Introduction to Sea Kayak Wild Camping

If your paddling is limited to day adventures and you yearn to head out to the Western Isles on multi-day expeditions, you need to take it one step at a time. If you've never wild camped from your kayak before, then you need a little tuition to get the most out of your boat once fully loaded and make your paddling experience a little more enjoyable and comfortable.

This is where we come in - taking you from a day paddler, building the foundations of wild camping from your sea kayak and helping you go on to many adventures of your own without needing to wait for more experienced paddlers to ask you to join them.

What is included?

You'll not need anything beyond the equipment listed below as all specialist equipment and food will be included in the cost. Should you forget something or need to borrow something on the day, please ask as we will most likely have something you can borrow.

All food from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 2 is included in the cost. You need to bring your personal belongings (see suggested list) and your own kayaking equipment (if you have it). If you need to hire equipment (such as tents or boats), please add these 'optional extras' to your booking.

Who will be guiding me?

One of our local sea kayak coaches and guides will be looking after you and your development throughout the course. They will have ample experience in coaching sea kayaking and also in guiding and leading expeditions in this area. Otter Adventures only place our most experienced leaders on our coaching courses so that we ensure you get off to the right start in your kayaking and can build on the skills, concepts and understanding they convey to you throughout the course. Under their guidance and with relatively short distances to paddle in fairly sheltered locations, you'll have ample time to develop and build your confidence. Together we will develop your wild camp skills (and paddling skills) to help take on your own overnight expeditions from a sea kayak in comfort and with confidence.

What will I do on the course?

There will be opportunities to look at trip planning, tide and weather forecasting, efficient paddling, and packing kayaks; the list is almost endless but we endeavour to tailor it to you and answer your questions throughout the two-day mini-expedition.

At the wild camp location - perhaps a remote bay, sandy beach or small island - you'll wild camp for one night (tide and weather will dictate exactly where). Here you'll discuss site selection, tent pitching, food planning, cooking and essential camp hygiene. You'll also look at fire lighting and use them to warm your body and soul as the sun sets and the stars begin to shine.

During the kayak journey home the next day you may discuss appropriate wildlife-watching protocols and group journeying strategies and techniques as well as more paddling skill development. There is so much that could be covered, but your guide will take clues from your questions and skill levels to ensure that you develop at your speed and in areas that you need. Do not be afraid to ask for help or guidance - after all, there is no such thing as a silly question!

Take your sea kayaking to the next level with this two-day Introduction to Sea Kayak Wild Camping course from Otter Adventures. Learn the foundations of wild camping from your kayak and get a taste for multi-day expeditions in Strontian.

The requirements for a sea kayak wild camp are minimal. You should:

1. be at least 16 years old
2. have an average level of fitness
3. have some experience of paddling kayaks, preferably sea kayaks
4. be prepared to have engage with the coaching and learning so you gain the most from it
5. enjoy being outdoors and working, generally, at a leisurely pace

Based upon our experience, to be comfortable in our ecxpedition kayaks you need to be between:

1. 5' and 6' 3" in height
2. 8 stone (50kg) and 16 stone (100 kg) in weight

If you are outside these, or any of the following apply, then please get in touch before booking.

1. You lack any experience in either kayaking or wild camping
2. or have a specific medical or dietary need

For all our activities under-18's must be accompanied on the activity by their parent or legal guardian on a maximum ratio of 1 adult to 2 children.

Keep in mind that space is limited in the kayaks and the shape is difficult to pack. Smaller 'packages' in dry bags are easier to load and you will have about 70-90 litres in one of our kayaks. This equates to about the size of an expedition rucksack!

Come almost fully packed, but be prepared to leave somethings behind once you have discussed equipment and packing on dry land.

CAMPING EQUIPMENT

1. Sleeping bag
2. Sleeping mat
3. Extra warm clothes for the evening
4. Head torch and spare battery
5. Personal wash kit & small towel
6. As many small dry bags as you can muster (5 or 10 litre)
7. Family first aid kit, including any personal medications
8. We can supply plates, bowls, cutlery, etc. but you may prefer to bring your own

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

1. Waterproof jacket and trousers (avoid bringing your best Goretex for water-based activities)
2. Clothes such as outdoor fo fitness clothing to wear under your waterproofs (please avoid jeans and cotton clothes)
3. Extra jumper as it may be cooler on the water
4. Shoes to wear during the activity - these will get wet, so old trainers are fine
5. Sunhat and beanie (one for day, the other for evening)
6. Gloves for the evening
7. Sunglasses (with retainer cord)
8. Suncream and midge repellant
9. Water bottle and snacks
10. Spare clothes and towel (just in case)
11. Personal accident and possessions insurance

DAY 1

Meeting at Otter Adventures at 10:00 and spend the morning reviewing equipment selection and packing sea kayaks. Here we'll help prepare you for the adventure ahead discussing topics such as:

1. manual handling
2. loading boats onto trailers
3. packing sea kayaks
4. what clothing to wear
5. group and personal equipment
6. equipment to leave behind

After a working lunch planning the adventure, you'll discuss the possibilities for your paddle and wild camp. This may include:

1. potential locations for paddling with wild camp spots
2. what makes for a potential camp site
3. tides and tidal streams (if appropriate)
4. weather forecasts
5. possible navigational challenges

After lunch we'll head off to your selected destination in our transport before getting on the water and kayaking to the wild camp location you helped choose.

Along the way you may look at:

1. efficient paddling technique
2. use of skeg
3. paddling in the wind and waves
4. group management

At the camp location, you will have the opportunity to look at and discuss topics such as:

1. site selection
2. different tent designs
3. campsite hygiene
4. what to put in a wash kit
5. Leave No Trace ethics
6. menu planning
7. pro's and con's of different stoves or cooking methods
8. fire lighting and safety

The evening will quickly draw in and you'll be ready to retire for the night

DAY 2

After a cooked breakfast, you will be assisted in repacking your kayak using the skills you learned the day before. You'll also be shown how to clear a campsite so that the minimum of trace is left behind.

By now you will hopefully be more confident and ready to take charge for a short while. So on the way back, if you wish, you can take the lead and navigate the group on the next leg of your return journey.

Hopefully this will be by different route, but it will bring you back to shore and the end of your first mini-expedition.

With all the new learning and skills gained, we hope you will have the confidence to join other sea kayakers on expeditions accelerating your development and enhancing your enjoyment.