If you are new to sea kayaking we would suggest that you begin with a flat water or a beginner trip, then progress once you have more experience.
If you are an experienced paddler and you are new to the club we would suggest for your first trip, staying well within your comfort zone.
It is important that you contact the leader if you think your skillset or experience falls short of the guidance to see if they are happy to accommodate / bring in more leader support / modify trip ambitions etc. Most leaders will be happy to promote experience development & ‘stepping up’, as long as it can be made compatible with their responsibility to keep the whole group safe. That may need planning in advance, so communication is key.
You should check that you have the appropriate equipment for the type of trip and clothing for the weather conditions.
| Beginner | British Canoeing Sheltered water Suitable for paddlers who are new or have mastered the basic skills. Areas of open water (e.g. lakes, reservoirs and sheltered estuaries) with easy places to land throughout. Calm water, waves up to 0.2m. Wind strength does not exceed Beaufort 3. You need guidance and coaching to partake in a trip. You can exit your kayak in the event of a capsize and regain entry with assistance. |
| Improver | British Canoeing Moderate water Suitable for people with some sea kayaking experience and confidence with skills equivalent to the Sea Kayak award. Effective forward paddling, negotiating confined spaces and maintaining and changing direction are all part of the award as well as developing an understanding of the surroundings and environment we use. A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straightforward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Up to 3 knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Waves up to 0.5m. Wind strength does not exceed Beaufort 3. Launching and landing through small surf. You have the ability to make your own decisions for a safe and enjoyable day out on the sea. Your rescue skills will enable you to help rescue and tow others. |
| Intermediate | British Canoeing Moderate water Suitable for people with a good level of knowledge and experience gained from time spent in sea kayaks in varied conditions with skills equivalent to the Coastal Sea Kayak award, which includes an understanding of the weather, tides, swell, etc. A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straightforward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Up to 4 knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Waves up to 1m. Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1 metre, trough to crest height). Using blended skills to be in control throughout the whole day, developing your efficient forward paddling. Maintaining and changing direction effectively. You should be capable of getting back into a boat, to rescue and tow others and ideally roll in moderate conditions. |
| Advanced | British Canoeing Advanced water Suitable for people with a very good level of knowledge and experience gained from time spent in sea kayaks in varied conditions with skills equivalent to the Advanced Sea Kayak award. Any journey on the sea where tidal races, overfalls or longer open crossing may be encountered; sections of coastline where landing may not be possible or are difficult. Wind strengths may exceed Beaufort 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1.5 metres trough to crest height). Developing a comprehensive understanding of your surroundings and creating a consistent and blended use of skills to be in control in advanced conditions. You will be proficient in advanced rescue techniques. |
Leaders should always plan a trip within their remit.
It would be unusual to plan or set off for a trip when the wind speed are forecast to be force 6 or more. However for a group of advanced paddlers in certain scenarios this could be feasible. Heuristic traps should be carefully considered in force 6 and above.
Lakeland Canoe Club 