Participants are required to have basic boat handling skills and knowledge. They should have a desire to develop their sea kayaking skills and understanding.
↓ Course summary
The programme will be run over a series of Sundays from 10am to 4pm each day (First day we will meet at 9.15am). The idea of these sessions is to work towards independence as a sea kayaker. Skills covered in this course include boat selection and fit, forward paddling, turning, steering, and balancing. Safety skills, such as equipment selection, what to carry afloat, what to wear and the use of weather and tides to plan simple journeys on the sea. We can also offer advice on equipment purchase and joining a club. Locations will vary from week to week depending on the weather forecasts. Possible locations are Strangford lough, Ardglass, Newcastle and the Quoile in Downpatrick as a bad weather option.
↓ Who is the course for?
This course if perfect for those who have some Sea kayaking experience and are looking to develop their skills and understanding of the environment.
It is ideal for those who have attended the discover and/or explore sea kayaking.
Our equipment stores are by far the best around with a stock of over 100 boats from across the range of models there are plenty to choose from! If your thinking of buying a boat come along and ‘try before you buy’ and also get unbiased expert advise from our staff on the most suitable equipment for you.
All you will need to bring is old footwear for the water, a long sleeved top for under your wet suit and a towel/toiletries. You may wish to bring your swimsuit for wearing under wetsuit. You are also advised to bring an extra layer of clothing and a hat should you become cold.
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?
Your course price includes use of all technical equipment, in-course transport, instruction and a packed lunch.
Catering:
Our catering is first class, noted both for the quality and quantity of the food that we provide. Your course is catered, so you will be provided with a packed lunch for the day. You may also wish to bring your own personal snack food for use during the course. You can fill a flask with tea or coffee at the Centre if required.
Accommodation:
Your course is a one day course, so accommodation is not provided. However, we do have changing rooms, showers and lockers available for your use.
We can offer you a nights’ accommodation and breakfast either at the beginning or end of a course for an extra £26.50 per person. This is a great way to further enhance your time at Tollymore and savour the beautiful majestic setting that the Centre has to offer.
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……
