SEA KAYAK COACHING
ROUGH WATER DEVELOPER - Oban & Sound of Luing
5 days
The Oban area and Sound of Luing is a fantastic area for intermediate and advanced sea kayaking - home to the tide races and moving water playspots of the Falls of Lora, Grey Dogs, Bellnahua, Loch Creran, Cuan Sound and of course the infamous Corryvreckan. In the right conditions, more exposed coastlines offer swell and stronger winds to get to grips with.
This course is designed for the intermediate sea kayaker, who has done a good amount of paddling in stronger winds (to F4) and some swell and looking to develop their skillset in rough and dynamic water: experiencing tide races and moving water along with bigger swells and stronger winds. Over the 5 days we'll develop cast iron techncal and tactical models to paddle and perform in these environments, as well as foster confidence through challenges and play as well as a deeper understainding and feel of the environment. A sea kayak roll is advantageous for this course.
The course will be delivered by highly experienced sea kayak coaches, who have an intimate knowledge of the area: Matt Haydock & Doug Cooper.
Venue
Course based from Oban, Scottish Highlands
2022 Dates
16th-20th May, with Matt Haydock & Alice McInnes
10th-14th October, with Matt Haydock & Doug Cooper
Price
£500 per person
Enquiries and Booking:
For more details or if you have a query, please CONTACT US
To join us on any of the course dates listed above, please BOOK HERE
SKYE ADVANCED WEEK
5 days
The Isle of Skye offers a huge variety of superb paddling for the sea kayaker looking to develop their skills. The west coast venues of Elgol and Tokavaig often have swell to play with, under the breathtaking Cuillin Ridge. The tidal playspot of Kylerhea offers fantastic moving water and tide race challenges, and surf can also sometimes greet the north east coast near Staffin. These are just some of the venues available to us.
The aim of the week will be to develop more confidence and control in bigger and more advanced conditions, including: stronger winds and bigger swells, rock hopping, moving water and tide race skills and surf. Individualised coaching will provide you with the appropriate challenges for you, and the week is all about learning whilst exploring spectacular places. Critically we'll also help develop your decision making and planning skills, plus the ability for you to steer and evaluate your own performance through reflection, whilst we make lasting positive changes to your tactics and technical skills.
This week is designed for the paddler who is confident in force 4 winds, 2 knots of tide and 1m+ swells; and looking to develop skills in bigger conditions than this, as well as moving water and tide race skills. A sea kayak roll and self-rescue are advantageous, and you should be confident and efficient when being rescued by someone else.
The course will be delivered by highly experienced sea kayak coaches, who have an intimate knowledge of the area: Matt Haydock & Doug Cooper.
Venue
Isle of Skye
2022 Dates
4th-8th April, with Matt Haydock and Doug Cooper
Price
£500 per person
Enquiries and Booking:
For more details or if you have a query, please CONTACT US
To join us on any of the course dates listed above, please BOOK HERE
SKYE INTERMEDIATE WEEK
5 days
The Isle of Skye offers a huge variety of superb paddling for the sea kayaker looking to develop their skills. At every corner of the island, from Elgol to Staffin, Armadale to Macleod's Maidens - there is just superb paddling to be had, and perfect coaching venues for our skill development week.
The learning aim of the Intermediate week will be to develop more confidence and control in rougher water, including: stronger winds and bigger swells, rock hopping and introductory moving water skills. Individualised coaching will provide you with the appropriate challenges for you, and the week is all about learning whilst exploring spectacular places. We'll also help develop your decision making and planning skills, plus the ability for you to steer and evaluate your own performance through reflection, whilst we make lasting positive changes to your tactics and technical skills. We hope to inspire you and make you a more independent paddler.
This week is designed for the paddler who has been out on plenty of day trips, and occasionally this has been in winds to force 4 and in some swell. You will be looking to feel more comfortable in these types of conditions. A sea kayak roll is not essential, but you should be practiced at being rescued by someone else.
The course will be delivered by highly experienced sea kayak coaches, who have an intimate knowledge of the area: Matt Haydock & Doug Cooper.
Venue
Isle of Skye
2022 Dates
17th-21st October, with Matt Haydock & Doug Cooper
Price
£500 per person
Enquiries and Booking:
For more details or if you have a query, please CONTACT US
To join us on any of the course dates listed above, please BOOK HERE
FALLS of LORA - Developer Course
2 days
The Falls of Lora, at Connel Bridge, north of Oban on Scotland's west coast is home to a fantastic tidal rapid - the ideal "park and play" venue for sea kayakers to learn and develop moving water skills in preparation for paddling in rougher and more dynamic water and tide races.
The DEVELOPER course is designed for intermediate sea kayakers, who are comfortable in wind and swell and have a little bit of experience of moving water; and looking to develop their skills further, to approach tidal rapids and tide races with more confidence and a more reliable skillset. These 2 days will focus on gaining a greater understanding and feel for the environment, whilst developing solid technical and tactical frameworks to leave you more confident about your understanding, with great foundations for imporving your performance. We'll be using a blue/red tide for these two days - ideal for this type of course.
