Is this sea kayaking course for me?

• Sea kayaking is a physical activity in a dynamic outdoor environment. You should be able to maintain moderate aerobic activity for up to 6 hours each day. We will encounter plenty of dynamic water each day, and will paddle in winds up to 20kts when required.

• You should have rough water sea kayaking confidence, with recent tide race paddling experience. You should already be happy to paddle in advanced sea conditions.

• You’ll need a reliable roll to make the most of our course aims. We don’t demand 100% success, and can provide coaching to refine your rough water rolling - but we ask that you have ‘real world’ rolling skills if choosing this specific course.

• All participants must be over 18 years of age.

If you’re not sure of your readiness for this course, please contact us for advice. Our Rough Water Skills I course is also a great option for most paddlers seeking tide race skills coaching.

What’s the difference between Rough Water Skills 1 & Rough Water Skills II?

Our RWS I course will focus on skill development in Anglesey’s excellent tide races. We will continue to spend time at high-quality venues such as Penrhyn Mawr, the Swellies, the Stacks and classic North coast venues.

We have not in any way reduced the venue conditions or coaching aims of the RWS I course - it remains ideal for anyone seeking to further develop their advanced water skills.

We now offer a RWS II option for paddlers with existing tide race skills to tackle a slightly more demanding course - if you’re wondering ‘is this for me?’, consider the following questions:

Can I roll reliably in dynamic water / tide race conditions?

We expect anyone joining the RWS II course to be able to reliably roll in dynamic water - while we don’t demand a 100% success rate, you should have a solid roll that works in most situations.

We request this skill for coaching & safety factors, which will influence our venue choices and paddling activities.

Do I have recent experience in advanced water tide race conditions?

You should already have reliable foundation tide race skills - crossing turbulent eddy lines, controlling speed, angle & position in advanced water, entering & leaving tide races.

This will permit us to further refine these skills and to develop - for example - sea kayak surfing skills in more challenging environments.

Can I comfortably spend several hours in advanced water?

Our RWS II course will adequate physical readiness for prolonged exposure to advanced conditions - we may spend 5-6 hours each day in such conditions.

We ask that you have recent regular experience of full paddling days in moderate / advanced conditions, with a a solid base for the possible demands of the RWS II course.

I’ve completed a RWS I course - should I book RWS II?

There’s no inevitable progression from RWS 1 to RWS II. Many paddlers enhance their skills and confidence by attending several RWS I courses. Not everyone is seeking ever-greater commitment and challenge.

We understand that not everyone will develop a reliable rough water roll, or will have regular access to rough water venues. Our RWS I course remains a great option, in which a reliable roll is desirable but not essential.

If you’re uncertain of your readiness for RWS II,, simply book an RWS 1 course date. You won’t regret it!
If you know you’re at the level for Rough Water Skills II, come join us - we’ll have a blast!