Frequently Asked Questions
What kit and equipment does Sea Kayak Plockton provide?
We provide you with the following and we have a range of sizes to suit most people:
- • Sea kayak, with adjustable seat and footrests
- • Sea kayak paddle, left- and right-handed
- • Buoyancy aid
- • Long john wetsuit (a wetsuit with no arms to allow greater freedom of movement and to avoid overheating)
- • Wet suit boots
- • Sea kayaking cagoule, with hood
- • Spraydeck
- • Dry bag for personal items that you will take with you during the day
- • Pogies - special kayak mitts to keep your hands warm
However, if you have any of your own sea kayak clothing and equipment that you would prefer to use then please bring it with you.
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring the following items for all courses:
- • Synthetic underwear / swim wear
- • Synthetic long-sleeved base layer
- • Thin fleece
- • Spare fleece
- • Warm hat
- • Cap / sunglasses for sunny weather
- • Sun cream
- • Midge repellent
- • Packed lunch and snacks
- • Drink
- • A change of clothes for the end of the day (this will be kept on shore)
- • If you are booked on an overnight camping trip as part of your course, please bring your own camping gear and we will provide dry bags to stow it in.
What clothing should I wear under my long john wetsuit?
Think of kayak clothing just like the clothing you would wear to go walking - a layered system works well. A long-sleeved synthetic base layer is best under the wetsuit. It's often cooler when out on the sea so a thin fleece on top of that is important too. Underneath your base layer you can wear underwear (make sure it's synthetic) or your swim wear. We provide you with your waterproof cagoule that goes over the top.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to go kayaking?
No, you don't even need to be able to swim as you will be wearing a buoyancy aid which will ensure you float. It is beneficial however, to be confident in water.
Do I have to do a capsize drill?
We will ensure you have a thorough safety briefing before you go out onto the water during which you will be familiarised with what to do in the event of a capsize. To get the most of your course we would recommend you try a capsize as it really builds confidence and will help progress your kayaking. We will ensure it's done in the conditions to suit you eg. shallow water very close to shore with your instructor standing next to you to assist, deeper water, etc. But if you don't want to capsize, you don't have to!
Do I need lots of upper body strength to be able to kayak?
With any physical activity it always helps to be in good shape. However, efficient kayaking benefits most from good technique and not necessarily lots of upper body strength. Sea Kayak Plockton aims to give you high quality instruction to ensure you work towards good technique and therefore efficient paddling.
What happens if it's too windy to be able to go out onto the water?
Even though the north-west highlands of Scotland have a reputation for being very windy, we are lucky that being based out of Plockton we have access to one of the most sheltered locations on the west coast of Scotland, so there is always somewhere we can go. In the extremely rare situation of not being able to go out, we would endeavour to rearrange your course, or offer you a refund.
What is your booking and cancellation policy?
Go to the terms and conditions on the Prices and Bookings page.
What age do children have to be to join on a Sea Kayak Plockton course?
Sea Kayak Plockton would be delighted to take children aged 13 years and over kayaking, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. The age limit ensures that we have the right sized equipment and clothing. However, we can take slightly younger children too and create a day that's tailor made just for your family. We are sorry that we cannot take out unaccompanied children, however, we can recommend other kayak schools that may be able to help you.
Kayaking near the Skye Bridge.
