The Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue course is designed to build real-world confidence and give paddlers the tools to deal with the unexpected. Across two days, we explore effective safety practices, problem-solving and rescue techniques that help you look after yourself and others on the sea.
You’ll spend time developing practical skills through realistic scenarios – from contact and towing rescues to managing equipment failures and supporting a paddler in trouble. We’ll also look at how sound judgement, preparation and decision-making play just as important a role in staying safe as the rescues themselves.
This course is perfect for paddlers who want to become more independent on the sea, expand their rescue knowledge and strengthen their awareness of how conditions, equipment and teamwork combine to keep everyone safe.
SEA KAYAK SAFETY & RESCUE COURSE
Over the weekend we’ll cover a wide range of safety and rescue topics, including:
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Understanding key information sources such as tides, swell and weather.
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Building a practical safety framework – choosing locations, clothing and equipment and calling for help effectively.
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Developing contact and towing rescues for both calm and challenging conditions.
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Exploring self-rescue and assisted self-rescue methods.
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Managing deep-water scenarios including “all-ins”, cold-water response and unconscious paddler rescues.
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Handling common equipment issues such as lost hatches, flooded bulkheads and skeg failures.
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Landing and supporting casualties, including first aid considerations at sea and ashore.
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Reflecting on learning and identifying next steps in your personal safety and rescue progression.
Expect to spend plenty of time immersed in the water – dressing for the water temperature & time of year is essential. Drysuits and warm layers are recommended, along with hot drinks to keep energy and focus high throughout the day.
What's included?
- Sea Kayaking Cornwall’s experienced coach with area knowledge offering coaching, assistance, planning and safety throughout the course.
- Kayak – we supply suitable sea kayaks. You are welcome to bring your own kayak which we will gladly place on our trailer and transport and store for you during the duration of your course.
- Spray decks.
- Buoyancy aids /PFD.
- Paddling kit – We can supply wind proof jackets (cags), thermal rash vests, wetsuits, and helmets. Please advise us of your kit requirements prior to arrival.
- Kayak storage and under cover drying area in our barn.
What's not included?
- Transport to start locations in Cornwall. We have a limited number of passenger seats available in our van; please advise if you require transport from our site to launch locations before your arrival.
- Food and beverages during the trip.
- Accommodation
- Suitable footwear.
Time and Location
Meet at our base at 9:15 am on the first day of your course:
Sea Kayaking Cornwall
Tregedna Farm
Maenporth
Falmouth
TR11 5HL
We will brief and debrief each day at our warm and fully equipped log cabin at Tregedna Farm with a welcoming cup of coffee or tea and free Wi-Fi to source our weather forecasts (or to check mails).
We will plan the day around what we need to learn and achieve in conjunction with what the weather allows us to do.
What to bring
- Travel insurance.
- Food & drinks. Packed lunches, snacks, hot drinks, water etc.
- Dry bags – various sizes for lunch, valuables and dry clothes to change into at the end of the day.
- Paddling kit – suitable for cold-water paddling.
- We supply suitable and appropriate entry level paddling kit, however we do advise that you bring your own paddling kit that you would normally use for a comfortable paddling experience relevant to the advanced level that you are training at.
- Please contact us if you are uncertain that you have the correct gear. We can supply windproof jackets, thermal rash vests, and wetsuits.
- Suitable footwear: Wetsuit booties / water shoes / old trainers.
- Sun cream.
- Sunglasses and hat.
- Personal medication and first aid kit.
- Money, as there is cafes and restaurants to visit.
- Safety kit – if you wish to learn or practice with kit you have, we would suggest that you bring it along to familiarise and train with during the course, a group can never have too much safety kit.
Accommodation
This course consists of an individual day of training from our Cornwall base while enjoying accommodation of your choice.
The best option if you have your own transport is our neighbourly lodge and campsite at Tregedna Farm –Tregedna Farm Holidays
Please enquire and book directly with Tregedna Farm holidays http://www.tregednafarmholidays.co.uk/
Further accommodation options can be found at
http://seakayakingcornwall.com/accommodation/
Travel
http://seakayakingcornwall.com/about-us/getting-here/
Bespoke Option
This course can be booked as a bespoke day at anytime of the year for a group, club or family provided we have space in our calendar to accommodate your required dates.
Please contact us on info@seakayakingcornwall.com for your bespoke booking requirements.
At a Glance..
- Price: £265 per person
- Dates: Throughout the year
Download the course PDF
We have put all the information on this page and more into a handy reference document for you to download.
What experience do I need?
To get the most out of the course you should be fit and comfortable swimming, floating and capsizing (assisted by a flotation device) in deep and dynamic moving water. All participants will be required to complete a full medical questionnaire.
This course is suitable for kayakers who have completed formal training to an intermediate level, ie hold the Sea Kayak Award and have some experience in a range of ocean environments as a competent group member with their own paddling and safety kit.
You must have an understanding of the different strokes how to use them in moderate to windy conditions up to force 4. Some previous knowledge of simple rescues is beneficial.
Our aim is for you to leave with a structured understanding of sea safety and rescue, knowing where your strengths lie and what to develop next.
We would expect to cover distances of between 10 – 15 km (7 hours) a day depending on conditions.
If you have any questions regarding the required ability please feel free to contact us on info@seakayakingcornwall.com.
Contact Us
Please give us a call if you have any queries or wish to discuss any of our courses or expeditions:
0044 (0)1326 250889 (office)
0044 (0) 7555 763695 (Shaun Rodgers)
0044 (0) 7455 884482 (James Roberts)