Shetland Sea Kayaking trip

Sea Kayak trips

Steve is recently returned from a two week Sea Kayaking trip to Shetland.  We had the best conditions ever so were able to access parts of Shetland’s amazingly coastline that had hitherto been out of reach.  Even the locals commented that the sea was the calmest they had ever seen it – in their lives!  To try and do better justice to what was a fantastic experience for all, we’ve uploaded a series of blog posts and photos depicting some of the best parts of the trip – enjoy!

If you’re interested in sea kayaking trips or days out, call Steve for a chat about your paddling needs.  He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By |June 30th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off on Shetland Sea Kayaking trip

Shetland Sea Kayaking trip

Shetland sea kayaking trip

Steve is running his Shetland sea kayaking trip over two weeks from June 12th – 16th and June 19th – 23rd.  Shetland is one of the world’s best sea kayaking destinations due to its incredible coastline with cliffs, stacks and caves galore.  Steve has been running this trip, for competent sea kayakers, since 2005 and has excellent knowledge of the possible venues and excursions.  Shetland is also a UK wildlife and geological gem, so there’s always something to explore on any non-paddling days – you’ll definitely need your binoculars!

You can come for one or two weeks, so if you’re interested in a sea kayaking holiday at 60o North please call Steve for a chat.  He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to explain the trip: 07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By |April 24th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off on Shetland Sea Kayaking trip

Cumbrian Sea Kayak Leader training

CumbriaSea Kayak Leader training

Steve ran a Sea Kayak Leader training course based at Roa Island and at St Bees (image) over two days.  Cumbria has some very diverse environments which makes it a great location to undertake Sea Leader training.  We covered equipment, personal paddling, group management, navigation on the water, different coastlines and their specific issues, a range of incidents to manage and more besides.

If you’re interested in becoming a better informed and safe paddler and/or wish to work towards the Sea Kayak Leader award, then this is the course for you.  Many people take the training course purely for their own benefit with no interest in the qualification; this is absolutely fine and Steve encourages all paddlers to attend this training for, at least, their own development, safety and awareness.

Steve runs these courses throughout the year, check the website for forthcoming dates.  If you are interested in attending or just wish to find out more, please call or email Steve for a discussion.  He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817

By |March 13th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off on Cumbrian Sea Kayak Leader training

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning Cumbria

Steve ran a Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course for five sea kayakers wanting to increase their independence and safety and, for some of the group, to progress their Sea Kayak Leader awards.  We covered weather and its interaction with the coast, with implications for sea kayakers; tides and tidal planning, buoyage and pilotage and then some practical planning exercises.  An enjoyable and informative day was had by all.

If you would like to understand more above the marine environment so you can venture out on the sea in small craft more safely, then this is the course for you.  It’s suitable for sea kayakers, sit on top paddlers and stand up paddleboarders who go out on the sea – we’ve even had wild swimmers on the course!

Steve runs this course regularly over the year and can also put on bespoke events.  Check the web page for forthcoming dates or get in touch at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and on 07796 213817.

By |March 13th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off on Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course

Sea Kayak Leader assessment, North West England

Sea Kayak Leader assessment Cumbria

Steve ran a Sea Kayak Leader assessment day on the Cumbrian coast for two candidates in cold and windy conditions.  This was our third attempt to run the day as we had not had the required moderate water conditions on the earlier two days.  The candidates dealt with these delays, kept themselves sharp and current and produced good performances – well done to both!

If you are interested in trying or improving your sea kayaking or in developing your sea kayaking qualifications, Steve will be pleased to support you.  He runs personal coaching days at all levels, British Canoeing sea kayak qualifications and courses as well as sea kayaking trips – two weeks in Shetland this Summer!

Sea Kayak Leader assessments are run on demand and by arrangement at mutually convenient times for one or two candidates over a single day.

