SKI Level 4 course

COASTAL SEA KAYAK AWARD L4 (personal skills, no leadership)

This certification provides the necessary foundation to ensure you can safely plan and carry out sea kayaking trips in winds up to Beaufort Force 4, as well as develop the necessary skills.

The Coastal Sea Kayak Award Paddle UK is designed to improve your ability to make appropriate decisions and develop the paddling skills needed for a safe and enjoyable day at sea.
To enjoy your time on the water, you will need to make key decisions to ensure you are in the right place at the right time.

You and your instructor will consider how the waves, weather, tide, and chosen location will affect your paddling experience.

You will develop your kayak handling skills in the chosen environment.

You’ll be able to manage the kayak effectively and keep your actions within your capabilities.

This includes expanding your rescue skills to adapt to different wave conditions, ensuring the safety of yourself and others.

After each session, you and your coach will decide on the next steps. You’ll reflect on what you’ve learned and what to focus on next time.
Continually evaluating the decisions we make creates a natural evolution in decision-making skills and sea kayaking abilities.

For more information, see our FAQ page

Not sure which course to choose? See our PATH FOR INDEPENDENT AND AWARE PADDERS

Calendar

from 24 to 30 January 2026
(under the date we will communicate the TWO days of conditions suitable for the course)

Other dates available in the winter period for a minimum of two interested people.

Duration

2 days

Cost

250 euros

See the full program

Level required

Certification L3 and to be able to roll a kayak

What to bring

sea kayak
kayak kit (paddle, sprydeck, pfd, tow line, hat, etc...)
kayak shoes
swimsuit
lycra
wetsuit 3 or 5 mm or drysuit
dry jacket
towel
water and food

Additional service

kayak rental 50€/day

Certificate

The British Canoeing Coastal Sea Kayak Award certificate will only be issued upon reaching the certification standard.
The price of the certificate of €25 is not included in the price.

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SEA KAYAK LEADER TRAINING (non tidal)

The Sea Kayak Leader award from Paddle UK (formerly known as the British Canoeing 4 Star) is open to anyone with experience paddling in non-tidal moderate waters, with winds not exceeding Beaufort Force 4.

During the training you will receive the necessary training to access the assessment.

The exam day costs 150 euros and will be organized in another session.
More details will be provided during the training.

You will be supported in developing both your personal and leadership skills during two days of training alongside other sea kayakers with similar ambitions.

Additionally, this qualification is used internationally by clubs, outdoor centres, and organizations to support their sea kayaking trips in non-tidal moderate waters, including short trips or multi-day expeditions.

What can a Leader do?
You will lead groups of kayakers with varying experience levels, tailored to their needs and aspirations, in non-tidal moderate waters with winds not exceeding Beaufort Force 4.

For those interested in the tidal version, SKI offers ocean experiences every year—get in touch with us for more information.