Sea Kayak

The Drongs

The Drongs are a tough, rocky remnant of an earlier coastline now eroded back to form the Hillswick peninsula. They are both spectacular and enticing, as they were stationed offshore, clearly visible from our basecamp at all times. With the fantastic weather and after several long days out, we decided a visit to The Drongs was in order. We combined this with a circumnavigation of the peninsula, which did require a short use of a portage trolley at the start across the narrow neck of land from one side to the other. Another stunning paddle.

steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

07796 213817

By Steve|July 1st, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Muckle Roe

The complex and incredible coastline and cliff architecture of Shetland is a result of a combination of geology and a position in the North Atlantic exposed to huge seas on a regular basis. The sea has exploited any weakness in the rocks, or softer relative to harder rocks, to create caves and to drive tunnels as far as its energy can reach. These too are subject to erosion and collapse leaving blowholes, stacks and wave cut platforms. Most of Shetland’s most outstanding coast, from a sea kayaking perspective, faces this prime shaping force, the open ocean – the West.

Muckle Roe’s magical West coast is often difficult to access due to swell, wind and waves, but on this occasion the weather more than made up for previous disappointment and allowed us a long day’s circumnavigation and much exploration of this intricate and spellbinding place. Some of the group thought this the best day’s sea kayaking they had ever had; it was hard to disagree.

steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

07796 213817

By Steve|July 1st, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Papa Stour

The amazing weather meant, for the first time on a Shetland trip, we could pack our boats and take on a two day outing with an overnight wild camp. With cars loaded with provisions we headed to Sandness to circumnavigate Papa Stour – a swiss cheese-like coast of subterranean tunnels, huge caves, towering stacks and amazing wildlife.

A long first day saw us explore every nook and cranny: we experienced a tide race running through one large and very long tunnel and, headtorches to the fore, paddled for three hundred metres through a passage under a headland. Our camp on the North coast of the island gave us magical views and a beautiful evening walk on which we had an abundance of wild flowers and, most notably, a pair of Arctic Skuas close by.

Following the coast back round to Sandness the following day we completed a stunning and memorable trip.

steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

07796 213817

By Steve|June 30th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Eshaness

Day one of our Shetland paddling adventure dawned misty but very calm with, critically, no residual swell. Steve decided that the overcast and still conditions would lend themselves very well to exacerbating the elemental and foreboding nature of the volcanic coastline of Eshaness.

We paddled from Hamnavoe to Tangwick taking in the huge cliffs, stacks and multiple caves, all whilst surrounded by myriad seabirds. The highlights were Britain’s largest cave next to Calder’s Geo (yes, bigger than Gaping Gill) and the spectacular arch and tunnel through Dore Holm. An amazing first day.

steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

07796 213817

By Steve|June 30th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Shetland Sea Kayaking trip

Steve is recently returned from a two week Sea Kayaking trip to Shetland. We had the best conditions ever so were able to access parts of Shetland’s amazingly coastline that had hitherto been out of reach. Even the locals commented that the sea was the calmest they had ever seen it – in their lives! To try and do better justice to what was a fantastic experience for all, we’ve uploaded a series of blog posts and photos depicting some of the best parts of the trip – enjoy!

If you’re interested in sea kayaking trips or days out, call Steve for a chat about your paddling needs. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|June 30th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Shetland Sea Kayaking trip

Steve is running his Shetland sea kayaking trip over two weeks from June 12th – 16th and June 19th – 23rd. Shetland is one of the world’s best sea kayaking destinations due to its incredible coastline with cliffs, stacks and caves galore. Steve has been running this trip, for competent sea kayakers, since 2005 and has excellent knowledge of the possible venues and excursions. Shetland is also a UK wildlife and geological gem, so there’s always something to explore on any non-paddling days – you’ll definitely need your binoculars!

You can come for one or two weeks, so if you’re interested in a sea kayaking holiday at 60^o North please call Steve for a chat. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to explain the trip: 07796 213817 & steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|April 24th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Cumbrian Sea Kayak Leader training

Steve ran a Sea Kayak Leader training course based at Roa Island and at St Bees (image) over two days. Cumbria has some very diverse environments which makes it a great location to undertake Sea Leader training. We covered equipment, personal paddling, group management, navigation on the water, different coastlines and their specific issues, a range of incidents to manage and more besides.

If you’re interested in becoming a better informed and safe paddler and/or wish to work towards the Sea Kayak Leader award, then this is the course for you. Many people take the training course purely for their own benefit with no interest in the qualification; this is absolutely fine and Steve encourages all paddlers to attend this training for, at least, their own development, safety and awareness.

Steve runs these courses throughout the year, check the website for forthcoming dates. If you are interested in attending or just wish to find out more, please call or email Steve for a discussion. He’ll be pleased to hear from you and happy to help: steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and 07796 213817

By Steve|March 13th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course

Steve ran a Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning course for five sea kayakers wanting to increase their independence and safety and, for some of the group, to progress their Sea Kayak Leader awards. We covered weather and its interaction with the coast, with implications for sea kayakers; tides and tidal planning, buoyage and pilotage and then some practical planning exercises. An enjoyable and informative day was had by all.

If you would like to understand more above the marine environment so you can venture out on the sea in small craft more safely, then this is the course for you. It’s suitable for sea kayakers, sit on top paddlers and stand up paddleboarders who go out on the sea – we’ve even had wild swimmers on the course!

Steve runs this course regularly over the year and can also put on bespoke events. Check the web page for forthcoming dates or get in touch at steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk and on 07796 213817.

By Steve|March 13th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Sea Kayak Leader assessment, North West England

Steve ran a Sea Kayak Leader assessment day on the Cumbrian coast for two candidates in cold and windy conditions. This was our third attempt to run the day as we had not had the required moderate water conditions on the earlier two days. The candidates dealt with these delays, kept themselves sharp and current and produced good performances – well done to both!

If you are interested in trying or improving your sea kayaking or in developing your sea kayaking qualifications, Steve will be pleased to support you. He runs personal coaching days at all levels, British Canoeing sea kayak qualifications and courses as well as sea kayaking trips – two weeks in Shetland this Summer!

Sea Kayak Leader assessments are run on demand and by arrangement at mutually convenient times for one or two candidates over a single day.

Steve can be contacted on 07796 213817 and steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

By Steve|February 14th, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off

Cumbria Sea Kayak Leader training courses

Steve has his next two Sea Kayak Leader training courses coming up on March 7th – 8th and March 22nd – 23rd in Cumbria. We have excellent venues for this course in Cumbria with everything from 100m high vertical cliff coastline, surf beaches and strong currents to huge tidal ranges and miles of drying sand requiring careful planning and consideration. If you are keen to develop your knowledge and understanding to make your sea kayak trips safer, then this is the course for you. This is also the training course for anyone wishing to proceed to the Sea Kayak Leader award, though many people do the training purely for their personal benefit.

If you’d like to join a course or wish to know more about it please contact Steve on 07796 213817 or steve@stevebanksoutdoors.co.uk

All current course dates are on the website here

By Steve|January 22nd, 2023|Sea Kayak|Comments Off