with Doug Cooper
19th and 20th October 2024
Surfing a sea kayak offers a unique blend of adventure, skill, and connection with the ocean that is truly exhilarating. Surf kayaking combines the joy of kayaking with the adrenaline rush of surfing. It’s a dynamic activity that allows you to harness the power of the ocean.
Run by Doug Cooper, this two day course aims to develop your ability to read waves, position yourself for optimal surfing, and guide your boat down the face of a wave safely and in a controlled way.
Doug is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping you develop the skills and confidence to enjoy surfing sea kayaks safely and responsibly.
Then Moray Firth has many great locations where surf is common including Lossiemouth, Cullen and Sandend. While we are confident that surf conditions will be available, if they are not you understand that the course will switch to a tailored skills development course. With Doug you can be reassured that this will be excellent value and will both challenge and inspire you.
It is expected that you are comfortable in moderate water conditions and have a reliable roll or can self-rescue in dynamic conditions. To ensure you have the best opportunity to learn safely the maximum number for this course will be set at four persons.
In addition to all the amazing learning opportunities you will have the chance to experience the beauty and adventure of the amazing Moray Firth. With unparalleled wildlife, geology and history you will enjoy two fantastic days in the company of an outstanding guide and teacher who demonstrates a unique passion for sea kayaking and responsible access.
If you are traveling a distance or prefer to try something different, kayaks and paddles can be provided in support of your course. There will be a additional charge of £80 for this. Kayaks are P&H Scorpios with Celtic paddles.
The Moray Firth is ideally suited to this type of training with a range of moderate water environments; from rock gardens to surf beaches and plenty wind & swell from the North Sea . It is also an extremely accessible location with excellent transport links and good welfare facilities along the coastline.
The course will be based on the Moray Firth but flexibility may be needed.
Full joining instructions will be provided once booked.
For those who don’t know him, Doug has a lifetime of experience as a paddlesport coach in sea kayaking and white water, working for many years at Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre. His passion is supporting others get the most out of what motivates them in their outdoor activities.
Doug is also author of Skye and North West Highlands Sea Kayaking, North and East Coasts of Scotland Sea Kayaking, Sea Kayak Handling and Rough Water Handling; all published by Pesda Press. With his wife Lara he has also created a website, Scottish Sea Kayaking, to provide ‘inspiration & information’ to all sea kayakers and compliment the guide books (www.scottishseakayaking.co.uk).
Booking below.