The Kayak Coach | Courses & Training Sessions
The Kayak Coach are pleased to offer the following courses:
Courses - (Click Link to View Full Details)
Kids Only Kayaking - £20
BCU 1 Star Course - £70
BCU 2 Star Course - £130
Introductory Course - £25
Kayak Fishing Experience - £35
Private Coaching Sessions - please email for Dates
Aquatic First Aid Training - Coming Soon!
River Trips (Sussex)
Taking place at Cuckmere Haven, just a few miles down the road from Brighton, this is a 2hr kids kayaking experience. Designed for children between the ages of 8 - 15 years old, its a good way to exercise and experience that sence of adventure.
During the session, you can expect to learn the basics of paddling and controling your boat as well as general safety. The session takes place in a very safe, sheltered and shallow boating area. Once the basics are mastered, we'll head off on a short journey along the beautiful Ox-bow lake of Cuckmere Haven through the nature reserve to explore and participate in games and challenges to put your new skills to the test.
Having completed a few kayaking sessions you will be of a competent level of kayaking and we can issue you with a BCU 1 Star award. The BCU 1 Star award is a nationally recognised award and is a clear steping stone to becoming a paddler. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
We also offer birthday parties for as many or as few children as you require. Please see our private coaching section at the bottom of the page.
What it will cover?:
- Safety Considerations
- Basic paddling – forwards & backwards
- Turning
See Downloads Section for full Course Syllabus
Who it's for:
You need no previous experience, just a healthy sense of adventure! If you dont mind getting wet and want to have fun then this is for you.
What you'll need:
We’ll supply all the equipment you require. Bring along a wet suit or warm layers to paddle in, fleece material and wool are best. A bottle of drink, and sun cream if it's a hot day.
Details:
This is a 2hr Kids only kayaking experience.
Timings: 14.00 – 16.00
Groups size: 8 max
Cost:
£20.00 Per Child
Course Dates & Locations:
Our Kids Only kayaking sessions all take place at Cuckmere Haven in Sussex unless otherwise stated.
Please watch this space for future dates
Location - Cuckmere Haven, Exceat nr Seaford
(Further details along with directions will be supplied upon booking)
Please Note: Parents or guardians must remain within the vicinity at all times.
Book Now:
The British Canoe Union (BCU) are the governing body of paddle sports in the UK. We offer a range of BCU national awards.
The courses follow a structured outline and can cover a range of paddle craft, skills and theory. If you would prefer a more informal course built around you, our private coaching or Introduction to kayaking course could be just what you are after.
Each star award is a pre-requisite for entry to the next. If you are unsure about what course is best for you, please feel free to contact us.
This is a nationally recognized 6hr (one day) course, designed as an introduction to paddle sport (kayak, canoe or a sit-on-top). During the course you’ll cover the fundamental skills of paddling leaving you in a fantastic position to get more from your time on the water. The emphasis of the course is on learning correct safe practice and enjoyment.
What it will cover?:
- Theory & Safety Considerations
- Equipment
- Basic paddling – forwards & backwards
- Turning
- Journeying
- Your next step
See Downloads Section for full Course Syllabus
Who it's for:
You need no previous experience, just a healthy sense of adventure! If you have an interest in learning the basic skills and principals of canoeing or kayaking then this is the course for you.
What you'll need:
You will need to be fit enough to last a day of activity. We’ll supply all the equipment you require. Bring along a wet suit or warm layers to paddle in, fleece material and wool are best. Also a packed lunch, snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up, and sun cream if it's a hot day.
Details:
This course is run over 1 day. Unless stated otherwise timings will normally be as follows:
Timings: 09.00 – 16.00 | 6 hours activity with a break for lunch
Groups size: 8 max
Cost:
£70.00 Per Person
Course Dates & Locations:
Our British Canoe Union 1 Star kayaking courses run at Cuckmere Haven in East Sussex unless overwise stated.
Date - Please use the drop down menu below for future dates
(Further details along with directions will be supplied upon booking)
Book Now:
The British Canoe Union (BCU) are the governing body of paddle sports in the UK. We offer a range BCU national awards.
The courses follow a structured outline and can cover a range of paddle craft, skills and theory. If you would prefer a more informal course built around you, our private coaching or Introduction to kayaking course could be just what you are after.
Each star award is a pre-requisite for entry to the next. If you are unsure about what course is best for you, please feel free to contact us.
This course will give you a great understanding of paddle sports as well as a good grounding in the basic techniques (canoes & kayaks). The two day nationally recognised training course will give you a far greater confidence and competence on the water. The emphasis of the course is on building competence and learning correct safe practise, and enjoyment.
