4-Day Sea Kayak Course Gain the skills, confidence, and expert guidance to take your sea kayaking to the next level. / Public Courses / Sea Kayak Courses / 4-Day Sea Kayak Course Overview This four-day sea kayaking course consists of a two-day introductory program followed by two days focused on advancing your skills. The course emphasises building confidence and control in your kayak under various conditions. Participants will also learn advanced paddle strokes and rescue techniques. This course is popular among those with limited sea kayaking experience who are seeking professional guidance, as well as complete beginners who want to try it out. Course Details Course Location This course is delivered in Lyttelton Harbour, close to Christchurch. The course starts at the Ōtoromiro Hotel in Governors Bay (30 minutes from Christchurch). We access the water and use the picturesque and sheltered area of the harbour to practice our paddling techniques and rescues. Day 1: We meet at Charteris Bay, Lyttelton Harbour, at 9:00 am Day 2: Lyttelton harbour-based, location determined by weather and group Day 3: The location will be determined by weather and group – possible camp out on Quail Island, Lyttelton Harbour. Day 4: Lyttelton harbour-based, location determined by weather and group. Please note: If it is too windy to be on the harbour, we may use Lake Rua as a backup option. Accommodation Accommodation is not included in this course. If you travel from out of town, we recommend staying in Lyttelton, Governors Bay, the south side, or Christchurch City Centre for the first two nights. On the 3rd/last night of the course, we will stay in the DoC Hut or DoC camping ground on Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour. 1st Night – Not included (book your own accommodation) 2nd Night – Not included (book your own accommodation) 3rd Night – Included (Basic DoC hut or Tent on Quail Island) Food This is a self-catered course. We recommend packing plenty of snacks and lunches that don’t require cooking. Free Transport If You’re Travelling From Out Of Town: Free transport is available from Christchurch for those travelling to attend our courses. Check our FAQ’s for a list of hotel pickup locations. We recommend that you arrive in Christchurch the day before your course. At the end of the course, we are more than happy to drop you back at your accommodation or directly to the airport. Meeting locations (catch a ride with us): If you are bringing your car and want a lift, please meet us at one of the following locations: Opposite Princess Margaret Hospital on Cashmere Road at 8:20 am (see on Google Maps) Ōtoromiro Hotel (Governors Bay Hotel), lower car park at 8:45 am (see on Google Maps) *Our preferred meeting location is the Ōtoromiro Hotel. OENZ Vans Gear & Equipment You will need personal paddling clothing for this course. We will supply the sea kayaking equipment if you don’t have your own. Gear List Is this the right sea kayaking course for me? Download Flow Chart Course Outline This introductory 4-day course is designed to equip you with basic sea-kayaking skills so that you can explore New Zealand’s harbours, lakes and bays safely and with confidence. You will also learn advanced paddle strokes and rescues. Day 1: Skills & Equipment Kayaking Skills Paddle techniques Power and touring strokes Kayak control/manoeuvring Low Brace Sea Kayak Equipment Fitting out your boat Overview of sea kayak equipment Care and maintenance Transporting and storing kayaks/gear Day 2: Rescue Techniques Rescues Paddle float rescues Scramble self-rescue Supporting a rescue Emergency communications and equipment Day 3: Advanced Paddle Strokes & Boat Control Kayaking Skills Paddle techniques/skills: Stern rudder, draw strokes, low brace turns Paddling in current: Ferry Gliding, entering and exiting eddies Control/Manoeuvring: Railing, edging, paddling around rocks Rescue Self-rescue in moving water Day 4: Consolidation Paddle The group will choose (with their instructor) a location to paddle to, fitting the weather, sea state and group ability. Download Course Outline Meet Some of Our Sea Kayak Instructors Sarah English John Kirk-Anderson Alan Haslip Ruby Tan Frequently Asked Questions Do I need prior experience to attend this course? You don’t need any prior experience to enrol in this course. It is specifically designed to cover the basic skills you will need to explore New Zealand’s harbours, lakes and bays. How many people will be on my course? We believe that small groups are better for this type of training. So we have a maximum client-to-instructor ratio of just eight clients to one instructor. I can’t swim, will this be a problem? No, this is not a problem at all! During sea kayaking with OENZ, you will wear a PFD (personal floatation device). This means you will be kept safe and afloat whenever you are on the water. Our instructors are there to support you through the day and to ensure you have a great time. How fit do I need to be for Sea Kayaking? Each sea kayaking day involves being active and paddling your boat throughout the day. We aim to make our introduction and experience days accessible for everyone. So, upon meeting your instructor, they will make a plan for the day, which will be appropriate and enjoyable for everyone in the group. Contact our friendly office staff if you’re concerned about your fitness levels. What is the minimum age? 16 years old. Ask about our Family Friendly courses for children aged less than 16 years old. Water Safety course photos T-rescue Practicing a brace stroke Loading kayaks safely Wet exiting a sea kayak Customer Reviews “Awesome course, learnt so much, challenging but really supportive learning environment.” Lydia, Christchurch, NZ “Fantastic team at OENZ. Excellent fun and learning with a great group of like-minded people. Thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and the skills will inevitably allow greater access to our beautiful country. Highly recommend!” Rob James, Canterbury, NZ “The experience, enthusiasm and communication from the instructors was great. We’re off to buy a sea kayak and try out the stuff we learned” Carlos Rosado, Christchurch, NZ Still Have Questions? Get in touch with our team — we’re happy to help you prepare for your outdoor adventure. Contact Us