A reliable sea kayak roll is advised for this course.
Venue
Falls of Lora, Connel Bridge, Oban, Scottish Highlands
2022 Dates
22nd-23rd January, with Matt Haydock
19th-20th February, with Matt Haydock
27th-28th August, with Matt Haydock
12th-13th November, with Matt Haydock
OR contact us to arrange your own tailor-made booking
Price
£185 per person
Enquiries and Booking:
For more details or if you have a query, please CONTACT US
To join us on any of the course dates listed above, please BOOK HERE
NORTH COAST INTERMEDIATE WEEK
5 days
The dramatic North Coast of Scotland and the Pentland Firth offer a huge variety of superb paddling for the sea kayaker looking to develop their skills. With the right planning and knowledge, this committing coastline can offer some fantastic trips for the intermediate paddler as well. From Noss Head, Eilean nan Ron, the Rabbit Islands, Dunnet Head, Duncansby Head and of course the Pentland Firth, this week in May is scheduled on smaller tides, which will (weather permitting) allow us to explore some of these fantastic places. Nesting sea birds at this time of year will also add a spectacular extra dimension to all of our journeys.
The learning aim of the Intermediate week will be to develop more confidence and control in rougher water, including: stronger winds and bigger swells, rock hopping and introductory moving water skills. Individualised coaching will provide you with the appropriate challenges for you, and the week is all about learning whilst exploring spectacular places. We'll also help develop your decision making and planning skills, plus the ability for you to steer and evaluate your own performance through reflection, whilst we make lasting positive changes to your tactics and technical skills. We hope to inspire you and make you a more independent paddler, whilst showing you the best the North Coast has to offer.
This week is designed for the paddler who has been out on plenty of day trips, some of which have been in winds to force 4 and in some swell. You will be looking to feel more comfortable in these types of conditions. A sea kayak roll is not essential, but you should be practiced at being rescued by someone else.
The course will be delivered by highly experienced sea kayak coaches, who have an intimate knowledge of the area: Matt Haydock & Doug Cooper.
Venue:
Thurso, North Coast of Scotland
2022 Dates
23rd-27th May, with Matt Haydock & Doug Cooper
Price
£500 per person
Enquiries and Booking:
For more details or if you have a query, please CONTACT US
To join us on any of the course dates listed above, please BOOK HERE
NORTH COAST ADVANCED WEEK
5 days
The dramatic North Coast of Scotland and the Pentland Firth offer a huge variety of superb, committing and exposed paddling for the sea kayaker looking to develop their skills, and push their boundaries. With the right planning and knowledge, this committing coastline can offer some fantastic trips for the advanced paddler, looking to experience this magical and exposed section of coast. The Pentland Firth has some of the fastest tides in Britain, but with good planning, and the right weather, we hope to head out on some fantastic trips, potentially Duncansby Head, Stroma and Swona, Dunnet Head, Noss Head, Whiten Head - to name but a few fantastic venues. Throughout the week, our plans will of course be decided in part by the weather.e
Our aims for the week from a learning perspective, will be predominantly looking to develop both your tidal planning and decision making skills, along with your personal and tactical skills in dynamic tidal waters and tide races. Whilst this will our main focus, rockhopping, surfing skills and developing skills to paddle in bigger swells is also likely to form part of the week. Individualised coaching will provide you with the appropriate challenges for you, and the week is all about learning whilst exploring spectacular places.
This week is designed for the advanced paddler who is very comfortable in wind and swell, and has experience of paddling in tidal moving water and tide races. You will have a reliable roll and self-rescue, and very practiced and efficient at being rescued by others. You will be comfortable paddling up to 30km in a day, and confident on rocky coastlines.
The course will be delivered by highly experienced sea kayak coaches, who have an intimate knowledge of the area: Matt Haydock & Doug Cooper.
Venue:
Thurso, North Coast of Scotland
2022 Dates
17th-21st September, with Matt Haydock & Doug Cooper
Price
£500 per person
Enquiries and Booking:
For more details or if you have a query, please CONTACT US
To join us on any of the course dates listed above, please BOOK HERE
INTRODUCTION to TIDAL MOVING WATER - CUAN
3 day course
This course is designed for those sea kayakers who have no experience of moving water, but looking to learn the fundamentals that will allow them to paddle in more complex tidal environments. Based at the fantastic Cuan Sound, using the excellent "Kayakers Cove" - this is the ideal venue to get to the grips with the concept of moving water, learn to understand the environment and read the water, as well as develop the basics of moving water skills. We'll develop the ability to cross eddy lines with good tactics, as well as perfect the moves of breaking in and out and ferry gliding. The Sound of Luing itself will also allow us to develop "big picture" tidal paddling skills - paddling on transits, reading the water, and applying our tidal planning the moving water environment.
