Looking for exposure to Anglesey’s famously challenging sea kayaking conditions? Our Rough Water Skills I course is for you!

This course is ideal for kayakers confident in moderate water with a desire to develop advanced water skills and experience in conditions up to 20kts winds, 3kts+ tidal streams and 1.5m+ waves. Tide race skills and tactics, surf zone moves, rock garden experiences and downwind action in stormy weather - the rough water opportunities on Anglesey are endless!

There are no formal British Canoeing aims during this course, although the skills and experience gained are useful for a range of awards. If you wish, we can organise training for the BC Coastal or Advanced Sea Kayak award during the course.

Tell me more!

The aim of this course is to experience the best Anglesey rough water kayaking, with dedicated coaching to bring out the best of your kayaking skills. We’ll develop your rough water skills, tactics and confidence. We’ll also help you to develop independence, building on your existing planning, decision making, safety and rescue skills.

The strong tidal streams of the Anglesey coastline increase the planning challenges, offer more dynamic conditions and enhance the rough water sea kayaking experience. This course is ideal to develop your skills and experience for future self-led trips on the UK’s more challenging coastlines.

For this course, we select weeks with varied tide race conditions around Anglesey. In light winds, many of the island’s headlands will create dynamic water playgrounds. On windy days there will be plenty of challenging sea conditions on exposed coastlines. In storm conditions, we can choose downwind runs in the Menai Strait and make use of the tidal white water rapids of the Swellies. In all, there’s a great deal of adventure available, regardless of the weather!

Kayaks & Kit

See below for a list of essential kit and suggested personal items for this course.

Most participants prefer to use their own sea kayak and kit for our sea kayaking courses. Please advise us when completing your online booking form if you require the use of a kayak, paddle or other kit. Kayak rentals are an additional £10 per person, per day.

Meeting Time & Place

Depending on weather and conditions, our adventure will begin in Holyhead or Menai Bridge at 9:00 AM. We will confirm our meeting time and place 48 hours prior to the start of the course. For more information on where we meet, please visit our FAQs & Resources page.