Steve can be contacted on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By |February 14th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off on Sea Kayak Leader assessment, North West England

Cumbria Sea Kayak Leader training courses

CumbriaSea Kayak Leader Training

Steve has his next two Sea Kayak Leader training courses coming up on March 7th – 8th and March 22nd – 23rd in Cumbria.  We have excellent venues for this course in Cumbria with everything from 100m high vertical cliff coastline, surf beaches and strong currents to huge tidal ranges and miles of drying sand requiring careful planning and consideration.  If you are keen to develop your knowledge and understanding to make your sea kayak trips safer, then this is the course for you.  This is also the training course for anyone wishing to proceed to the Sea Kayak Leader award, though many people do the training purely for their personal benefit.

If you’d like to join a course or wish to know more about it please contact Steve on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

All current course dates are on the website here

By |January 22nd, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off on Cumbria Sea Kayak Leader training courses

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course, Cumbria

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning Course Cumbria

We have our next British Canoeing Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning courses coming up on March 6th and March 21st in Cumbria.  This is a single day indoor course which is ideal for anyone going out on the sea in sea kayaks, sit on tops and SUPs as it will cover all the critical information you need to be aware of in order to safely plan your trips and to make the best possible decisions.  The CN&TP course is a prerequisite for anyone wishing to undertake the Sea Kayak Leader award.  Steve has that two day course on in the two days subsequent to the CN&TP courses.

Steve has been running this course for twenty years and has regular events throughout the year.  If you are interested in taking this course or would like to know more about it please get in touch on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

Please check the webpage for the most up to date course dates.

By |January 22nd, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off on Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course, Cumbria

Sea Kayak Leader training, Cumbria

Sea Kayak Leader training: Cumbria

Foreboding skies and sub zero temperatures greeted us at Roa Island on Saturday for the first day of a Sea Kayak Leader training course.  Well wrapped up we headed out into the 2 knot current to practice group management and navigation in the December chill.  Steve supported the candidates to explore a range of appropriate approaches over the day with plenty of Sea Leader level challenge provided by the conditions.  Day 2 saw us at St. Bees after an overnight temperature of -8!  Fortunately, the sun shone and it crept above freezing to allow us an excellent day along this spectacular cliff coastline.  We covered appropriate equipment and boat set up, leading and managing clients on rocky shores, dealing with distant surf breaks and dumping surf, personal paddling as well as a range of incident and rescue situations.  Another fulsome day!

If you are interested in improving your sea kayaking or in working towards sea kayak qualifications, whatever your standard, Steve will be pleased to hear from you and happy to help.  Get in touch on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By |December 12th, 2022|Sea Kayak|Comments Off on Sea Kayak Leader training, Cumbria

Coastal Navigation Course in Cumbria

Coastal Navigation course

Steve ran a Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course for four aspirant Sea Kayak Leaders.  We covered appropriate weather and associated conditions in a variety of environments; tide and the gathering of tidal information to enable safe and effective planning and trips; practical trip planning and navigation methods; pilotage; buoyage and more besides.  It was a full, interesting and beneficial day for all concerned.

With the regular stream of media stories concerning people paddling on the sea having problems with conditions they weren’t aware of or expecting, this course is ideal for novice and competent paddlers alike, whatever their craft, to raise awareness and to assist with good decision making.

Steve runs the Coastal Navigation course regularly over the year and will be happy to support paddlers from all disciplines who wish to learn more so they can stay safe on the sea. The next dates are 6th March 2023 and 21st March 2023.  If you’d like to know more or book on please get in touch on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By |December 12th, 2022|Sea Kayak|Comments Off on Coastal Navigation Course in Cumbria

Sea Kayak Leader training, Cumbria

Sea Kayak Leader training

We ran a Sea Kayak Leader training course over two days in South Cumbria last week.  With two clients along to take the training and two who were attending as a refresher before assessment, a positive and beneficial two days was had by all.  To add to the experience available for the trainees to tap into, Steve also invited two qualified leaders along to provide their perspective.

If you are interested in developing your knowledge and understanding of operating more safely on the sea either with peers, friends or as the leader of a group, this course will provide all you need.  Contact Steve for a chat and see the website for dates.  07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By |November 16th, 2022|Sea Kayak|Comments Off on Sea Kayak Leader training, Cumbria
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