Kayak & Aquatic Exploration

What you cover, in rotation

The group works through these in order and then begins again on fresh ground. Join at whatever stage it is on — nothing here assumes you were there for the last one, and nothing runs out — or drop in for a single session if that is all you can manage.

1. Stage 1Water Safety, Posture & Core Paddle Mechanics

   • PFD fitting, paddle feathering and kayak adjustment.
   • Forward stroke mechanics, torso rotation and reverse paddling on dry land.
   • Straight-line tracking, sweep turns, emergency stops and flatwater confidence.
2. Stage 2Manoeuvring, Bracing & Current Awareness

   • Draw strokes, low braces for balance recovery, and sculling.
   • Tidal influx, slow river currents, eddies and shallow water hazards.
   • Navigating narrow river bends and managing wind.
3. Stage 3Wetland Ecology & Secret Estuary Exploration

   • Quiet stroke technique for wildlife observation without disturbance.
   • Fish nurseries, mudflat invertebrates and rare coastal marsh plants.
   • A guided three-mile paddle into the river valley marshlands.
4. Stage 4Coastal River Expedition & Sunset Regatta

   • Tide charts, weather windows and emergency extraction points.
   • Completing the full river-to-lagoon expedition route.
   • A riverbank picnic and certificate presentation.

4 sessions in the cycle, then it begins again on new ground.