Understanding tidal currents and how to navigate them in a sea kayak.

Why is this important?

A huge component of paddling in moving water is being able to read water; being able to tell what is currently happening with the water and how it will cause your boat to react.

If you can’t read water, you won’t be edging correctly, won’t have the correct angle to eddy lines, you will paddle into all the wrong things and will most likely pay for it with a capsize.

Reading the water

Looking at the surface of the ocean to understand what the water is doing.

Understanding water dynamics

Knowing whats happening under the water and why.

Skills development

Learning the paddle strokes and edging skills required to navigate safely in fast moving currents.

What we will do

A camping weekend packed with new experiences.

Working with tidal currents requires you to be able to read the surface of the water, understand what happens below the water and then use appropriate paddle strokes and techniques to control your kayak in this very dynamic environment.

Its exciting & fun!

Course Content

2 days

Sea Kayak Training Weekend - Camp on an Island, Explore, Learn and Connect

Escape the every day & join us for an unforgettable two-day sea kayak training camp, set in the stunning surroundings of Lake Macquarie.

This 2 day / 1 night training weekend offers more than just the thrill of mastering new skills, you will also forge lasting connections with fellow sea kayakers, sharing stories and insights around a warm and inviting campfire.

Course Overview

This immersive camp is designed to enhance your sea kayaking skills, expand your knowledge of tides & tidal streams, waves, and currents, as well as experience the collective wisdom and camaraderie of a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for sea kayaking and adventure.

As part of this training program, you will learn crucial techniques such as edging your kayak and bracing against capsize, and fine-tuning the use of bow & stern rudder paddle strokes. These skills will help you stay stable and in control, providing you with the confidence to tackle more challenging conditions.

You will also learn how to paddle a laden sea kayak, master the art of efficient packing, and discover what essential items to bring.

Who is this suitable for?

Whether you’re a beginner seeking to deepen your sea kayaking knowledge or an experienced paddler looking to refine your techniques, this training weekend offers an opportunity for growth, adventure, and unforgettable moments.

Beginners – are paddlers who have a basic proficiency in kayak control with a minimum of 5 days of kayaking experience and/ or basic kayak control course. You will know how to control the direction of their kayak in wind conditions up to force 3.

Intermediates who want to learn new techniques and understand the effects of tides, tidal currents, and waves on the control of the sea kayak.

Not suitable for Novices – newbies to sea kayaking who have not yet gained control over their kayaks – if in doubt, ask me via my contact details (see below).

Rough Itinerary

(subject to change due to conditions and participant capabilities)

DAY 1
DAY 2
ROUTE

10:00 – 11:00: Arrive, introductions, change into sea kayaking gear and pack your kayaks (a list is provided after registration).

11:00 – 12:30: short (4km) paddle across the Swansea Channel (lakeside) entrance.

12:30 – 13:30: lunch and set camp.

13:30 – 15:00:
Session 1: wind/waves & currents – how they affect the sea kayak.
Session 2: Learn the paddle strokes (stern rudder; bow rudder and support strokes needed to control your kayak – in the sheltered, protected waters behind the island.

Short break (15 mins): stretch legs, chat, compare experiences, ask questions

15:30 – 17:00: Session 3: practical paddle into the channel currents to practice new techniques and understand the actual effects of currents on your kayak and how to manage them.

17:00 – 17:30: off the water – reflection, group safety & pack away equipment for the night.

17:30 – 19:30: swim? change, prepare, cook and eat meals.

Evening: enjoy the company of new-found friends and camping.

6:30 – 8:00: Breakfast & break camp.

8:00 – 9:30: Practice of paddle techniques in sheltered waters.

10:00 – 12:00: Paddling the channel conditions finding new locations to practice ferry gliding, cutting in and out of currents, “reading” the water to visibly recognise currents and rips.

12:00 – 13:00: lunch, rest and swim.

13:00 – 14:30: pack the kayaks for the return journey back to the vehicles (4k’s).

16:00 – 17:00: exit the water, clean and pack the kayaks and camping gear away ready for the drive home.

Starting at 12 The Esplanade Swansea, we paddle 3.8 kms to our overnight base on Elizabeth island.
From here we will find suitable locations within the Swansea Channel to learn the and practice the skills and knowledge learned during the course.

About 12 kms over 2 days.

sea kayak route Swansea to Elizabeth island and return

What To Bring

A complete list of camping and sea kayaking gear is here (click to view).