For our 'Discover Sea Kayaking' having paddled a kayak before is helpful but not essential. If you lack water confidence feel free to give the Centre a call directly (+44 028 4372 2158) as we can bring a double sea kayak to help build confidence on your first experience. Please note these are not coaching evenings but more of a guided experience. (Please note for our September evening sessions you MUST have some experience as we will be paddling in darkness on our return jurney back to base.)
In order to make this course as accessible as possible, we have created flexibility in how participants book their place. If at the start of the week (Monday) you are not available please contact the Centre so you can transfer to the next suitable date. We can then offer your place to next on the waiting list. If you do not cancel and do not turn up you will lose your night.
Participants will need to use up any outstanding nights by Thursday, 14th September 2023 when the last evening session takes place.
↓ Course summary
Our 'Discover Sea Kayaking' will run every Thursday evening from 4th May through to 14th September 2023. These evenings are aimed at newcomers and are an ideal way to get a taste of what Strangford Lough has to offer paddlers.
The philosophy behind the evening paddles is providing the opportunity for people to gain access to the lough and to enjoy a guided journey among the islands. We will be stopping off on an island for a picnic supper enjoying the wildlife, sunsets and spending time away from it all in a soothing relaxed environment - what more could you ask for mid-week?
Providing coaching is not the focus of the evenings but our staff are more than happy to provide coaching in the form of ‘hot tip and handy hints’ as we journey.
We select our weekly launch site on a Wednesday lunchtime when we have gained the most up to date forecast this will be communicated to you by email or by mobile.
Skills covered includes boat selection and fit - top tips on forward paddling, turning, steering and balancing, safety skills, such as equipment selection, what to carry afloat, what to wear, and guidance on planning simple trips on the sea and journeying safely and independently. We can also offer advice on equipment purchase and joining a club. CANI List of Clubs
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↓ Who is the course for?
These Discover Sea Kayaking evenings are aimed at those people who are looking at giving sea kayaking ago for the first time; or those people looking to get back into a boat after an extended break. Also if you are considering buying a boat, then these evenings are an ideal opportunity to try out a range of boats before purchasing.
Our equipment stores are by far the best around with a stock of over 25 specialist sea kayaks plus three doubles so there are plenty to choose from. All you will need to bring is old footwear for the water, a long sleeves top and/or warm fleece for under your wetsuit and towel/toiletries. Also bring a warm hat, warm top to carry in your boat and small snack and drink for a picnic on an Island.
Participants are encouraged to bring any personal equipment so they get the opportunity to be coached using the equipment they are most familiar with.
↓ What does my course fee include?
The course fee for these Discover Sea Kayaking Evenings includes kit, equipment and a guided session with a qualified leader.
Current situation
As you are probably aware the current advice from the Northern Ireland Executive, Health Promotion Agency NI and Health & Safety Executive NI, as well as our expert group within Sport NI is that we cannot deliver any face to face courses for our customers including use of the Hot Rock Climbing Wall.
We know that you and many others like minded folk are very keen to get back on track with your plans to attend and complete a range of personal skills training and qualifications in a range of disciplines.
Believe us when we say we are equally keen to get outside with you and help you reach your goals and complete that journey.
How do we know? Because every day we get emails and phone calls asking when will courses resume and with every NI Executive mention of easing of restrictions the emails and phone calls are more frequent……
