Intro to Kayaking

Stutton, Suffolk
"I had such a great time on this intro course! Becky and Kurt are so friendly and knowledgeable. Their experience..."
(28 customer reviews)
NOMAD Sea Kayaking orange sea kayak with the estuary in the background. Coach safety briefing students prior to launching kayaks on the Orwell estuary. A small cute Jack Russell dog sitting in a white sea kayak Coach sitting in a touring kayak and demonstrating the concept of 'edging'. A small group with their coach being trained on the Introduction to Sea Kayaking course Kayakers preparing to launch kayaks into a blue sea with blues skies in the background. Students on a kayaking course taking instruction at the waters edge. As many methods to call for assistance attached to a NOMAD Sea Kayaking Guide's buoyancy aid. Coaching in an orange top with an orange sea kayak on trestles in front of him. Kayaking students near the waters edge taking guidance on kayaks. Students preparing their kayaks on the Introduction to Kayaking course. The safety equipment every kayaker should always have with them in tidal waters. Yachts on their moorings with a blue sky on a bright and sunny day. Paddle technique bank coaching before launching kayaks onto the Orwell estuary. NOMAD Sea Kayaking motif Baba Kraken.

Intro to Kayaking

Duration: 6-7 hrs. Distance: +/- 2nm. Group Size: 6-12. Coaches: x2. Coach Ratio: 6:1. Incl: Kayak, paddle & buoyancy aid. Skills: Beginner. Fitness: Basic.

£174.99 p/seat

Your Essential Beginner's Course! 

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of kayaking with our Introduction to Kayaking day course, designed for beginners & those new to the sport. Discover the joys of safe paddling learn new skills to confidently navigate the water, regardless of your age or ability.

Unlock the Essentials in Three Stages:

  1. Boat & Paddle Dynamics: Understand the fundamentals of kayak manoeuvrability & paddle techniques.
  2. Water Session: Dive into basic control strokes & learn how to complete a full Assisted Recovery with a paddle buddy, both as the recoverer & the casualty.
  3. Equipment & Clothing Options: Explore gear essentials & outfitting choices to enhance your kayaking experience throughout the year.

No-Nonsense Learning, Maximum Fun!

Straightforward skills & information without the fluff – learning should be simple & enjoyable. Embrace the excitement of learning in a fun-filled environment, where every moment on the water is an adventure worth cherishing.

Leave Empowered & Enthused: Guaranteed!

Depart with newfound knowledge, capability, and an unmatched enthusiasm for kayaking – we guarantee it! Feel confident & inspired to take the next steps in your kayaking journey, armed with the skills & insights gained from our course.

Safety First, Always:

Trust in our high-quality, stable fleet of sit-on-top kayaks & touring kayaks & our impeccable 100% safety record spanning over 19 years. Benefit from the expertise of our British Canoe and I.S.K.G.A. trained guides, ensuring a safe & secure learning environment.

Environmentally Conscious & Low Impact:

Embrace the low-impact nature of kayaking, fostering harmony with birdlife, marine mammals, & sea life. Enjoy the serenity of gentle paddling with no engine noise or water pollution, guided by our Interaction Policy to minimise stress on animals & paddlers alike.

The Basics
- Starts at 10am, finishes 4-5pm dependant on weather & group.
- Three stages; 1. Boat & paddle dynamics. 2. Water session teaching basic strokes & assisted recovery. 3. Equipment & clothing options (after lunch).
- Straight forward skills & information you need to know, no B.S!
- Fun! We want to have fun .... or why bother.
- You'll leave knowledgeable, capable & super enthused; guaranteed!

Safe
- Our fleet of sit-on-top kayaks are high quality & stable.
- We have 100% safety track record over 18 years!
- British Canoe & I.S.K.G.A trained & qualified, full time guides.

Low Impact
Kayaks are low impact & friendly to birdlife, marine mammals & sea life.
- No engine noise.
- No water pollution.
- Gentle & slow.
- Interaction Policy is in place which minimises any stress on animals (or paddlers). *See note at bottom of page.

