Volunteer Paddlers Needed - Advanced Sea Kayak Leader Assessment | Anglesey 5th-6th November 2026

Support an Advanced Sea Kayak Leader Assessment | Anglesey

We are looking for capable sea kayakers to act as group participants during a Paddle UK Advanced Sea Kayak Leader assessment with Stuart Leslie on Anglesey.

This is an opportunity to enjoy a challenging day of sea kayaking, gain experience of leadership in advanced tidal water and support aspiring leaders through their assessment.

You will not be assessed. Your role is to paddle as part of the group being led by the assessment candidates.

What will the day involve?

The assessment will take place through a real sea kayak journey in the advanced tidal waters around Anglesey.

As a group participant, you may be asked to:

• Paddle as part of the group being led by the candidates
• Follow the directions of the candidate currently leading
• Participate in realistic leadership and incident-management scenarios
• Allow candidates to demonstrate group management, decision-making and communication
• Take part in rescues, towing or other practical situations where appropriate
• Provide brief, constructive feedback about your experience as a group member

Any scenarios will be managed by the assessor. You will not be asked to undertake anything that is beyond your ability or that you are uncomfortable doing.

Required paddling standard

This is not a beginner or intermediate sea kayaking day. Participants must be comfortable paddling in advanced tidal conditions.

You should have:

• Strong personal sea kayaking skills
• Experience in rough water and strong tidal flow
• A reliable roll or dependable self-rescue
• Competent assisted-rescue skills
• The fitness to complete a demanding day on the water
• The ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a group
• A suitable, fully equipped sea kayak

The assessment may use areas involving tidal races, exposed headlands, swell, rough water, open crossings or challenging coastline. The final venue will be chosen according to the weather, tides and sea conditions.

If you are uncertain whether your experience is suitable, please contact us before registering your interest.

Assessment-day arrangements

A two-day window has been reserved for the assessment. Depending on the conditions and the evidence gathered, the assessment may be completed on the first day or may continue into the second day. A paddle in darkness will be included.

What to bring

Participants will need:

• A suitable and properly outfitted sea kayak
• Paddle and spare paddle
• Spraydeck
• Buoyancy aid
• Helmet
• Suitable clothing for the conditions
• Appropriate personal safety and rescue equipment
• Food and drink for a full day on the water
• Any personal medication
• A means of summoning assistance

Equipment hire may be available by prior arrangement. Please ask when registering.

Important information

• You are participating as a group member and will not be assessed.
• This is an assessment environment rather than a coached skills course.
• Candidates will be making genuine leadership decisions under observation.
• The assessor retains overall responsibility for managing the assessment process.
• The route and venue will be selected according to the conditions.
• A reasonable level of uncertainty is part of the assessment environment, so flexibility is essential.
• Participation is subject to confirmation that your experience is appropriate.
• Spaces are limited to the number of paddlers required for the assessment group.

Details

• Activity: Volunteer participant for an Advanced Sea Kayak Leader assessment
• Assessor: Stuart Leslie
• Location: Anglesey, North Wales
• Dates: 5th - 6th November 2026
• Participant cost: £50 
• Equipment hire: available
• Meeting point: Holyhead, Anglesey

SKUK Adventures
info@skukadventures.com
+44 (0) 7853666827