The Isles of Scilly - Intermediate Paddling Week

Sea Kayaking Cornwall’s experienced guide with area knowledge offering advice, assistance, planning and safety throughout the trip.

Kayak. We can supply suitable kayaks but you are welcome to bring your own kayak. If you choose to bring your own kayak, please make sure to book kayak transport in advance when you book your ferry tickets for the Scillonian.

Buoyancy aids /PFD.

Spray decks.

Paddles.

Paddling kit. We can also supply windproof jackets, thermal rash vests, wetsuits.

Not Included

Transport to start location St Mary’s Island – Isles of Scilly.

Food and beverages during the trip.

Camping fees and camping equipment.

Camping

You don’t need to book the campsite yourself. We hold a reserved area for the duration of the expeditions. Once you’ve booked your space on the expedition, we will forward your name to the Garrison campsite for your chosen dates. Your invoices are ready for you for payment on arrival.

Prices for 2024: TBC

Luggage transport: Price TBC – collection and delivery to and from St Mary’s quay on arrival and departure day.

Showers: £1 for 5 minutes.

Please contact the campsite if you intend arriving early or staying longer. Don’t forget to mention you are kayaking with Sea Kayaking Cornwall, so they can cross-reference you with us.

St Mary’s Island – Isles of Scilly.

Scillonian ferry from Penzance to St Mary’s or flights from Land’s End, Newquay, Exeter to St Mary’s. Booking via Isles of Scilly travel: www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/book/

Trains from London airports to Penzance, including an overnight sleeper train from London Paddington.

You will need to book your ferry / flights to arrive on the Sunday at the start of your week and depart the afternoon on the Sunday of the following week.

There is normally only one passenger ferry per day. However, they have introduced double sailing days during peak season, so please check this option when booking.

A Sea Kayaking Cornwall guide will welcome you on St Mary’s quay when the ferry arrives on the Sunday at the start of your week. Look out for a paddle and a sea kayak guide wearing a Sea Kayaking Cornwall T-shirt! If you miss the guide or are flying to the island, please make your way up to the Garrison Holidays campsite.

If travelling by ferry, please make sure you label your bags “St Mary: Garrison Holidays campsite” and they will be taken to the campsite for you.

You will have time to set up camp / check in to accommodation before we have the first briefing.

After the briefing we go to the Sailing Centre to get boats and kit organised. We then head out onto the water for a “shake-down” paddle.

Your last day on the water will be the Saturday. Departure is on the Sunday. This will be a land based free day should you wish to explore the islands on your own.

 Parking in Penzance – Cornwall:

For Parking in Penzance, please book with – www.Scillyparking.co.uk or www.islesofscillyparking.co.uk They transport to and from the car park to the ferry terminal is included in the price.

Food Shopping

The Co-op on St Mary’s has a good range of groceries. There is no need to bring food over with you.

The Co-op is open from 8am till 10pm except Sunday 10am to 4pm.

The islands offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, deli shops, bakeries and a butcher. You will have more than enough choice if you are up for a “cooking free” holiday.

The campsite has a small shop that sells all of the basics including camping gas and milk. You can also buy fresh croissants from 8am at the campsite

We sometimes book a table at a restaurant for the first and last nights. Attendance is optional and at individual expense.

Recommended

• Travel insurance.
• Prepare for 5 breakfasts – 6 lunches – 5 dinners – plus snacks, hot drinks and soups for the time we are out.
• Dry bags – various sizes.
• Camping kit: Tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag (3-4 season).
• Stove, pans and fuel/gas, plus a reliable means of lighting.
• Water bottle
• Thermos or “Jet boil” style cooker for keeping or heating liquids.
• Paddling kit – suitable for cold-water paddling. Please contact us if you are uncertain that you have the correct gear.
• Suitable paddling footwear: neoprene booties / water shoes / sandals.
• Safety kit. We carry adequate safety kit. However, we suggest you bring the safety kit that you would normally paddle with. A group can never have enough safety equipment on a trip.
• Sponge.
• Sun cream.
• Sunglasses and hat.
• Insect repellent, tick removers and midge spray.
• Camera.
• Headlamp/torch
• Personal medication and first aid kit.
• Reading material if the elements keep us off the water.
• Suitable bags to carry your kit in up the beach (IKEA bag).
• At least two changes of warm clothes, warm hats, gloves and water-proofs.
• Suitable footwear and change of clothes for walking in the conditions and changing into at the end of the day.
• Phone and power banks. There is a possibility to charge phones at the campsite for a fee.
• Money, as there are cafes and restaurants to visit. Most will accept card payment.
• Swimming kit and towel.
• Fishing kit. There will be the opportunity to fish, so bring a hand line or fishing rod.

If you have kit that you prefer e.g. left hand paddle, please bring it with you. We always travel with our personal paddles, PFD and clothing.