What it will cover:
- Theory & Safety Considerations
- Equipment
- Boat handling
- Supports & braces
- Rescues
- Your next step
See Downloads Section for full Course Syllabus
Who it's for:
Previous experience is essential as you need to be competent at capsizing and paddling on flat water. The course is aimed at those at or above the one star standard. It’s two full days of training so a reasonable level of fitness is required if you are to get the most out of the course. Those not quite at the required standard at the end of the two days will be able to do a separate assessment once they've had chance to practice.
If you're not sure if this course is suitable for you don't be shy, drop us a line and we’ll advise you as best we can.
What you'll need:
You will need to be fit enough to last a day of activity. We’ll supply all the equipment you require. Bring along a wet suit or warm layers to paddle in, fleece material and wool are best. Also a packed lunch, snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up, and sun cream if it's a hot day.
Details:
This course is run over 2 days. Unless stated otherwise timings will normally be as follows:
Timings: 09.00 – 16.00 each day | 6 hours activity with a break for lunch
Groups size: 6 max
Cost:
£130.00 Per Person
Course Dates & Locations:
Our British Canoe Union 2 star kayaking courses all run at Cuckmere Haven in Sussex unless otherwise stated.
Date - Please use the drop down menu below for future dates | Location - Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex
(Further details along with directions will be supplied upon booking)
Book Now:
This course is a 1.5hr course, designed as an introduction to paddle sport (kayak, canoe or sit-on-top). During the course you’ll cover the fundamental skills of paddling leaving you in a fantastic position to get more from your time on the water. The course syllabus copies that of the BCU 1 Star Course, however in a far more compact session giving you lot’s of information and skills to perfect at your leisure. The emphasis of the course is on learning correct safe practice and enjoyment.
What it will cover?
- Theory & Safety Considerations
- Equipment
- Basic paddling – forwards & backwards
- Turning
- Journeying
- Your next step
See Downloads Section for full Course Syllabus
Who it's for?
You need no previous experience, just a healthy sense of adventure! If you have an interest in learning the basic skills and principals of canoeing or kayaking then this is the course for you. Perfect if your not sure if kayaking's for you, you'd like to try a craft that you've not paddled before or just need a bit more confidence on the water.
What you'll need?
You will need to be fit enough to last a day of activity. We’ll supply all the equipment you require. Bring along a wet suit or warm layers to paddle in, fleece material and wool are best. Also a packed lunch, snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up, and sun cream if it's a hot day.
Details:
This course is run over 1.5 hours. Unless stated otherwise timings will normally be as follows:
Timings: 18:30 – 20:00 | 1.5 hours activity
Timings: 09:30 – 11:00 | 1.5 hours activity
Groups size: 8 max
Cost
£25.00 Per Person
Course Dates & Locations:
All our Introductory Kayaking Courses take place at Cuckmere Haven, near Eastbourne.
Date - Please use the drop down menu below for future dates | Location - Cuckmere Haven, Exceat nr Eastbourne
(Further details along with directions will be supplied upon booking)
Book Now:
This is a specifically designed Sea fishing experience, offering a fun and exhilarating session of fishing along the coastal waters of East Sussex. The session offers tuition in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and caters for people at a variety of different levels. Although we can never fully guarantee that 'prize haul' of mackerel, the guidance, useful information on how to set up your Kayak as a recreational fishing platform, along with helpful safety and awareness tips, will help you get the most enjoyment from this fishing trip. It will also help set you up for any further fishing experiences you may plan in the future, once you are 'hooked'. Who could resist a haul of fresh, locally line caught fish!!
What it will cover?
- Theory & Safety Considerations
- Equipment
- Boat & Equipment handling
- Landing and Handling Fish
- Tips & pointers on how to improve you’re paddling skills.
- Your next step
See Downloads Section for full Course Syllabus
Who it's for?
This experience is available to all. We cater for complete beginners wishing to have some fun and catch a few fish for the BBQ through to well weathered fisherman needing some boating tips on how to get them closer to their own personal 'Moby Dick'.
If you're not sure if this session is suitable for you don't be shy, drop us a line and we’ll advise you as best we can.
What you'll need?
You will need to be fit enough to last a few hours of activity. We’ll supply all the equipment you require. Bring along a wet suit or warm layers to paddle in, fleece material and wool are best. Also a packed lunch, snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up, and sun cream if it's a hot day.
Details:
This experience is run over approx. 3 hour session. Course timings may vary to best suit fishing conditions.
Groups size: 4 max
Cost
£35.00 Per Person
Course Dates & Locations:
All our Kayak Fishing Experiences take place from Brighton Seafront.
