Learn to Kayak in a Day (COUPLES)

Bawdsey, Suffolk
Introduction to kayaking training course on the Orwell estuary. Introduction to kayaking training course. Exiting the water on a rescue recovery exercise. Paddles played out ready for use. www.nomadseakayaking.co.uk Essential equipment for sea kayakers. Teaching forward paddling stroke with NOMAD Sea Kayaking. Teaching the basics on a training course on the Orwell estuary. Forward paddling with trunk rotation with NOMAD Sea Kayaking. Royal Harwich Yacht Club on the Orwell estuary. Guided sea kayak tours & training courses with NOMAD Sea Kayaking. Sea kayak coach with NOMAD Sea Kayaking. Lenda carbon paddles with NOMAD Sea Kayaking. Motif of NOMAD Sea Kayaking, little orange angry kraken squid.

Learn to Kayak in a Day (COUPLES)

£124.99 p/person (Couple) || VIEW DATES & BOOK

Duration: 6-7 hrs. Distance: +/- 2nm. Group Size: 6. Coaches: x1. Coach Ratio: 6:1. Kayak: Own kayak, paddle/pfd Skills: Beginner. Fitness: Basic. Age: 18+

£124.99 per person

Learn to Paddle Safely, Confidently and Independently in Just One Day

Just bought a kayak? Learn to use it safely and confidently. 

Our 'Learn to Kayak in a Day' course is designed for new paddlers who have their own kayak and want the essential safety and paddling skills from day one.

In just one enjoyable day, you'll gain the essential skills, knowledge and confidence needed to paddle safely, understand your equipment and how to use it to your benefit. Take the next steps in your kayaking journey.

No experience required. Bring your own kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid, and a willingness to learn.

The Outcome

By the end of the course, you will:

  • Understand how to safely control and manoeuvre a kayak using paddle strokes alone.
  • Learn the essential paddling skills that will extend your ability to paddle further and reach places others cant.
  • Know what to do if a kayak capsizes and how to recover, quickly and efficiently.
  • Understand what equipment and clothing you genuinely need, to suit your specific needs.
  • Feel confident doing kayaking trips and training exercises.
  • Identify your next skills development steps.

Most importantly, you'll leave encouraged and enthused and with the confidence to get on the water safely and enjoy the sport.

What You'll Learn


Stage 1: Understanding Your Kayak

Learn how kayaks work and why they behave the way they do.

You'll discover:

  • Kayak design and stability.
  • Paddle selection and use.
  • Efficient paddling technique.
  • How to make the kayak go where you want it to go - use of skeg and rudders.


Stage 2: Essential On-Water Skills

Put theory into practice on the water.

You'll learn:

  • Forward paddling.
  • Turning and manoeuvring.
  • Basic kayak control.
  • Communication on the water.
  • Assisted recovery techniques.
  • What to do in the event of a capsize.


Stage 3: Equipment & Clothing

Avoid wasting money on unnecessary equipment.

We'll explain:

  • What you need.
  • What you don't need.
  • Clothing for different seasons.
  • Safety equipment essentials.
  • Future equipment options as your skills develop.


Included Bonuses


Beginner's Equipment Guide

Receive practical advice on getting the best from your kayak, and choosing the right paddle, clothing and safety equipment.

Personal Development Advice

We'll help you identify the best next step for your interests, whether that's sea kayaking, kayak fishing, river paddling or recreational touring.

Post-Course Support

Questions after the course? Contact us by email or telephone and we'll point you in the right direction.

Our Confidence Guarantee

We're confident you'll leave with significantly more knowledge, confidence and practical paddling ability than when you arrived.

If you fully participate in the course and genuinely feel it hasn't helped you progress, we'll give you your next course free of charge. 

Why Learn with NOMAD?

Safe

  • 100% safety record over 21 years teaching.
  • British Canoe and I.S.K.G.A. qualified coaches.
  • More than 21 years of professional coaching experience.

Award-Winning Coaching

Our coaching team has been recognised for delivering high-quality experiences and is among the most experienced full-time sea kayak coaching teams in the UK.

Clear Pricing

The price covers your full day of professional coaching. You bring your own kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid. No hidden costs. No unexpected extras.

Simply arrive and enjoy the day.

Flexible Options

  • Optional dry storage solutions available
  • Weather protection options available

Healthy & Enjoyable

Kayaking offers:

  • Excellent low-impact exercise
  • Fresh air and open spaces
  • Improved confidence
  • Time away from screens and daily pressures
  • Opportunities to meet like-minded people


Environmentally Responsible

Kayaking allows you to explore nature with minimal impact.

  • No engine noise.
  • No fuel pollution.
  • Close-to-nature experiences.
  • Responsible wildlife interaction practices.

We believe outdoor adventure should inspire conservation, not compromise it.

Course Information

  • Start: 10:00am.
  • Finish: Approximately 4:00pm–5:00pm.
  • 18 Years minimum.
  • No previous experience required.
  • All abilities welcome.


Your First Step Into Kayaking Starts Here

Whether your goal is kayak fishing, leisurely coastal paddling, river kayaking or future sea kayaking adventures, this course provides the safe, structured foundation you need.

Join hundreds of paddlers who started their kayaking journey with NOMAD Sea Kayaking and discover just how enjoyable learning to paddle can be.

Important Information
NOMAD Course Notes 2026 .pdf
Good to know
What if the weather is bad?

Your safety comes first. If wind, tide or sea conditions make it unsafe, we move you to the next available date. If you can't make that one, we offer the following date. If neither works, you receive a credit valid for 12 months from the second offered date. Where available, the Weather Flex add-on gives you extra date choices.

Can I cancel or change?

Yes. Cancel within 14 days of booking (before your course starts) for a full refund. After that, we can usually move you to another date, give you a 12-month credit or let someone else take your place.

Who will coach me?

Kurt, our lead coach, with more than 21 years of professional coaching and a 100% clean safety record. Meet Kurt →

Full details: Terms and Conditions, sections 10 and 13

Your next course
Coastal Confidence

Two days on the coast: plan and paddle a coastal journey with sound judgement and confidence.

View Coastal Confidence →

Location

Launch location

Bawdsey Quay, Ferry Road, IP12 3AT

Next Departure time

3rd April 2027, 10:00 AM

Equipment

Own kayak & equipment.

Parking

Free on site.

Additional Notes

Toilets are available on site - please enter through the main gate & take a ticket. Follow the road towards the water & turn left into the carpark. You will see our kayak trailer & vehicle at the front of the carpark, nearest the water.

Please bring along a fold-up chair or blanket for the theory sections as we'll be working on the grass in the afternoon. Picnic tables are available.