BCAB Sea Kayak Award-Training & Assessment
Welcome to your sea kayaking adventure in North Wales! Join us to further your sea kayaking journey using British Canoeing's Sea Kayaker award as your guide.
5 Days
Plas y Brenin
Instructor Ratio1:6
Location
Plas y Brenin
Length
5 Days
Instructor Ratio
1:6
Course Breakdown
Overview
Our experienced coaches will enhance your boat handling skills, teach you to make informed decisions for a safe and enjoyable sea outing, and provide an opportunity for assessment and future progress planning.
Our program focuses on developing your sea kayaking skills, emphasizing sound judgement and decision-making for successful days on the sea. You’ll gain confidence in planning and executing sea journeys, even in winds up to force 2 and tides up to 1 knot. Whether you prefer sea kayaks or sit-on-tops, and whether you paddle in tidal or non-tidal environments, this course equips you with the skills to stay in control. This award serves as a strong foundation for building the experience and knowledge needed for Coastal Sea Kayak Award holders.
Objectives
Throughout the course, we’ll explore various coastal locations near North Wales, covering skill enhancement, trip planning, and decision-making. The assessment process unfolds gradually over the week, with all elements comprehensively addressed and practiced.
Itinerary
To make the most of this experience, it’s important to have a basic proficiency in kayak manoeuvring. Expect to spend your week developing boat handling skills, gaining insights into how tides and wind can impact your journey, and learning how to adapt when things don’t go as planned. By the end of the program, you’ll have the chance to undergo assessment and receive a personalized action plan for your future progress in sea kayaking.
* Please note: Itinerary is subject to weather and availability.
Experience Required
You should have kayaked before and had some experience of sea kayaking. The British Canoeing ‘Discover’ Paddle award or old 2* standard would be a useful indication of starting ability.
How Should I Prepare?
You need to have skills to move your kayak around with relative ease in calm conditions.
Note: Our instructors will assess any safety equipment you bring with you. If they consider it to be below the required standard, you will be asked to use equipment provided free of charge by Plas y Brenin.
Res
Non-Res
Instruction & Coaching
Expert, trained & qualified instructors
In-depth local knowledge
200+ years of combined team experience
PYB coaching ethos & tailored delivery
Fully insured for all activities
Our instructor team shares venue insights, local tips, and tailors your experience based on individual and group needs.
Accomodation
Shared En Suite
Shared with your course attendees
Single En Suite Upgrade
Food
Fully Catered
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Packed Lunch
Afternoon Tea & Cake
Tea, Coffee and Cakes on arrival back at PYB
Two Course Evening Meal
Expedition / Camp Food
Facilities
Kit Hire & Course Equipment
Climbing Wall Access
Subject to availability, T&C’s apply
Laundry
Drying room
Evening lectures
Some at additional cost if lectures are charged
On-site physio
By appointment
Lake access
Free On-Site Parking
Free Wi-Fi
24hr front desk
Bar and restaurant access
In-Course Transport
Scheduled courses only*
Rolling Pool
T&C’s apply
EV Charger
* In-Course Transport is included for all scheduled courses. For Private Instruction, in-course transport arrangements need to be booked in addition (subject to availability at an additional cost).
Further Information
If you’re unsure which option is best for you, feel free to contact us — we’ll be happy to talk you through it.
We offer extensive kit lists to help you prepare for your course, including our recommendations for the best in the business. We also have a wide range of equipment available for hire on-site at no extra cost.
Dates, Prices and Booking
All dates and prices can be found on our booking platform.