Date - Please use the drop down menu below for future dates | Location - Madeira Drive, Brighton Seafront
(Further details along with directions will be supplied upon booking)
Book Now:
During this BCU Foundation Safety & Rescue Training Course you'll learn the basic skills and techniques to keep yourself safe whilst paddling flat water, weather you're in a sit on top, canoe or kayak. Expert coaching and great venues to practice in. We supply all the equipment (except wetsuits), come prepared to spend lots of time in the water working through the skills and rescue techniques.
What it will cover?
- Equipment & its uses
- Bank & boat based rescues
- Common emergencies & scenarios
See Downloads Section for full Course Syllabus
Who it's for?
The course is designed for 2 Star and above standard paddlers however it’s a very useful and informative course whatever your ability. Don't worry if you don't feel your paddlings up to standard, the course doesn’t assess your paddling skills but teaches you invaluable Safety and Rescue Skills. The course however isn't recommended for paddlers under the age of 14. The FSRT is also a pre-requirement for a level 1 coach.
What you'll need?
You will need to be fit enough to last a few hours of activity. We’ll supply all the equipment you require (except wetsuit). You need simply come dressed in suitable clothing for getting wet and keeping warm. Some parts of the training will require participants to enter the water so wetsuits are recommeneded. This a a full day course with a short stop for lunch so please bring a packed lunch.
Details:
This course is run over 1 day. Unless stated otherwise timings will normally be as follows:
Timings: 09.00 – 16.00 | 6 hours activity with a break for lunch
Groups size: 6 max
Course certification is not included in the course fee. Any additional £5 for BCU members & £10 for non-members will be required for certification.
Cost
£70.00 Per Person
Course Dates & Locations:
The British Canoe Union Foundation Safety and Rescue Training course run at Cuckmere Haven, near Eastbourne.
Date - To be Confirmed | Location - Cuckmere Haven, Exceat nr Eastbourne
(Further details along with directions will be supplied upon booking)
Book Now:
We offer top quality coaching as well as all the canoeing and kayaking equipment you need. We plan your time on the water ensuring you exceed your expectations and maximise the time you have available.
We work to your strengths, helping you to develop and improve your canoeing or kayaking skills long after or in-between our coaching sessions with you.
As its a session built around you we can paddle at your favourate kayaking spot or one of our recommended locations at Cuckmere Haven, Brighton, Eastbourne, or Weirwood reservoir in East Grinstead. (please note: If there's an admission charge to a venue this must be paid for by clients on top of Coaching cost.)
Join us for,
- Private one to one coaching
- Closed courses for your group
- Hire a coach - to assist on trips or for coaching
- School Groups (your pool or away trips)
We also run sessions where fun is the number one aim, we regularly run sessions for,
- Birthday parties
- Stag or Hen parties
- Social groups
We start all private group fun sessions with a short safety briefing and then onto the water where the fun begins. What ever the occasion, stag or hen party, birthday party or just a group of friends out for an adventure, we make sure your in control of your kayak or sit-on-top by teaching you some basic manoeuvring and general kayaking skills before making our way along the lake. In no time you'll be racing up and down the lake using your new skills. We'll play a few water based games before (for those who are brave enough) trying a full capsize!
Please email info@thekayakcoach.com for further details.
Coming Soon! Aquatic First Aid Courses
The Kayak Coach will soon be offering Aquatic First Aid courses.
Watch this space for full details coming soon!
See Downloads Section for full Course Syllabus
We run a number of river trips in Sussex including trips on the river Cuckmere and the river Ouse. All our river trips run through stunning Sussex countryside and the trips are designed to allow you to enjoy the wonderful views of the South Downs and surrounding areas. Taking one of our trips you'll be able to get out on the Sussex waterways to experience that spirit of adventure whilst also enjoying the stunning surrounding countryside with all the wildlife, flora and fauna along the way. Whilst the focus of the trips isn't on learning how to kayak, our coaches will ensure that even a total beginner will be given all the help they need to be on the water safely and in complete control of their kayak or sit-on-top.
The River Cuckmere
We start our trip at Cuckmere Haven, an area of true beauty with flower rich chalk grassland and over-wintering wildfowl and colourful wild flowers, making our way along the river Cuckmere inland to Alfriston. As the river meanders along Cuckmere valley and into Litlington we'll pass the giant white chalk horse that dominates the view of the left side of the valley. Once we get to Alfriston there's time for a quick snack before heading back to Cuckmere with the outgoing tide.
When does the trip take place?:
This trip runs all year round. Taking approximately 3.5 hrs we leave the car park at Cuckmere 1 hr before high tide.
Who it's for:
With this trip being based on the calm Sussex inland waterways it is suitable for everyone, although its not recommended for junior paddlers. You need no previous experience, just a healthy sense of adventure! If you like the idea of a peaceful paddle along the picturesque Sussex inland waterways then this is for you.
