What kit and equipment do I need?
We provide:
- Sea Kayak & paddle
- Buoyancy aid
- Spraydeck
- The famous flapjack for ‘elevenses’
- Long-john wetsuit (that’s a long wetsuit without arms)
- Paddling jacket
- Wetsuit boots
- Dry bag
- Pogies (special kayak mitts to keep your hands warm)
You need to bring:
- Packed lunch & drink (a hot drink in a thermos flask is good)
- Synthetic long-sleeved top (base layer to wear under the wetsuit)
- Underwear or swimwear for the bottom half of your body
- Thin fleece
- Spare fleece is useful, but not essential
- Warm hat
- Cap / sunglasses / suncream if it’s sunny
- A string for your glasses if you wear them
If you have your own kit, you are very welcome to use yours. If you’ve booked an overnight camping trip, please bring all your own camping gear and we’ll provide the dry bags for you to put it in.
What measures have been put in place to protect against COVID-19?
Paddlers can expect suitable measures put in place that will reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission. These measures will include protocols to support physical distancing, hand-washing, and cleaning kit/surfaces that might be contaminated, along with procedures regarding group size/composition in line with government advice. Please familiarise yourself with our protection measures and comply as requested.
It must be acknowledged, however, that we cannot eliminate the risk of COVID-19 transmission entirely, as this would disproportionately impact on your overall safety and the quality of the experience.
More detailed guidance can be found in the Scottish Canoe Association Paddlesport Guidance for Phase 2.
Can I rent a sea kayak?
I’m sorry, we don’t hire out sea kayaks. However if you book onto one of the following trips or courses, we provide all the sea kayaking equipment and clothing you will need and it’s included in the price: Learn to Sea Kayak, Sea Kayak Improver, Sea Kayak Skye, Family Sea Kayak, 3 day sea kayak expedition.
How old do children have to be to go sea kayaking?
Most of our trips and courses are suitable for children age 15 years and over. We can, however, take slightly younger children, as young as 13, on one of our family days. The age limit ensures that we have the right sized equipment and clothing. We’re sorry that we cannot take out unaccompanied children, however, we can recommend other kayak schools that may be able to help you.
Do you provide double kayaks?
We only provide single kayaks, but if you specifically require a double kayak we can recommend other excellent providers that may have one in their fleet.
Can I book a course if I’m on my own?
All courses are suitable for people on their own, as a couple or as a group. For courses booked on a group basis we bring individual people together with other people who are at a similar level and looking for a similar kayaking experience.
Can I wear glasses or contact lenses?
Yes, you can wear either. We recommend attaching prescription glasses or expensive sunglasses with a band or string as they don’t float! Contact lenses work well on the sea. As the sea is salty they don’t pop out if your eyes get wet!
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?
No, you don’t have to do a capsize drill! However, 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. Accidental capsizes do happen; however we aim to get you as stable as possible in your kayak and teach the appropriate skills to help with boat control.
To get the most out of your session 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 and the level you’re at e.g. For a beginner – shallow water very close to shore with your instructor standing next to you to assist, 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 the weather’s too bad to be able to go out onto the water?
Even though the north-west highlands of Scotland have a reputation for windy weather, 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 full refund. This is explained in our terms and conditions.
What is your booking and cancellation policy?
Please see our terms and conditions.
What about accommodation?
Help with accommodation suggestions can be found on the location page. Home to a thriving Highland community and popular with visitors, Plockton is well served by hotels, B&Bs, a small general store, pubs, restaurant and galleries. Not far away there are campsites and a good range of other amenities.