Sea Kayak Devon
The Best Way to Explore the Devon Coast
Sea Kayaking is the ultimate adventure, and the best way to explore the Devon coast. You can easily paddle right up to the rocky shores, under sea arches, through sea caves, and in and out of the nooks and crannies. It’s here that you’ll see the most amazing wild life. It’s a real thrill to glide quietly around a rocky headland and to find yourself face to face with a seal. You suddenly realize that you are a guest in their world, and that is quite a humbling experience.
Kayaks can be equated to the ‘bicycles of the sea’ and this makes kayaking a very enjoyable way to exercise. At the end of a day out on the water, you can feel that lovely sensation that you have done something really good for your body, worked under your own power and have felt part of ocean life. The kayaks are silent, cause no pollution and leave no trace of their passing, so they have a very low impact on the environment.
South Devon is a Sea Kayaker’s Paradise. What makes a shore line really interesting for sea kayaking is steep rocky outcrops and big cliffs, and there are plenty of those around Dartmouth. There are a number of big sea caves in the area that not many people know about. In some of them, if you bring a torch, you can paddle right through into the depths of the cave, exploring all of its crevices, until you re-emerge through a different exit.
For those looking for a more gentle activity, there are also many secluded sandy coves for picnics and relaxing family days out. From sheltered bays to exposed headlands, there is something here for everybody to enjoy.
How does it work?
Modern sea kayaks are comfortable, stable and easy to paddle. A complete novice on a leisurely day can easily cover 10 miles or more. Unlike going for a walk, where you have to carry all your gear, the beauty of a kayak is that you can load it up with as much good food and equipment as you like, and it is still easy to paddle. In fact, it is often helpful to have a bit of extra ballast, to the surprise of lighter paddlers it is sometimes necessary to load their storage hatches with a few rocks!
A common myth about kayaking is the fear that if you capsize you might get stuck in the kayak. Modern kayak designs are made with big open cockpits, and in the unlikely event that you do capsize, you will simply fall out. In addition, we use spray decks - a loose fitting neoprene skirt - that stops water splashing into the kayak, and this keeps you dry and comfortable. The kayaks are remarkably sea-worthy, and you will be taught the skills necessary to have a fun and safe day out.
For the more experienced paddler a two-day wilderness expedition from Dartmouth to Salcombe makes for a grand adventure. On these courses, you will be taught how to plan and implement trips that involve tide, wind and waves, and more advanced paddling skills.
Ben Brierley
Ben has been kayaking for over 15 years and has led expeditions as far afield as the melt waters of the Himilayas. For the past 8 years, he has run a survival training center on a remote uninhabited Scottish island. In addition, Ben has led many exciting expeditions around the British Isles, including an unsupported crossing of the Irish Sea, and kayaking from Land’s End to the Isles of Scilly. He is adept in leading groups, whether complete novices or highly experienced adventurers, adults or children. His strengths are his sense of adventure and positivity, his infectious sense of humour, and his ability to encourage and ensure that even those of lesser ability are brought through safely and enjoyably.
In the winter months Ben has a ski school, Momentum Snowsports, which is based in Courchevel in the French Alps. This summer he discovered Dartmouth, a real gem of a place and perfect for sea kayaking. He holds the highest level of leadership qualification from the British Canoe Union, which enables him to take expeditions out of the estuary and along the coast.
Whether you are a family getting into a Sea Kayak for the first time, or an experienced paddler looking for a great adventure, Sea Kayak Devon will give you an unforgettable experience.
Call Ben now on: 01392 580 535 or email: info@seakayakdevon.co.uk www.seakayakdevon.co.uk
First Published July 2012 By The Dart