EXPEDITIONS

Introduction to Sea Kayak Expeditioning (2 day)

So you've done some sea kayaking and you like the idea of loading up your camping gear and heading off from the beach around the headland to see where the journey takes you, unloading your kit to cook over a stove or open fire and watching the sun go down, chatting with new friends about the days adventure along with planning new ones.

This two day introduction to expeditioning will show you what you need and how to pack it in your boat. You'll experiment with stove cooking, sleeping on a wild camp site and learn some bush craft skills along the way.

We run these courses at various times and in various locations in the UK throughout the year so get in contact to discuss some details. If there are two of you we could run a personal course for you both.

The cost includes boats and equipment, camping gear and food.

Isle of Wight Circumnavigation (3 Day)

The circumnavigation will start at our base in Freshwater with packing boats and planning our trip.

The cost includes boats, equipment and camping gear. It can, if you wish, also include assessment for the BCU 3* Sea Kayak award.

It also includes all travel while on the Island including pick up's and drop off's at ferries.

The fitness level for this trip should not be underestimated - in order to complete the trip you will need to have good level of kayaking fitness - 8 hour paddling days are not uncommon in order to get around in the allotted time. If you are not confident that you are capable of sustained long days or would feel that you would like to do the trip at a more relaxed pace take a look at the four day trip below.

It should also be noted that as with any expedition, conditions change and plans may have to be adapted as we go.

Isle of Wight Circumnavigation (4 Day)

The circumnavigation will start at our base in Freshwater with packing boats and planning our trip. This trip is for folk who want to achieve the circumnavigation, but not necessarily race around - we will spend more time in camp, learning bush craft skills and wondering around the rural villages we pass on the way. Don't let that fool you though, regardless of the pace, this is still a committing trip

The cost includes boats, equipment and camping gear as well as all travel whilst on the Island including pick up's and drop off's at ferries. It can, if you wish, also include training or assessment for the new BCU 3* Sea Kayak award.

It should also be noted that as with any expedition, conditions change and plans may have to be adapted as we go.

Open Canoe Across Scotland Expedition (7 Day)

This is one of the best UK canoe trips - starting at Loch Ba, high on Rannoch moor on the west coast, we descend into the river and loch network towards the mighty river Tay and our destination of Perth on the East coast.

After a comfortable night in a local bunkhouse following the drive up, the first morning will be spent packing equipment and running through some canoe instruction on Loch Ba before heading off down the first river to our first wild camp spot at the head of Loch Laidon, from there its white water, open lochs, sailing, portaging and wild camping in true canoe style under the back drop of high forested mountains.

You will learn many bush craft skills along the way that you will take away with you and no doubt use on your other adventures in the future. We will cook on a combination of stoves and open fire, eating a range of things from pasta's and chili's to the more traditional things like bannock bread and pancakes.

You are almost guaranteed to see wildlife such as stags, otters and eagles.

For those with sufficient previous experience this trip can include training and/or assessment for the BCU Canoe 3 or 4 star awards.

Cost includes bunk house accommodation on the first night and equipment as well as transport from Southampton.

Scottish Highlands and Islands (7 day)

The exact itinerary will obviously be weather dependant, but we would expect to start in the Arisaig - Mallaig area and pick wild camp sites on our journey over to Eigg, Muck and Rum or up the sound of Sleat to Skye. We will involve you in the decision making process throughout the trip and we will take the opportunity to develop your skills if that that is what you want. Evenings will be spent around the fire chatting over the days adventures and sampling some of the local specialty tipples.

You will learn many bush craft skills along the way that you will take with you and no doubt use on your other adventures in the future. We will cook on a combination of stoves and open fire, eating a range of things from pasta's and chili's to the more traditional things like bannock bread and pancakes.

You are guaranteed to see wildlife such as seals and eagles, and maybe a sighting of porpoises, whales or basking sharks if you are lucky.

Bunk house accommodation on the first night, use of boats, equipment and camping kit is all included in the price. It can also include travel to Scotland from Southampton.

For those with sufficient previous experience this trip can include training and/or assessment for the BCU Canoe 3 or 4 star awards.

We have planned the two trips with slightly different ability levels in mind, the first in May is for those that are looking for a more relaxing time on the water, with shorter days in the boat and more time on land exploring the local area. The second trip in September is for those who are more confident with open crossings, rougher water and longer days in the boat.

Prerequisite ability: May 23rd - 30th inclusive........ ..................... Sept - 3 star sea kayak or similar experience