4 Day Sea kayak Course February 18, 2023
This is a 4-day sea kayaking course.
4-DAY SEA KAYAKING COURSE OVERVIEW
This four-day sea kayaking course includes a two-day introductory course and two days extending those skills. The focus of this course gaining confidence and control of your boat in a variety of conditions. You will also learn advanced paddle strokes and rescues.
This is a popular course for those with limited sea kayaking experience and who would like to get some professional guidance or no experience and would like to give it a go.
Prerequisites skills
You will learn everything you need in this course. There are no prerequisite skills or experience required before attending this course.
COURSE LOCATION
The course is based out of Lyttelton Harbour (20mins from Christchurch City Centre).
Day 1:
We will meet at Charteris Bay, Lyttleton Harbour, at 9:00 am
Day 2:
Lyttelton harbour based, location determined by weather and group
Day 3:
location determined by weather and group – possible camp out on Quail Island, Lyttleton 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 for the first two nights of the course. We recommend staying in Lyttelton, Governors Bay or Christchurch City 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 Lyttleton 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)
GEAR & EQUIPMENT
All you will need for this course is your personal paddling clothing. We will supply the sea kayak and all the necessary equipment if you don’t have your own. You can find a packing list and a course outline at the bottom of this page.
FOOD
Food is not provided in this course. However, we recommend packing plenty of snacks and lunches that do not require cooking.
FREE TRANSPORT
If you’re staying in a hotel
Free transport is available from any Christchurch accommodation if you’re travelling from out of town to attend one of our courses.
Meeting locations (catch a ride with us)
If you have your own car and want a lift, we can meet you at one of the following locations.
Princess Margaret Hospital Car Park (8:25 am)
Governors Bay Hotel (8:45 am)
*Our preferred meeting location is Governors Bay Hotel.
TRAVELLING FROM OUT OF TOWN?
We recommend that you arrive in Christchurch the day before your course. We have a few hotel & hostel suggestions on our FAQ’s page. Please avoid booking accommodation north or east of the city centre. We are more than happy to drop you back at your accommodation or directly at the airport at the end of the course. The earliest time we can have you back at the airport is 6 pm.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS SEA KAYAKING COURSE
Day 1: Skills, Equipment & Rescues
Kayaking Skills
- Paddle techniques
- Power and touring strokes
-
Practising low brace paddle 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 two: Rescues
- Paddle float rescues
- Scramble self-rescue
- Supporting a rescue
- Emergency communications and equipment
Kayaking control training
Day three: Advanced Paddle Strokes and Boat Control
Kayaking Skills
- Paddle techniques/skills: Stern rudder, draw strokes, low brace turns
- Paddling in current: Ferry Gliding, entering and exiting eddies
- Control/Maneuvering: Railing, edging, paddling around rocks
Rescue
- Self-rescue in moving water
Day four: Consolidation Paddle
The group will choose (with their instructor) a location to paddle to fitting to weather, sea state and group ability.
Sea Kayaking Course Downloads