Award Winning Coaches
- Our coaching team has been recognised as highly commended.
- Amongst the most experienced coaches in the U.K with 18 years of full time experience on the sea globally.

All Inclusive
- The price you see is what you pay, no hidden costs.
- Everything you need to enjoy this experience is provided.

Options at your Discretion
- Select a different type of kayak to suit your needs (Sit-on-top or a decked touring kayak).
- Ensure your valuables remain dry & secure with our optional Peli box range for hire or purchase.
- You can even opt for insurance that provides extra dates in case of unforeseen bad weather.
- You can use your own kayak & equipment if you choose to.

Recommended Activity by the Mental Health Foundation
- See Thriving with Nature Guide.
- Tranquility & beauty.
- Open space & time with yourself
- Make new friends, make new memories.
- Focus on fun!

Healthy
- Great exercise for core (abdominals, obliques & torso muscles).
- Fresh air, sunshine, wind, salt water!
- Rebuild your confidence achieving skills you never thought you could.

Offset your Carbon Footprint
- You can offset your personal carbon footprint for this event with a click of your mouse.
- You can even donate a tree sapling or hedging & visit your growing tree in years to come.

An essential day course for any age & ability, be safe on the water & develop the skills to manage your kayak.  

This is the perfect course for guests wishing to develop skills for kayak fishing, leisure sit-on-top kayaking, river paddling & of course basic tidal sea kayaking skills. You'll leave enthused & excited, knowing exactly what to do next & how to achieve it.

This is our most popular courses & a good, fun way to get started & build your confidence.

THE NEXT COURSE IN THE SERIES:

Introduction to Sea Kayaking - Level 1

Nigel Walter

May 2nd 2021

Great course, equally split between theory and practical time out on the water. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommended - so much so, we’ve already booked our next event.....! Thanks again to Kurt and Becky - see you again soon!

Great to meet you both! We loved your ‘get stuck in’ attitude and know that you will both be great as you expand your paddling skills. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Nomad

Bruce Pearce

May 2nd 2021

Kurt and Bex, Thank you! We had a wonderful day and learnt loads. At the same time you have rekindled a desire to get out on the water. The quality of Instruction was top drawer, informative, great pace and practicable. You both provided the kind of reassurance that is delivered from experience and a passion for sharing your sport coupled with a constant awareness for safety. I would highly recommend you to others thinking about kayaking. Bruce & Carmen

It was great paddling with you and we look forward to hearing of your up coming adventures in your new kayaks. Remember, practice, practice, practice and we look forward to seeing you soon!

 

Nomad

Kathryn Walter

May 2nd 2021

Sorry for the late review. The amazing venue and Nomad Sea Kayaking (Kurt & Becky) were most welcoming, making for a relaxing session, ensuring that you could ask questions or for guidance without any concerns. Look forward to the next course.

Thor Hanssen

July 11th 2021

We had a fantastic Sunday with you. I am quite used to being on the water but had never tried kayaking before. Neither had Julie. Great introduction it was. Because we are novices to kayaking we needed a better understanding of what it really is all about. We have that understanding now and we can’t wait to get out there again. The two hours on the water was simply pure enjoyment for both of us. I will absolutely recommend anyone who is looking to do kayaking to sign up for the course. You will not regret it. Becky and Kurt are lovely people and very skilled at what they do. We felt safe all the way. Thanks for having us and we will be back. Julie and Thor.

Thank you Thor! It was a pleasure to work with you both and we would love to see you again on the water. Don’t forget to bring Milo  too!

Nomad

Location

Launch location

Alton Water Sports Centre, IP9 2RY

Next Departure time

16th November 2024, 10:00 AM

Weather
STUTTON WEATHER
Equipment

Sit on top kayak, buoyancy aid & paddle included. Touring kayaks available.

Parking

Pay & Display

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.