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PPA Sea kayak Award

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The Sea Kayak Award helps you build the confidence and skills to enjoy exploring the coastline under your own steam. Across two days you’ll develop the techniques, decision-making and sea sense needed to journey safely in moderate conditions — with a strong focus on personal paddling, safety, and efficiency.


This is a practical, experience-based award designed to help you feel comfortable planning and undertaking day trips in a variety of sea environments. You’ll refine your strokes, explore how wind, tide and swell influence your journey, and discover the independence that comes with truly understanding the sea.

When & Where

📍 Location: South Coast – typically Dorset & Hampshire
📆 Availability: Scheduled dates and private bookings year-round
⏱ Duration: 2 days (coastal-based)
💷 Price: £180 per person


How to Book

✅ Book online via our course calendar
💬 Contact us if you’d like to arrange a private date or group session
👥 Private Groups: Bespoke 1:1 or group coaching available – contact for a quote

What Happens on the Course


We’ll spend two full days developing your skills in real sea environments, balancing coaching with practical journeying:


Day 1 – Technical Skills & Control


  • Boat handling in wind and waves
  • Efficient forward paddling and edging
  • Support strokes and rescues in a sea setting
  • Using the environment for learning and control



Day 2 – Coastal Journey


  • Planning and executing a short sea journey
  • Navigation, tidal planning and weather interpretation
  • Paddling in moderate conditions with swell, wind, and flow
  • Group awareness, safety and incident management


By the end of the two days, you’ll have the confidence and understanding to paddle independently in moderate sea conditions, and the foundation to progress towards leadership or expedition paddling.

Ideal For

  • Paddlers looking to develop independence on the sea
  • Suitable for those with previous sheltered or coastal kayaking experience
  • No formal prerequisites required
  • Great next step after the Sea Kayak Intro or Coastal Skills Day


What’s Included

  • Coaching and assessment with an experienced PaddleUK sea kayak coach
  • Use of sea kayak, paddle, and all technical equipment if required
  • Access to wetsuits, cags, and safety kit
  • Detailed feedback and support throughout the course
  • Small group ratios for tailored coaching and support

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about our discover paddleports sessions? Check out our FAQs to find the answers you need!

  • Do I need any experience?

    You should already be comfortable paddling in light winds and sheltered conditions, but there are no formal prerequisites.

  • What conditions will we paddle in?

    Typically up to Beaufort Force 3 and tidal flows up to 1 knot, with small surf and swell.

  • Is certification included?

    Certification isn’t automatic — to achieve the PaddleUK Personal Performance Award – Sea Kayak, you’ll need to demonstrate the required standard by the end of the course. Your coach will guide and support you throughout.

  • Can I use my own sea kayak and equipment?

    Definitely. You’re welcome to bring your own kit, or we can provide everything you need at no extra cost.

  • What’s next after this award?

    You can progress towards the Sea Kayak Progressive Award, or take the next step into leadership with the Sea Kayak Leader qualification.

Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to us directly. We're here to help you embark on your adventure!

Came on the 3 hour sea kayaking introduction. Had a great time, achieved all that I expected and more, always love courses so much more when the instructor's are obviously passionate about what they do.

Had a lovely 3 hour kayak tuition session on the river at Beaulieu today. Ellen, our instructor, kitted us out and went through the basics before getting us on the water. We were a group of 4 adults with little or no experience of kayaks or canoes and Ellen very quickly had us paddling forwards, turning left and right and stopping etc. We were guided along the river, learning about the local wildlife and history of this beautiful setting. A really relaxing experience with an engaging instructor and pretty good weather to boot! Highly recommend!

Great session covered everything we needed to get going, enjoy lots of adventures since then. Instructor Leander was amazing, the session was well paced and so useful!