Fancy getting to eye level with a dolphin or watching puffins diving for fish right next to you? That’s the kind of access to wildlife that sea kayaking can give you, and we spoke to the veteran kayaker and Director of Jersey Kayak Adventures, Derek Hairon for some tips on how to get started.
So can I just hire a kayak and go out on the water, or should I do a course?
In the UK most outdoor and kayaking centres run courses or else guided tours as we do over here. You can hire some equipment but you will probably be paddling in a very restricted area. While paddle skills are not difficult to pick up if you are of average fitness, it make sense to go with a qualified British Canoe Union instructor. That way you learn faster and get to do more. Plus it adds safety to what is after all and adventure activity.
How long will it take me to learn?
Depends what you want to do. If you take one of our guided sea kayak tours you can be paddling and exploring the coastline of Jersey pretty much straight away. That’s the advantage of learning form an instructor. Also, quality kit enables faster progression.
Is it a good way to spot wildlife?
Yes, but make sure you are not disturbing wildlife as our ability to get close up can also cause disturbance if we are not aware of the signs to look out for. Imagine getting dolphins within feet of your kayak, watching sea birds catching fish, or puffins buzzing by and you’ll see that the kayak is a great way to discover our coastline.
Where’s your favourite place to kayak in the UK?
I’d have to say Les Ecrehous off the NE coast of Jersey. A very remarkable reef with little huts and fantastic almost Caribbean water colours.
Derek’s book, Sit-on-top Kayak. A Beginner’s Manual is a great place to start if you’re interested in taking up the sport and is available from our online bookshop.
(all pics c/o www.jerseykayakadventures.co.uk)
Related posts:
Related posts:
Hi and welcome. I'm a freelance travel and lifestyle copywriter and editor, with a passion for the great outdoors. This is my personal blog all about getting out in the fresh air and reconnecting with our green spaces and countryside.
Hey administrator, I have a little request. I was basically searching for information on the subject you published and located this post. Some great material you posted here. Can I if possible share this particular post on my own new website I am working on? This would be wonderful
. I’ll check back once again later to see how you replied. Cheers, Kerri Macall
Hi, please contact me direct at contact@freshairfix.com.
Many thanks.