• No previous experience necessary.
• Ready to get acquainted with basic sea kayaking equipment and safety gear.
• Ready to learn fundamental paddling techniques and basic boat control.
• Ready to start paddling in calm, sheltered sea environments.
• Ready to begin to understand the importance of weather and tide awareness.
• Ready to practise introductory safety and rescue techniques.
• Ready to learn about sharing water with other users and basic etiquette.
• Willing to work on building confidence and comfort in a sea kayak.
  

• Confident in planning and undertaking sea journeys.
• Handles winds up to Beaufort force 3.
• Some experience using sea kayaks in coastal environments
• Considers weather, tide, and location features for decision making.
• May need advice to choose suitable kit and equipment for safety and comfort.
• Understands the importance of safety and rescue techniques.
• Shares water with other users, following established etiquette.
• Maintains boat control with effective paddling and manoeuvring skills.
• Works in a group, ensuring communication and safety.

• Confident in planning and undertaking sea journeys in winds up to Beaufort force 4 and tides up to 2 knots.
• Understands key factors like swell, weather, tide, and location features for decision-making.
• Chooses appropriate clothing, equipment, and safety gear for sea kayaking.
• Develops navigational plans using maps, charts, and compasses.
• Shares water safely with other users, understanding etiquette and communication strategies.
• Prepares for safety and rescue, carrying necessary equipment and knowing how to summon help.
• Demonstrates effective forward paddling and manoeuvring in confined spaces.
• Maintains and changes direction using environmental features and paddle techniques.
• Works well in a group, monitoring well-being and performance.
• Handles mishaps, including self-rescue and assisting others.
• Uses towing techniques and understands potential associated risks.
• Reflects on experiences to learn and improve future sea kayaking skills.
  

• Comfortable planning and undertaking sea journeys in winds
  up to Beaufort force 5 and tides of 2 knots or more.
• Understands and evaluates swell, weather, tide, and location features for informed decision-making.
• Selects suitable clothing, equipment, and safety gear for varying sea conditions.
• Develops detailed navigational plans using maps, charts, and compasses, considering potential challenges.
• Shares water safely with other users, demonstrating advanced etiquette and communication strategies.
• Prepares thoroughly for safety and rescue, carrying essential equipment and knowing how to summon help effectively.
• Demonstrates proficient forward paddling and manoeuvring in confined spaces and moderate conditions.
• Maintains and changes direction using environmental features, trim, edging and a good selection of paddle techniques.
• Works efficiently in a group, monitoring well-being and performance, and ensuring effective communication.
• Handles mishaps confidently, including self-rescue and assisting others in more challenging scenarios.
• Utilises towing techniques effectively, understanding risks and applications in various situations.
• Reflects on experiences to learn and enhance future sea kayaking skills, engaging in comprehensive post-trip assessments.

• Experienced in paddling in various sea conditions, including winds over Beaufort force 4 and tides over 2 knots.
• Capable of making open crossings exceeding 2Nm and navigating along coastlines.
• Skilled in interpreting weather forecasts and understanding their impact on sea conditions.
• Knowledgeable about tidal flows, tidal gates, and their effects on water surfaces.
• Able to choose appropriate equipment and clothing for different sea conditions.
• Proficient in creating navigational plans using maps, charts, and compasses.
• Understands sea etiquette and safety protocols for shared water spaces.
• Competent in advanced paddling techniques, including forward paddling and manoeuvring in confined spaces.
• Able to maintain and change direction skilfully using environmental conditions to your advantage.
• Works effectively as part of a group, ensuring communication and safety.
• Prepared to handle mishaps, including self-rescue and assisting others.
• Understands towing techniques and their applications in various situations.
• Engages in post-trip assessments to reflect and improve future experiences.
• Continuously develops skills and knowledge for a more enjoyable kayaking experience.