Introduction to Paddlesport

With such a wide variety of disciplines available, this course is designed as a first step into the world of paddlesport. The craft used on this course will include open canoe’s, kayaks and sit on tops. Basic safety for getting afloat and staying afloat will be covered throughout the day/weekend. We aim to leave you satisfied and confident with a sound basic knowledge of paddlesport.

1 Day, £ 40, 10:00 - 15:30, Venue: Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre 1 Mar | 12 Apr | 17 May |12 July | 20 Sep Pre-course experience: None required

Introduction to Kayak/Canoe

This course is designed for people who wish to try kayaking or canoeing for the first time, gaining confidence and a good grounding of the sport. You will be introduced to all the equipment and basic skills on our local waters of Cardiff Bay.

1 Day, £ 40, 10:00 - 15:30, Venue: Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre 3 May | 19 Jul | 25 Oct | 1 Nov Pre-course experience: None required

Introduction to Sit on Tops

Bought a sit on top? Would like some training? We have a course specifically designed for you.
This course will develop your skills in using the craft and educate you in safety issues in relation to a variety of waterways.

1 Day, £ 40, 10:00 - 15:30, Venue: Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre 3 May | 7 Jun | 28 Jun | 26 Jul Pre-course experience: None required

Introduction to Moving Water

Having undertaken our introductory course you will be equipped to progress onto our improver course.
The course is designed to give you an insight into the variety that kayaking/canoeing has to offer. You will be able to try a range of kayaks/canoes and transfer your skills onto moving water.

1 Day, £ 40, 10:00 - 15:30, Venue: Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre Pre-course experience: Confident on flat water, in skills turning and directional paddling. 26 Apr | 28 Jun | 13 Sep | 11 Oct

Introduction to Sea Kayak

This is the perfect introduction to sea kayaking. If you’ve paddled on sheltered water and feel the lure of the sea, this weekend is for you! During the course we’ll cover sea kayak handling, safety and rescue skills and trip planning. This course will be based in and around Cardiff Bay and the coast of South Wales.

1 Day, £ 40, 10:00 - 15:30, Venue: Coastal Venue Pre-course experience: You should be a capable paddler on flat water at about 2 star standard. This course is not suitable if you are new to kayaking. 17 May | 14 Jun

Intermediate Sea Kayak

This new course bridges the gap between Introduction to Sea Kayaking and Sea Skills and Development.
The aim of this course is to introduce you to more challenging locations, tide races and offshore islands.
Throughout the course your coach will develop your boat handling and confidence. You’ll be encouraged to get involved in all aspects of trip planning and on the water, we’ll help you develop your practical navigation. This course also includes practical workshops on safety and rescue skills.

2 Days, £ 80, 10:00 - 15:30, Venue: Coastal Venue Pre-course experience: You should have previous experience of sea kayaking and be confident in force 3 conditions. Please contact the centre for details.

Sea Skills and Development

This course introduces further advanced sea paddling skills including rough water boat handling, new safety/rescue skills, pilotage, navigation and trip planning skills, seamanship and equipment trends. The aim is to provide you with the skills needed to become safer and more independent on the sea. The South Wales coastline provides the perfect backdrop for this course, so you can be assured that you’ll visit some of the best sea kayaking locations available, including Flat Holm, Tusker Rock and the Sand Banks (subject to conditions). If you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding weekend of sea kayaking, this is the course for you.

2 Days, £ 80, 10:00 - 15:30, Venue: Coastal Venue Pre-course experience: A confident sea paddler with some experience of tide races and winds of force 3 to 4, with the ability to roll. 12 - 13 Apr | 31 May - 1 Jun (TBC) Coastal Venues include: Severn Estuary, Porthcawl, Ogmore, Dunraven, Rest Bay, Llantwit Major and Tusker Rock.

Introduction to White Water

A weekend for kayakers/canoeists who have decided to specialise in white water boating. We aim to develop your paddling skills and coach you in moving water techniques such as breaking in and out and ferry gliding. The course will also include an introduction to moving water safety, river reading and rescue. The course will be run on local grade II + rivers.

1 Day, £ 40, 10:00 - 15:30, Venue: River Venue Pre-course experience: Ability to paddle and control a canoe/kayak with skills in turning, directional paddling and comfortable on moving water. 8 Nov

Advanced White Water

Taking white water boating to the next level, this course will look at leadership, group management, skills and safety on more demanding white water. The course is based around the goals of each group and will aim to build confidence and knowledge.

1 Day, £ 40, 10:00 - 15:30, Venue: River Venue Pre-course experience: Able to paddle grade II confidently and have experience on grade III water. 8 Mar | 15 Nov | 6 Dec River Venues include: Ely, Taff, Rhondda, Usk, Wye, Tawe, Ogmore and Rhondda Fach