Learn to Sea Kayak in Auckland
Our 3-hour Learn to Sea Kayak Course in Auckland is a practical beginner course designed to teach you the essential skills of sea kayaking.
The course is ideal for paddlers who have never had formal sea kayaking instruction, as well as those wanting to improve their basic skills and confidence on the water.
You’ll learn how to set up and control a sea kayak, paddle efficiently, steer and turn, use support strokes, safely exit your kayak in the water, and recover following a capsize.
All specialist kayaking equipment is provided, including a single sea kayak, paddle, Personal Flotation Device (PFD), spray deck, pump and splash jacket.
Public courses run on scheduled dates and can be booked online. We can also arrange custom sea kayaking courses for groups of four or more people.
What will I learn on the sea kayaking course?
During your lesson, you’ll learn and practise:
- Sea kayak equipment and design
- What to wear when sea kayaking
- How to correctly adjust and fit your kayak
- How to safely launch your kayak
- How to hold and use a kayak paddle
- Forward and reverse paddling
- Moving your kayak sideways
- Turning and steering
- Support strokes
- Using a kayak rudder
- Wet exits
- Recovery from a capsize
The aim of the course is to give you a good foundation in the knowledge, techniques and safety skills essential for safe and enjoyable sea kayaking.
Sea Kayaking Skills and Safety
The course combines practical paddling skills with essential safety knowledge. You’ll spend time on the water developing your boat control and paddling technique, as well as learning what to do if you capsize.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of your equipment and a solid foundation of skills to continue developing your sea kayaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
No. This course is designed for beginners and paddlers who have never had formal sea kayaking instruction.
Who is this sea kayaking course good for?
This course is ideal for anyone wanting to build their sea kayaking skills and confidence. This includes complete beginners, recreational paddlers, people wanting to upskill for kayak fishing, and those preparing for their own day trips or multi-day sea kayaking expeditions. It’s also a great option if you already own a kayak but want to develop stronger paddling and safety skills before heading out independently.
How long is the Learn to Sea Kayak Course?
The course is approximately 3 hours.
Where does the Learn to Sea Kayak Course run?
Our Learn to Sea Kayak courses are normally held at Mission Bay Beach in Auckland, unless otherwise specified when booking. Please check your booking confirmation for the meeting location for your particular course.
Is kayaking equipment provided?
Yes. We provide a single sea kayak, paddle, Personal Flotation Device (PFD), spray deck, pump and splash jacket. You’re welcome to bring your own kayak if you prefer.
Will I learn what to do if I capsize?
Yes. Wet exits and recovery from a capsize are included as part of the course, giving you practical experience of what to do if you end up in the water.
Do you use proper sea kayaks?
Yes. The course is run using single sea kayaks with spray decks, allowing you to learn and practise skills using the equipment designed for sea kayaking.
Can I book a private sea kayaking course?
Yes, you can have a private course if you prefer. We can also arrange custom courses for groups of four or more people.
Can I book a public course?
Yes. Public Learn to Sea Kayak courses run on scheduled dates. Check our upcoming dates and availability to book your place.
Learn to Sea Kayak with Auckland Sea Kayaks
Whether you’re completely new to sea kayaking or want to build a stronger foundation before doing more independent paddling, this course will help you develop practical skills, safety knowledge and confidence on the water.
Check our upcoming Learn to Sea Kayak course dates in Auckland and book your place online.
Tips for Your First Time Kayaking
- Choose a calm body of water like Mission Bay.
- Find a gently sloping sandy beach to launch. Steep, mucky and rocky shorelines will be more challenging
- Go on a low wind day, mornings are best. You’ll keep complications low and comfort high.
- If it’s breezy, start out by paddling into the wind. Paddling into a headwind on your way back is a struggle; paddling with a tailwind is, well, a breeze.
- Plan on an outing, not an expedition. For an optimum fun to fatigue ratio, keep your paddling time under three hours.
What you need to bring
This tour has the option to be fully catered so please inform us if you have any dietary requirements.
What is provided?
Essential kayaking gear provided by Auckland Sea Kayaks
- Coastguard-approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device) that fits properly
- Paddle (make sure they check that it’s the right size for you)
- Bilge pump
- Spray skirt
- Spray Jacket
- First-aid kit
- Dry bags (for things you don’t want to get wet)
What to bring?
- Swimwear or shorts (noncotton and nonbinding)
- Short- or long-sleeve rashguard top (any noncotton top will work)
- Footwear you do not mind getting wet
- Sun-shielding hat
- Lightweight fleece jacket or vest (weather-dependent)
- Plenty of water
- Snacks for energy
- Sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses (with a retainer)
