Trip Grading - Which trip is best for you...

Think ski or mountain bike route classifications. We have used this idea to give you a better sense of what to expect on a trip and to choose which one best suits you and what you are looking for.

Green

Introductory, shorter and more sheltered journeys. These trips are designed for active, sporty beginners, who have little or no experience in a closed-cockpit kayak. Or kayakers who are looking for a slower paced trip with more time drifting. We begin with the basics and teach you the skills you need to enjoy the experience safely and confidently. Previous kayaking experience is not essential if you have a suitable level of fitness.

Although the pace is slower and we choose more sheltered routes, kayaking on several consecutive days is physically demanding. The days include relaxed drifting, wildlife watching and stops on deserted islands for a cuppa and lunch, but you may also need to paddle into wind or tide at times. This is a weather dependant activity.

You must be able to sit upright with your legs extended for sustained periods. Tight hamstrings or hip flexors, or back problems, can make the trip uncomfortable. We use Dagger Stratos closed-cockpit kayaks. Unlike sit-on-tops, they have a fixed cockpit and seat width of 45 cm that you need to be comfortable sitting inside. They are generally comfortable for paddlers up to 6 ft 2 in height and a weight limit of 100kgs. If you are unsure about the fit, we recommend trying one before booking.

Blue

Longer and less sheltered journeys. These trips are for paddlers who have already spent at least three days in a closed-cockpit kayak using a spray deck and are comfortable paddling for up to 90 minutes without going ashore for a break.

There is still time to drift, watch wildlife and stop on deserted islands and beaches. Compared with the Green Trip, days may be longer, we aim to cover more distance and routes may take us into less sheltered conditions, including wind and lumpy waters. You need to be able to sit upright with your legs extended for sustained periods; back problems or tight hamstrings and hip flexors may make the trip uncomfortable.

RED

These trips may include journeys in more exposed conditions, such as bigger swell, or stronger wind. They are for more experienced paddlers who have spent time sea kayaking in a closed-cockpit kayak with a spray deck in moderate conditions.

To enjoy these trips safely and confidently, you need to be prepared to:

· Have at least three days’ sea kayaking experience in a closed-cockpit kayak using a spray deck.

· Paddle on five consecutive days, usually for four to six hours each day, depending on the weather and the group.

· Remain comfortable in lumpy seas, windy conditions and moderate water.