STEVE BANKS OUTDOORS

British Canoeing describe it thus: “The Sea Kayak Award endorses your skill, judgment and the decision making required for a successful day on the sea. You will be confident in planning and undertaking journeys on the sea, in winds up to and including force 3 and/or tides up to 1 Knot, using sea kayaks or sit on tops, in tidal or non-tidal environments, with proficient skills to be in control throughout.”

“Hi Steve, thanks a lot for all the good tips. I gained much more out of this than I ever expected, this was not just an ordinary test, this was so much more.”

Sveinn Muller, Reykjavik, Iceland

The personal paddling standard of this award mirrors that required by Sea Kayak Leaders; indeed, it is possible to gain this qualification during Sea Leader courses. Attending the Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course is beneficial if working towards this award. BC says: “Your Coastal Sea Kayak Award endorses your judgment, decision making and expertise and requires a good understanding of paddling on the sea. You should be confident planning and undertaking journeys on the sea in winds up to and including force 4 and/or tides up to 2 Knots, in a sea kayak or specific sit on tops in tidal or non-tidal environments. Your confidence should be based upon both proficiency in skills and a broad appreciation of surroundings and environmental context.”

The personal paddling standard of this award is aligned with that required by Advanced Sea Kayak Leaders; indeed, it is possible to gain this qualification during Advanced Sea Leader courses. Attending the Open Water Navigation course is beneficial if working towards this award. BC’s comment: “As an Advanced Sea Kayaker, you will have extensive experience of paddling on the sea. Your experience will include paddling a wide variety of sea conditions with winds over force 4 and/or tides over 2 Knots, using sea kayaks in tidal or non-tidal environments, where you may make open crossings in excess of 2Nm, as well as travelling along the coastline.”