Kayak Taster
Kayak Taster
£85 p/person OR £150 p/couple || VIEW DATES & BOOK
Duration: 3 hrs. Coaches: x1. Coach Ratio: 2:1. Kayak: Sit-on-top kayak, paddle & buoyancy aid provided. Skills: Complete beginner. Fitness: Basic. Age: 18+
For Couples and Pairs
Never been in a kayak? Good. This is where you start.
The Kayak Taster is a 3-hour coached session for couples, friends and pairs who want to get on the water and try kayaking on the Suffolk coast. There are only two of you with your coach, so you get near-private coaching from start to finish.
All the kit is provided: a sit-on-top kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid each. Just bring yourselves, clothes that can get wet and a sense of adventure.
The Price
Book as a couple: £75 per person, £150 for the two of you. Saving £20.00
Individual Booking: £85 per person. We'll pair you with another paddler for that session.
The Outcome
This session isn't about perfect technique. It's about getting you on the water and in control of your kayak. By the end, you'll be able to:
- Paddle forwards.
- Stop.
- Turn and steer.
- Paddle backwards and steer while you do it.
- Recover from a capsize with help.
You'll also understand the basics of managing risk on the water, and you'll know whether kayaking is for you and what your next step would be.
The Strokes You'll Learn
1. Forward paddling with trunk rotation.
Using your whole body, not just your arms, so you go further for less effort.
2. Forward sweep.
A wide stroke to turn your kayak.
3. Reverse sweep.
The same stroke in reverse, to turn the other way and to slow down.
4. Draw stroke.
Moving your kayak sideways, for coming alongside another kayak or a landing spot.
5. An introduction to paddling backwards.
Reversing in a straight line, and steering while you do it.
What Else We Cover
1. Managing risk on the water.
Wind, tide and knowing when not to go.
2. Basic seamanship
Tides, tidal streams and their interaction with weather. Staying together, watching for other boats, and simple signals to communicate on the water.
3. An assisted recovery
What to do if you fall in, and how to get back on your kayak with help.
4. Clothing and equipment
A light introduction to what to wear and what kit you need for your type of paddling.
How the Session Runs
1. On the beach (about 30 minutes)
Meet your coach, get fitted with your sit-on-top kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid, and a safety briefing. We'll show you the strokes on dry land before you get wet.
2. On the water (about 2 hours)
Put it into practice: forward paddling, turning, stopping, steering and paddling backwards, then your assisted recovery, with your coach alongside you the whole time.
3. Back on the beach (about 30 minutes)
A debrief, your questions answered, and honest advice on what to do next if you've caught the bug.
What's Included
- 3 hours of professional coaching, two people to one coach.
- Sit-on-top kayak, paddle and buoyancy aid.
- Practical clothing advice before you arrive.
- Your personal skills review after the session: what you did well and what to work on next.
- 30 days of support by email or phone for any questions after your session.
- Personal next-step advice: courses, buying a kayak and where to paddle.
Who It's For
- Couples, friends, and parents with a grown-up son or daughter (18+).
- Complete beginners. No experience needed.
- Anyone who wants to try kayaking before buying a kayak or booking a full course.
Already own a kayak?
Our full-day Learn to Kayak in a Day course is built for you, and gives you twice the time on the water.
Session Times
- Morning: 9:00am to 12:00pm.
- Afternoon: 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
What to Wear and Bring
- Quick-drying sports clothing. No jeans or cotton.
- Shoes that can get wet (old trainers or wetsuit boots).
- A complete change of clothes and a towel.
- Water and a snack.
- Sun cream and a hat in summer.
Give It as a Gift
A Kayak Taster makes a memorable Christmas or birthday present for two. Gift vouchers are emailed instantly, ready to print, and are valid for 12 months.
Book your session above
OR
Buy a Gift Voucher
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.
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.
Kurt, our lead coach, with more than 21 years of professional coaching and a 100% clean safety record. Meet Kurt →
A full day on the water to learn the core strokes and get comfortable in a kayak. Includes assisted recovery.
View Learn to Kayak in a Day →Location
Bawdsey Quay, Ferry Road, Bawdsey, IP12 3AT
24th April 2027, 9:00 AM
Sit-on-top kayak, paddle & buoyancy aid provided.
Free on site
Public toilets are available on site.