 knots. If that sounds like you, you're in the right place.

What we'll cover
Over the two days, we'll:

  1. Refine the personal paddling tactics and techniques you need to perform confidently in the moderate sea environment.

  2. Develop the leadership skills to manage and lead groups of sea kayakers safely and effectively.

  3. Build your rescue skills and work through realistic incident-management scenarios.

  4. Sharpen your tidal planning and weather interpretation, so you can make sound decisions before and during a trip.

Kit you need to bring:

  • Personal sea kayak

  • Paddle and spare splits

  • Spraydeck

  • Buoyency aid

  • Pump

  • Long tow line

  • Contact tow line

  • Sling

  • Robust footwear for scrambling upon rocks

  • Drysuit or wetsuit to be able to swim

  • Hand-held compass

Useful additional kit:

  • Storm cag

  • Group shelter

  • Pogies

  • VHF radio

  • Waterproof notebook and pencil

  • Waterproof phone case

  • PLB

  • Flares

  • Leader repair kit

  • Suncream, sunglasses, hat

  • Group Shelter

2026 Dates:

19th-20th September 2026

5th-6th October 2026

2nd-3rd November 2026