There’s Much to Learn for All Abilities
Guest Coach Events
Surf Skills with Simon Hammond | May 14 – 15
Interested in sea kayaking? Surf skills are an essential skill for paddling on the ocean and can increase your confidence in following seas. We’ll learn how to surf as well as some top safety tips! Join us for a fun learning experience with Simon Hammond.
Simon is the surf coach for England and is super fun to work with! Learn more about Simon and his trainings by clicking here.
– Members of West Cork Kayakers: € 100
– Paddlers not associated with WCK: € 125
Spaces are limited, book early to avoid disappointment!
Leadership and Sea Safety with Jeff Allen | September 4 – 5
Traveling with your friends on open waters? Want to go on expedition and explore new places? This training is for you! Jeff will focus on safety and rescue, leadership and group management. Essential sea kayaking skills. Learn more about the sessions by clicking here.
– Members of West Cork Kayakers: € 175
– Paddlers not associated with WCK: € 250
Contact Andrea at seabird.ava@gmail.com to register or for more information.
Paddle UK (Formerly British Canoeing) Guide Modules
Planning an adventure? Want to lead tours in the industry? Interested in growing your leadership skills in the outdoors? The British Canoeing Guide (now Paddle UK) Modules are for you!
Each module is eight hours and incorporates land and water based activities to increase your knowledge and understanding of what it is to be an exceptional guide. The guide modules provide you with the essentials to develop and deliver safe, professional, unforgettable enjoyable experiences for participants on and off the water.
Seabirds International operates to these high standards. Download the “British Canoeing Safety Guidelines for Paddlers, Clubs and Volunteers” guidebook.
Fee: €235 per module
Leadership – leadership styles and decision making, journey including planning, on water assessments, group travel styles and moving as a group in different environments, rescues and incident management
Trip Planning and Organisation – trip planning, resources, risk and outcomes local and further afield expeditions
Camp Craft and Expedition Skills – guiding in chosen environments, day trips, multi-day and overseas and UK expeditions
Environment and Sustainability – Leave No Trace principles, low and no impact touring, stewardship of paddling environments
Customer Experience – duty of care, group dynamics, safeguarding, risk assessments, emergency action plans, good leadership in guiding, incident reporting, measurable outcomes for participants, evaluation and more.
Contact Andrea at seabird.ava@gmail.com to register, or for more information.
Kayak Skill Sessions
Private 1:1 Sheltered Water Skills Sessions
These sessions are a great way to develop an understanding of your strokes as you improve your efficiency on the water. Each is developed to suit your needs with your paddling goals in mind. Grow your skills in a calm safe environment.
Venue dependent on weather and conditions. 2-hour sessions.
Private 1:1- Sheltered Rates
€140 for 1:1
€130 for 1:2
€120 for 1:3
€100 for 1:4
Rescue training with the Buffalo Police underwater dive team, East Aurora Pool, in East Aurora, NY.
Pool Sessions
Want to keep your skills up and practice rescues in a sheltered environment during the winter months? Pool sessions are the answer! Each session is tailored to meet your paddling needs be it stroke refinement, rescues, or adaptive paddling.
Dates are available upon request. Minimum of three weeks notice is required to reserve the pool.
Cost includes pool rental, use of facilities, and skills training for two hours.
Price is dependent on the number of participants – maximum 4 people at €75 each. Fewer participants will yield a greater cost.
Contact Andrea at seabird.ava@gmail.com to register, or for more information.
Kayak Rescues
Develop safety and rescue skills including self rescues for a safe kayak experience.
Each Session Involves
- Safety chat
- Equipment familiarization
- Paddle instruction/tour
- ‘Top tips’ to take away for ongoing learning
- Follow up support
Rates- 3 Hours
Private 1:1 session – €150
Five-class discount – €125 per session
Paddling partners 1:2 – €100 per participant
Booking and Refunds
Before booking, contact Andrea at seabird.ava@gmail.com to discuss your learning experience and to make payment. Payment confirms that you agree to the terms and program schedule.
Refund Policy
Commitments for accommodation, permits, travel, required coach-to-participant ratios and program development requires a no-refund policy. We want you to book early, but we want you to be sure before you do. Thank you for understanding.
Contact Andrea at seabird.ava@gmail.com to register, or for more info.
We want to hear from you!
We’re always looking for ways to provide a great experience for fellow paddlers. What kinds of skills would you like to work on? What other paddling topics would you like to learn about?
Send us an email letting us know what you’d like to learn at seabird.ava@gmail.com. Please, only serious suggestions.
Resources
If you are new to paddlesport and want to learn the basics before venturing onto the lake please check out these resources:
Great resources to get you started:
Beginners Guide to Safe Kayaking
Know Your Limits
How to Choose a Kayak
Recreational Kayak Essentials
Paddle Safe Brochure
Paddling Buyers Guide
Paddling.com is a great resource for paddling: in addition to boat reviews there are also launch maps.
Safety
Safety is paramount and Seabirds International ensures a safe experience through current First Aid qualification, CPR, emergency water safety, child protection trained, Adaptive Paddling qualification as well as being licensed and insured.
Clean safety record since 1984.
Please let us know of any medical conditions that you have or personal requirements when booking your session.
Safety First. Learn how to be safe in your kayak from one of the premier guides, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
FAQs
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, 50 meters or 150 feet.
Do I need my own boat and equipment?
Yes, you need to have your own equipment. If you don’t have a kayak, you may want to consider joining West Cork Kayakers where you will gain access to free training and equipment!
I don’t know how to roll, does that matter?
No, we will only paddle in waters suitable to your ability and you will learn techniques to help you stay upright. During the winter months, pool sessions will be offered so that you can learn to roll in a safe environment.
Is there an age limit for participants?
Due to insurance specifications, paddlers must be 12 years of age or older.
What to Bring
Not certain of what to pack for your water adventure? This basic list will get you started. For a more detailed item list, please download our Packing List.
- Signed Seabirds International waiver and photo release form (see Downloadable Forms, below)
- Waterproof shoes – no laces as they are a trap hazard
- Wear clothes that are suitable, i.e. no cotton (doesn’t dry quickly)
- Change of clothing and shoes, towel
- Sunscreen/hat
- Waterproof case for phone, keys
- Energy snacks
- Water and warm drink or juice, please avoid coffee & tea as they are diuretics (make you want to go to the bathroom frequently)
- Sense of adventure and fun
Note: Seabirds International is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items including cell phones, electronic keys, boats and equipment. Consider using waterproof containers for electronics and dry bags for clothing and food. See detailed kit list for what to bring.
Forms to Complete
In addition to the pre-session conversation with Andrea, there will be forms to complete before the session that will be provided.
Paddling Highlights
Andrea was incredibly welcoming, understanding, patient, and taught to our needs. Assessing us on the fly and adapting her lesson to make the most out of our session. You are a wealth of knowledge and I will be recommending you for sure. Thank you for your genuine spirit!
The instruction and instructor were exceptional. I had some apprehension about survival instruction and I was put completely at ease. Could not ask for a better experience.