First off if you're thinking about trying kayaking, knowing the difference between a kayak and a canoe is essential Check out our 'Canoeing in Wales' page where all is explained.
Kayaking is far and away the best way to explore the spectacular coastline of South West Wales, and for a more low key option you should also think about paddling some of South West Wales' other 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 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.
Kayaking provides everything from a couple of hours easy paddling to multi-day expeditions camping out on some of the best discoveries in South West Wales; the remote beaches and islands around the coastline. The beauty being that you carry all your gear in your craft.
More experienced kayakers 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.
Take a look at our operators listings on the right hand side to find out more about courses, hiring and kayaking sessions around South West Wales coastline.
Top Tips
Want 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 South 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. As with all outdoor sports please do not disturb and respect the wildlife and surroundings for your own safety and to preserve the areas.
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.