sea kayak leader assessment

Location
This two-day assessment is based around the Sound of Arisaig on Scotland’s west coast, the same stretch of coastline we use for our leader training. 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 assessment is for paddlers ready to be signed off as Sea Kayak Leaders. You should already be leading confidently in winds up to Force 4, waves up to 1m and tidal flows up to 2 knots, and be able to handle what happens when things go wrong in those conditions. If you’re not sure you’re there yet, our two-day Sea Kayak Leader Training is the place to start, and we’re always happy to talk through where you are.

Before you book
To attend the assessment you’ll need:

  1. Membership of Paddle Scotland (or your home nation association) and registration as a Sea Kayak Leader candidate.

  2. A valid two-day first aid certificate recognised by Paddle UK.

  3. Valid safeguarding training recognised by Paddle UK.

What happens over the two days
The assessment is designed to look like a normal day leading on the sea. Over the two days, you’ll:

  1. Plan a journey for a group, using tidal information and the weather forecast to make and justify your decisions.

  2. Lead the group on the water, managing them safely and keeping the day enjoyable.

  3. Show your personal paddling skills in the moderate sea environment.

  4. Deal with rescues and incident-management scenarios as they come up.

Kit you need to bring
On assessment you’re the leader, so bring the kit you’d carry to look after a group:

  • Personal sea kayak

  • Paddle and spare splits

  • Spraydeck

  • Buoyancy aid

  • Pump

  • Long tow line

  • Contact tow line

  • Sling

  • Robust footwear for scrambling on rocks

  • Drysuit or wetsuit to be able to swim

  • Hand-held compass

  • First aid kit

  • Group shelter

  • Leader repair kit

  • Means of calling for help (VHF radio and/or phone in a waterproof case)

Useful additional kit

  • Storm cag

  • Pogies

  • PLB

  • Flares

  • Waterproof notebook and pencil

  • Suncream, sunglasses, hat

2026/27 Dates:
5th November 2026

14th November 2026

We can arrange a bespoke assessment date for you on request. Get in touch to book