https://www.southhams.com/ https://www.southhams.com/directory/activities/canoeing-and-kayaking/discussions/review?id=1743 https://www.southhams.com/directory/activities/canoeing-and-kayaking/discussions/review?id=1743 Went on the Level 2 5-day course as preparation for Sea Kayaking in Antarctica. The first 2 days were with a couple also preparing for a trip to Norway to tour the Fjords and the last 3 were 1:1 with instructor James. The 5 days were ideal to get enough time on the skills, use them in varied conditions, build up trip fitness, get a feel for planning and enjoy the wildlife and Jurassic coastline. We were blessed for the most part with good winter weather and occasionally stalked by a grey or common seal when rock hopping. Rescue drills will always be cold and wet - there's no getting round it; but they were well worth the effort of sorting out and by the end I was confident to use them in anger including self-rescue. The instruction was professional and flexible; tailored to suit needs and fitness with room for a change of pace - the kit setup was also well organised so transition time was efficient. Winter in Dartmouth has many advantages over summer; less tourist traffic, a number of uncrowded pubs and Fish & Chips venues serving plentiful hot food and active wildlife occupying areas they would otherwise shy from in the busy summer months. Would highly recommend to anyone planning a winter Sea Kayak adventure and needing some solid skills behind them to back it. Would also recommend for wildlife enthusiasts who wanted to explore the coastline habitats. ]]> Sat, 06 Apr 2024 15:28:06 +0000 https://www.southhams.com/directory/activities/canoeing-and-kayaking/discussions/review?id=782 https://www.southhams.com/directory/activities/canoeing-and-kayaking/discussions/review?id=782 I had a fantastic full days kayaking lessons with our instructorJames, he was friendly , cheerful, informative and chatty all day , Started with a full safety brief then out on the river for some instruction on paddling techniques in a quiet area, then out onto the coast with cave exploring, paddling round hidden coves, some technical stuff in around rocky areas , then beach a landing for lunch and a chat , back to more beach and coast exploring , our instructor was always close by with encouragement to try the technical stuff but never pushed anyone beyond their comfort zone , all in all a great adventure day out in one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Britain , easily 5 stars, highly recommended ]]> Wed, 25 Nov 2020 17:51:43 +0000 https://www.southhams.com/directory/activities/canoeing-and-kayaking/discussions/review?id=332 https://www.southhams.com/directory/activities/canoeing-and-kayaking/discussions/review?id=332 My 12 year old son and I headed out in late Feb for a fantastic 1/2 day of Kayaking. The instructor was very patient and helpful. We were spoilt being on our own but the weather and sea conditions were much better than expected for the time of year. We spent some time floating around with 3 seals and saw several seabirds and had a chance to see the Dartmouth mansions from the water. Quite a privilege! Past the castle there was some swell and we even got to surf back a little , not bad for 2 beginners. All in all it was a fantastic experience and we would both love to do it again. ]]> Fri, 26 Apr 2019 10:42:29 +0000 https://www.southhams.com/directory/activities/canoeing-and-kayaking/discussions/review?id=247 https://www.southhams.com/directory/activities/canoeing-and-kayaking/discussions/review?id=247 Thanks to Ben for sorting us out with adult+3 teens for a half day trip during October half term, with a day’s notice. Preparation was completed with no fuss, and we were on the water 20 minutes into the session. Elizabeth was a fantastic guide, we all felt very safe with her paddling alongside us. We paddled out to Mew Stone with the tide, saw 3 seals there really close, then made our way back. Stopped for a much needed break on a beach and the teens loved the toasted marshmallows over a fire. Paddled back up the river which was a bit of a slog but apparently we impressed Elizabeth with our speed! Thanks again for a great experience, what a brilliant way of seeing Dartmouth anew and experiencing some of its wildlife up close and personal! ]]> Wed, 14 Nov 2018 11:29:46 +0000