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Sea Kayaking


Based on the beautiful Orkney Islands our main discipline is of course sea kayaking.  From May to September we meet up on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and launch our sea kayaks. 

During the winter months if the weather is reasonable we sometimes arrange ad hoc paddles, details of which are circulated by text, email or on this site.

From 30 April 2013 meet up at Scapa Pier each Tuesday at 6.30 pm.  
Tuesday is primarily for our Juniors but everyone is welcome and we generally do a short coaching session followed by an easy paddle.

From 2 May 2013 meet up each Thursday at Guide Hut in car park off Thoms Street at 6.30 pm. Thursday is a bit more advanced but still mostly aimed at improver to intermediate, depending on who comes along.   Beginners are probably better starting off on Tuesday.

On weekends throughout the year we occasionally go on longer trips sometimes involving overnight camping from our kayaks.

Orkney is an archipelago of over seventy islands and skerries, seventeen of which are inhabited.  The surrounding seas are rather exposed and there can be strong tides, standing waves, swell and wind so planning is essential.  However, with so many islands there is generally sheltered water somewhere and with knowledge and prior planning a paddle suitable for the experience and skill level of the paddlers taking part can nearly always be found, whatever the conditions.

Orkney's cliffs are predominantly soft sandstone and erosion from wind and sea has carved some spectacular rock formation and amazing caves for the kayaker to explore.  These cliffs come alive with birds, especially at breeding time in the spring.  The paddler will also get up close to seals, whales, sharks, dolphins, porpoises and maybe even an otter.

Safety and Communication on the Sea

Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning

Access Code and Wildlife Advice

Click HERE to report a basking shark sighting

Stranded Marine Animal Poster                                    .