Moderate Water Coached Weekend
General Information
In June 2026 we are planning a return trip to Pembrokeshire for a moderate water coaching weekend. This will be the fourth year we have held a coaching weekend with Sea Kayak Guides. Previous trips have been much enjoyed by club members due to the superb location and expertise of the coaches.
Dates: Paddling 6 – 7 June 2026. You will need to travel down on Friday 5th June. Due to the distance, it is likely you will need to allow most of the day for travel. Return travel late on the 7th may be possible but is not recommended due to the long distance.
Coaching: The weekend will be tailored to us and will likely involve coastal journeys mixed with skills development and coaching in moderate water conditions (wind up to F4, tidal flow up to 2 knots, waves up to 1 m (including surf landings) and up to 2nm (4km) between get out points).
Accommodation: We plan to camp at Solva which is the same campsite used as a base by Sea Kayak Guides. You can also choose to arrange your own accommodation in B&B’s or hotels nearby but you will need to have your own transport if you choose this option.
Travel: We try and arrange shared lifts to and from London. Some people choose to travel by train, and we can normally arrange for collections from local stations. If you have a lift with another club member, you will be asked to pay towards fuel costs in line with the club’s expenses policy.
Kayak equipment: You don’t need any of your own kayaking equipment to come on this trip. We will use club kayaks and equipment so long as we have sufficient cars to transport the boats from London. We expect members who benefit from someone else transporting a CKC kayak on their car to contribute to the driver’s petrol/transport costs.
Personal equipment: You need to bring suitable clothes for paddling. If you want to practice rescues – because it is a useful environment to practice in – then you are more likely to get wet and so a dry suit or wetsuit would be beneficial.
Who is this trip for?
We expect to develop skills in at least some or all of the following throughout this weekend: wet exits, assisted and self-rescues. Efficient forward paddling. Turning in wind and waves. Paddling in rocks and gulleys, rocky landings, landing in waves and surf. There may be the possibility to practice towing and towing a casualty (assisted tow), as well as learning about coastal navigation.
Skill level: Participants must be at least at Explore Award level. You do not need to previously mastered all of the above skills, but you do need to be prepared to take part in these group activities, actively contribute and support other Club members in their learning: your attitude is more important than your skill level. Please contact the organiser, Fiona, if you would like to come but are unsure as to whether it’s a suitable weekend for you.
Costs
Coaching fee: £150 per person for both days (with coaching on a 1:6 ratio)
Kayak rental: We plan to transport club boats depending on the number of volunteer drivers with roof racks. If we cannot transport sufficient kayaks for the whole group, the cost of kayak rental is £30 per day. These costs will be split evenly between members who are not transporting club kayaks or using their own kayak for the weekend.
Travel Expenses: Petrol, wear and tear on cars transporting kayaks and parking during the weekend will be split amongst participants in accordance with the Club expenses policy. Please bear in mind that you should expect these additional costs.
Accommodation: Camping at Solva is c.£15 per person per night. We plan to arrange an optional pub meal on the Saturday night. Members will arrange their own breakfasts and packed lunches.
Registration
If you are interested in this weekend, please sign up below. Please bear in mind your place is not confirmed until you hear from the trip organiser.
Maximum number of attendees reached - registrations are closed. Total Attendees: 6| # | Name |
|---|---|
| 1. | Jude H |
| 2. | Melinda A |
| 3. | Tim R |
| 4. | Mary H |
| 5. | Jonathan H |
| 6. | Mike W |
Waiting List
We are also operating a waiting list below for a second cohort:
Total Attendees: 1| # | Name |
|---|---|
| 1. | Mike M |
Deposit – Once your place is confirmed, you will need to pay an £100 deposit to secure your place. If you cancel, this deposit cannot be refunded unless another eligible CKC club member takes your place. There is the option to split the deposit payment into 2 instalments by request.
If you have any questions about the weekend, please contact Fiona who will be happy to advise.