What you'll need:
We’ll supply all the equipment you require (except clothing). Bring along a wet suit or warm layers to paddle in, fleece material and wool are best. A bottle of drink and a snack for the half way point. Sun cream if it's a hot day.
Details:
Timings: Approximately 3.5 hrs
Cost:
£35.00 Per Person
Course Dates & Locations:
Date - Please use the drop down menu delow for future dates | Location - Cuckmere Haven, Exceat nr Seaford
(Further details along with directions will be supplied upon booking)
Book Now:
The River Ouse - Barcombe Mills to Lewes
We start our kayaking adventure at Barcombe Mills, paddling along the river Ouse as it winds its way across the South Downs into the historic county town of Lewes. Along the way we will no doubt encounter some Sussex wildlife in or on the river banks. As with all our kayak river trips this is a peaceful and picturesque trip with the emphasis on enjoying being out on the water instead having to learn lots of new skills and getting wet!
When does the trip take place?:
This trip runs all year round. Taking approximately 4 hrs we leave the car park at Barcombe Mills two hours after high tide.
Who it's for:
With this kayak trip being based on the calm Sussex inland waterways it is suitable for everyone, although its not recommended for junior paddlers. You need no previous experience, just a healthy sense of adventure and a reasonable level of fitness. An ideal kayaking trip for groups looking for a day out with a different view of Sussex. If you like the idea of a peaceful paddle along picturesque Sussex inland waterways then this is for you.
What you'll need:
We’ll supply all the equipment you require (except clothing). Bring along a wet suit or warm layers to paddle in, fleece material and wool are best. We will be on the water for several hours so a bottle of drink and some lunch for the half way point as well as a snack will be needed. Sun cream if it's a hot day.
Details:
Timings: Approximately 4 hrs
Cost:
£40.00 Per Person
Course Dates & Locations:
Date - Sunday 8th January - 10.30 Start | Location - Barcombe Mills (start), Lewes (finish)
(Further details along with directions will be supplied upon booking)
Book Now:
The River Ouse - Barcombe Mills to Isfield Weir and Back
This kayaking river trip takes us away from the busy world of cars and noise and takes us deep into the peaceful Sussex countryside. Starting our river trip at Barcombe Mills, we paddle upstream along the river Ouse. Along the way we will no doubt pass anglers fishing the river for carp, pike and trout. The river offers an abundance of wildlife to see along the way including kingfishers, moorhen, mute swan, greylag goose, and grey wagtails to name a few. After one mile we reach the Anchor Inn, a great pub on the river that is worth visiting on the return leg! Past the Anchor Inn we paddle for approximately a further two miles on our way to Isfield Weir. As the river snakes through the Sussex Downs towards our turn around point we pass under disused railway bridges and are joined by other rivers. Before too long we can hear the roar of the water cascading down Isfield Weir in the distance. After stretching our legs and exploring Isfield Weir we make our way back to Balcombe Mills with hopefully time for a pint of Harveys in the Anchor Inn along the way!
As with all our kayak river trips this is a peaceful and picturesque trip with the emphasis on enjoying being out on the water instead having to learn lots of new skills and getting wet!
When does the trip take place?:
This trip runs all year round and takes approximately 3hrs.
Who it's for:
With this kayak trip being based on the calm Sussex inland waterways it is suitable for everyone, although its not recommended for under 14's. You need no previous experience, just a healthy sense of adventure and a reasonable level of fitness. An ideal kayaking trip for groups looking for a day out with a different view of Sussex. If you like the idea of a peaceful paddle along picturesque Sussex inland waterways then this is for you.
What you'll need:
We’ll supply all the equipment you require (except clothing). Bring along a wet suit or warm layers to paddle in, fleece material and wool are best. We will be on the water for several hours so a bottle of drink and a snack for the half way point will be needed. Sun cream if it's a hot day.
Details:
Timings: Approximately 3hrs.
Cost:
£30.00 Per Person
Course Dates & Locations:
Date- Please use the drop down menu delow for future dates | Location - Barcombe Mills car park.
(Further details along with directions will be supplied upon booking)
Book Now:
Looking for a Birthday or Christmas present? Maybe a retirement or leaving gift?
Vouchers are the perfect present for any occasion. The Kayak Coach gift vouchers have no expiry date and can be used as part or full payment.
Free recorded delivery with any value of gift voucher! Click the relevant link below to order your vouchers.
Voucher denominations can be made up to the required total amount by selecting the quantity in the shopping basket. The Kayak Coach Gift Vouchers are available in the following denominations: £10, £25 & £50
Order Now: