First off if you're thinking about kayaking in the UK, knowing the difference
between a kayak and a canoe is essential. Check out our 'Canoeing
in Wales' page where all is explained.
Kayaking in Wales is far and away the best way to explore the spectacular
coastline of West Wales, and for a more low key option you should also think
about paddling some of West Wales' other main rivers.
The adventure in South West Wales begins as Orlando and Aline don their wetsuits to try out some off coast kayaking. The rugged coastline with its stunning caves gives them plenty of opportunity to explore as they get to grips with their kayaks.
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If you don't like the idea of being 'encased' inside your craft, modern
'sit-on-top' kayaks allow you to do just that - sit on the top. So, if you
should capsize, you're not trapped inside the boat.
Don't worry if you've never been kayaking in the UK before. You can learn to use
a kayak in a morning, and once you've got the hang of it you can use your boat
to discover some of the finest coastline in Britain - huge dark sea cliffs,
hidden coves and great bathing beaches. Not forgetting the wildlife which
varies from seals and porpoises to massive colonies of sea birds.
West Wales is also cut through by sparkling rivers, which provide quiet and
undisturbed 'highways' through rolling green landscapes. Kayaking in Wales
provides everything from a couple of hours easy paddling to multi-day
expeditions camping out on remote beaches and island and carrying all your gear
in your craft.
More experienced kayakers who have been kayaking in the UK before will get all
the kicks they want amongst the waves and rapids caused by Atlantic swells and
powerful tidal races, with surfing and white water action as extreme as you
like.
How & where
Pembrokeshire has some of the best paddling in Europe, let alone in the UK. From
impressive offshore islands such as Ramsey and Skomer and their internationally
important wildlife populations (everything from puffins and gannets to porpoise
and whales) to huge mainland sea cliffs, fun surf beaches and sunny bays.
Expert kayakers from around the world are drawn to The Bitches Rapids in Ramsey
Sound. Here six foot standing waves provide an adrenalin charged challenge
that's extreme enough for the location to have been used for freestyle kayaking
world championships in the past.
Then there's the lovely Gower Peninsula. There are no islands to paddle around,
but that means nothing to block the expansive views across the Bristol Channel
to Devon and Somerset.
If the weather out at sea is too rough, or you just fancy some river paddling,
check out the Daugleddau in Pembrokeshire, or the Teifi in Cardiganshire.
Book onto a kayaking course and you'll get expert tuition at some of the
best-established paddle sport centres in Britain. All your gear will be
provided, with instruction in small groups - although one-to-one tuition can
often be arranged at a premium. A two-day course in sea-kayaking in Wales
course will cost you from around £100 including all equipment.
Top Tips
If you want to go kayaking in the UKWant to kayak but you're not a good swimmer?
Don't worry, you'll be provided with a buoyancy aid. And if you do fall out
(which is very unlikely) you have a huge flotation device to hang onto - your
kayak!
If you want to see West Wales' large grey seal colonies from your kayak, visit
in September when the seal pups are being born and the seals are 'hauled out'
on beaches and coves. The weather is usually warm and sunny and the sea is at
its warmest then too.
More info
Log on to the Welsh Canoeing Association's site
www.welsh-canoeing.org.uk
for pretty much all you need to know about where and when to paddle in Wales.