Sea Kayak Guides: Our Story
Our story is of a deep connection to the sea.
Our story is of a deep connection to the sea
Share Our Passion
We’ve often wondered how many hours we’ve spent at sea. Collectively, years, perhaps. The sea is our home, our work, our dedication, our teacher, our freedom, our path, and an endless source of joy and wonder.
Knowing how our journeys on the water have shaped us as people, and how paddling has enriched our lives, it is impossible not to feel compelled to share this incredible gift. And to do so responsibly, sustainably and consciously, bringing more awareness to the marine environment and how to honour and protect it.
It was this notion which inspired us to forge Sea Kayak Guides in 2008, a collaboration of Pembrokeshire’s most committed sea kayakers.
WHO WE ARE
We are Ben Fothergill and Martin Leonard
Having both had diverse careers in the outdoors industry, we have developed an adaptive and holistic coaching style, drawing from a wealth of experience coaching all manner of activities including white water kayaking and rafting, mountain leading, surfing, coasteering, climbing, canoeing, SUPing and of course, our greatest passion, sea kayaking.This experience along with a lifetime of personal adventures and our high level British Canoeing Awarding Body qualifications equips us to give our clients the best possible experience, whatever their ability or aspirations.
Much of our real learning has taken place on our personal adventures and expeditions. We’ve paddled great stretches of the UK coastline and all over the world, and we don’t think we’ll ever hang up our paddles or stop exploring. Want to know more about our paddling journeys and our associate guides?
WHAT WE DO
We offer a broad range of trips, courses, qualifications and bespoke guiding to suit everyone from first-time paddlers to advanced paddlers and even sea kayak instructors looking to further their education. We warmly welcome families, couples, solo-travellers and groups.
HOW WE DO IT
We’re committed to providing sustainable adventure to small client groups, in the most awe-inspiring remote coastal environments, using the best quality kit and equipment available to us. We want your whole experience to be excellent from start to finish, which is why we recommend our favourite accommodation providers in the local area who offer restful abodes to relax and reflect after a day at sea.
WHY CHOOSE US
Pembrokeshire: a jewel in the crown of British sea kayaking +
The Pembrokeshire Coastline is a world class sea kayaking venue and the U.K’s only marine and coastal national park. From its offshore islands, tide races, Atlantic surf beaches and tranquil coves, it is truly a jewel in the crown of British sea kayaking, and the best way to uncover its secrets is with our experienced local guides, each with their own unique and extensive knowledge of local wildlife, geology and history.
Nurturing personal development +
We pride ourselves on nurturing participant development across all ability levels. We believe that every moment of the learning journey is equally important and we feel privileged to be part of the journey.
At Sea Kayak Guides, we train and assess sea kayak guides on behalf of British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB), the British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) and Canoe Wales, including the Advanced Sea Kayak Leader and Advanced Coach Award, the highest leadership and coaching qualification offered by BCAB.
Clear, calm, encouraging coaching +
All of our guides are highly qualified British Canoeing Awarding Body Leaders and Coaches. They are valued as part of the team for their enthusiasm, knowledge, skill, passion and above all compassion and empathy.
We believe sea-personship is fundamental to decision making in this dynamic setting and we’re here to help you develop this skill in what can at first appear to be a chaotic environment, and begin to read the water with ease and clarity.
We operate small guide to coach ratios to allow for a more meaningful and individual-centred learning environment.
Safety is paramount +
We uphold and maintain an impeccable safety record.
Safety is our number one priority throughout every paddling journey. Safety begins with our diligent kit checks. Safety is the first thing we introduce you to before picking up a paddle, and it applies in every scenario from your first go at rock hopping all the way to encountering tide races around the offshore islands. We thoughtfully choose locations appropriate for the ability level of the group and the daily conditions. And we ensure that every member of the group feels safe, confident and well-resourced in challenging environments.