+353 83 413 0949

We Know How to Have Fun in the Water!

Andrea paddling with Niagara Falls skyline in the background

About Us

Seabirds International was first established in the United Kingdom in 2009 by British Canoeing coach Andrea Vaillancourt-Alder set up with other dynamic and experienced female coaches as a network to address low participation in paddlesport for women and girls.

Seabirds International continues to provide inclusive, safe and accessible training for all. The learner comes first, and every session is designed around the paddlers needs and goals.

Seabirds International aims to make your paddling experience one to remember. Contact us to discuss your waterways adventure. We look forward to seeing you on the water!

Seabirds collaborates with other organizations to promote safety and inclusivity in paddlesports. Contact seabird.ava@gmail.com if you’d like to be involved.

We’re Involved

As you’ll see in the video below from the 2020 ACA Virtual Conference – State Directors Meeting, Seabirds International is compelled to keep the paddling experience safe and sustainable for all.

Two women on the beach standing by their kayak
Group of kayakers paddling near cement silos
Group of paddlers near the lush green shores of Ireland
Group of kayakers paddling under old steel bridge

Experience

  • 30 years outdoor education experience
  • Themed kayak tours- foraging, wildlife, geology, shipwrecks, night paddles, heritage tours and more
  • Waterway initiatives – environmental, volunteer schemes, female led events, over 50’s, multigenerational events
  • Canoe trails
  • Canoe club development
  • Cycle trail development
  • Watersports facility development
  • Access improvements and community art initiatives
  • Environmental education initiatives and learning programs in the USA and the UK linked to sustainable tourism initiatives
  • Water safety cover for events
  • Water safety strategy development and delivery
Andrea on a moving boat with a big smile

Qualifications

  • British Canoeing Guide Module Provider
  • British Canoeing Level 2 instructor since 2003. Three Star Sea Paddler BC#116587
  • Accomplished training to British Canoeing Level 4
  • ACA Level 3 Coastal Instructor #23955296
  • ACA Level 1 River Canoe Instructor #23955296
  • Leave No Trace Master Educator, lnt.org
  • Current first aid and water safety qualification
  • ACA endorsement in Adaptive paddling (paddling with physical disabilities)
  • ACA paddlesports safety facilitator
  • Project Wild & Project Learning Tree facilitator
  • Project Adventure
  • American Canoe Association member
  • Leave No Trace Member & Master Educator
  • Instructor since 1984, qualified Teacher since 1990, Tulane University
  • VHF Radio license
  • New York State Licensed Guide #7216
  • Wilderness First Aid
Andrea being interviewed by news journalist

Partners Past & Present

  • Buffalo Paddlefest
  • ALERT
  • Hamburg Rescue
  • New York State Parks
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation/DEC
  • Department of Environment and Conservation, BOW program
  • NY State Parks, WOW (Wear it on the Water) Initiative
  • COAST
  • Cornwall College
  • Sport England
  • British Waterways
  • British Canoe Union
  • Women in Sport Fitness Foundation
  • Environment Agency
  • Forestry Commission
  • Ocean Sports
  • Cornwall Sports Partnership
  • Cornwall Tourism
  • Shoreline
  • Era Adventures
  • Eden Project
  • Carbis Bay hotel
  • New Horizons
  • Atlantic Pursuits
  • Canoe clubs, schools and youth clubs

Waterways Safety Event

Buffalo Police rescue truck and service members at the waterfront
Three kayakers in the water in front of an outdoor event pavilion.
Two men in red wetsuits in the water with rescue ropes.
Water rescue team on the beach preparing kayaks for a rescue.

Seabirds International worked with rescue services to build a safer paddling community in Buffalo, NY 2016-2023. 

In June 2023,  the ALERT Region 1 Agencies and Seabirds International prepared for the paddling season with a rescue safety event that was held at Gallagher Beach in Buffalo, New York.

We’d like to extend thanks to New York State Parks for the opportunity to practice there. They demonstrated how the water rescue services save paddlers from the water in preparation for the season and encouraged the use of lifejackets. Local paddling groups and the service agencies were present to chat about their activities, training opportunities and programming for the season. The purpose was to teach about the fun ways to be safe on and near the water, encouraging paddlers to work with the services and take appropriate measures to be safe on the water each and every season. 

It’s very costly to rescue someone who hasn’t worn their lifejacket and requires assistance. The cost of equipment, the personnel, the training and time add up quickly. These occurrences sadly are unnecessary as lifejackets are much more affordable. Let’s do our part as paddlers and wear our lifejackets! Special thanks to the Hamburg Water Rescue Unit, Buffalo Underwater Recovery Team, WNY and Southern Ontario Water Rescue Agencies, The United State Coast Guard for keeping everyone safe.

Did you know that you can use an item of clothing to help rescue someone who has fallen in the water if you are in a boat, on the dock or bankside? Just lay down on your tummy and reach out to the person in the water with the clothing, towel, blanket, belt, anything!, then gently pull them in while you are laying down. Standing can lead to the rescuer being pulled in: ‘Stay low and throw’.

For special events and training, contact Andrea for more information at seabird.ava@gmail.com

You are an amazing instructor Andrea! Your joy and enthusiasm is absolutely infectious. It was a real pleasure to meet you and benefit from your knowledge at WOW.

Cathey Fogden Murch

Perfect Instruction! Andrea is a fantastic teacher. Love her enthusiasm!

Sandi York

Great session- really helpful coaching in a supportive atmosphere. Very personalized and also fun.

Kerry