This course is ideal for those paddlers who have a good amount of coastal journeying experience, have paddled in wind and swell, but haven't really encountered tidal moving water before. A roll and self rescue are advantageous, but not essential, but you will be well practiced and efficient when being rescued by someone else.
British Canoeing personal performace awards are available as part of these courses if desired.
Venue
3 day course - based at Cuan Sound, near Oban.
2022 Dates
3rd-5th June 2022, with Matt Haydock
Price
£300 per person
Enquiries and Booking:
For more details or if you have a query, please CONTACT US
To join us on any of the course dates listed above, please BOOK HERE
IMPROVER SEA KAYAK SKILLS
2 day course
You're hooked on sea kayaking, and loving those tranquil days. However, there's been some days, when the sea has been a bit lumpier, it's moving rather than being still, there's surf at the beach, and the wind has been stronger than you would've liked! Some days you've got to the coast, and it's been a marginal decision whether to go or not.
This course is designed to take your sea kayaking to the next level, and allow you to access those fantastic places you love or are wanting to explore, more confident in the knowledge that you can handle it if it gets a bit rougher. We shall develop tried and tested technical and tactical templates to allow you to control your boat with style in: winds to Force 4, surf landings, more exposed coastlines, and some swell. Steady introductions to activities such as rock hopping and surfing will also allow you to open a new exciting and adrenaline-fuelled door of the sport. With quality individualised coaching, we shall get you feeling more confident and in control of your boat when it matters.
On top of this, we shall develop those all important safety and planning skills to foster independence and ensure your trips are safe as well as fun.
Our highly qualified, experienced and knowledgable coaches will tailor the course to your needs and wants, and ensure you leave hungry for more.
The 2 day course is based in the fantastic Moray Firth.
This course is ideal for those with previous sea kayaking experience - who have completed coastal trips in light winds and smaller swells.
British Canoeing personal performace awards are available as part of these courses if desired.
Venue
2 day course - Moray Firth
2022 Dates
2 day course - Based in Moray Firth - 16th & 17th July, with Doug Cooper
2 day course - Based in Moray Firth - 10th & 11th September, with Doug Cooper
Price -
£200 per person
Enquiries and Booking:
For more details or if you have a query, please CONTACT US
To join us on any of the course dates listed above, please BOOK HERE
WEST COAST IMPROVER SEA KAYAK SKILLS WEEK
5 day course
You're hooked on sea kayaking, and loving those tranquil days. However, there's been some days, when the sea has been a bit lumpier, it's moving rather than being still, there's surf at the beach, and the wind has been stronger than you would've liked! Some days you've got to the coast, and it's been a marginal decision whether to go or not.
This course is designed to take your sea kayaking to the next level, and allow you to access those fantastic places you love or are wanting to explore, more confident in the knowledge that you can handle it if it gets a bit rougher.
The 5 day Improver's course is based centrally from Fort William, where we recommend you book accommodation (if required). This will allow us to access the fantastic venues and stunning coastline of the Sound of Arisaig and Loch Linnhe - an area steeped in history, with abundant wildlife, breathtaking scenery, white sand beaches and superb paddles to enjoy. Individualised coaching will provide you with the appropriate challenges for you, and the week is all about learning whilst exploring spectacular places.
We shall develop tried and tested technical and tactical templates to allow you to control your boat with style in: winds to Force 4, surf landings, more exposed coastlines, and some swell. Steady introductions to activities such as rock hopping, will also allow you to open a new exciting and adrenaline-fuelled door of the sport. We hope to get you feeling more confident and in control of your boat when it matters.
On top of this, we shall develop those all important safety and planning skills to foster independence and ensure your trips are safe as well as fun.
Our highly qualified, experienced and knowledgable coaches will tailor the course to your needs and wants, and ensure you leave hungry for more.
This course is ideal for those with previous sea kayaking experience - who have completed some coastal trips in light winds and smaller swells.
British Canoeing personal performace awards are available as part of these courses if desired.
Venue
5 day course - Fort William area (Sound of Arisaig and Loch Linnhe)
2022 Dates
TBC
OR contact us to arrange a bespoke group booking
Price
£500 per person
Enquiries and Booking:
For more details or if you have a query, please CONTACT US
To join us on any of the course dates listed above, please BOOK HERE
BESPOKE SEA KAYAK COACHING
Prices starting from £200 per day
No matter what kind of coaching you are looking for: beginner or advanced? 7 days or 1 day? individual or group? tide race skill development or helping you take your first strokes? - Rapid Development is on hand to give you the best possible experience. Scotland has arguably one of the finest coastlines in the world, and offers fantastic venues. Scotland is our home, but equally we can provide an international experience for you as well. Our qualified, knowledgable, friendly and experienced coaches will strive to make sure your experience is tailored to your needs, wants, aims and aspirations.
To discuss your next sea kayak coaching course, please CONTACT US