Skomer Island Sea Kayaking 6th-8th June

What to expect

Skomer Island is a beautiful wildlife haven just off the south west coast of Pembrokeshire. It is home not only to the enigmatic Puffins, but also Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots, Razorbills, Choughs, and many other bird species. The pristine seas are a designated Marine Conservation Zone and home to Atlantic Grey Seals, porpoises, and other protected marine species. Paddling here by kayak is a great adventure, crossing the Jack Sound tide race. For many of our customers it brings a huge sense of personal achievement. If tide and conditions permit, we often have time to hike around the island too (a £20 fee is payable to the Wildlife Trust to support their conservation work). Each day will be a self-contained trip. On the first day we will go through some basic trip planning before heading out onto the water on a journey to develop your sea kayaking skills in preparation for the crossing. The next two days provide a window to pick the best conditions for the crossing, and to explore more of the stunning coastline and its many features. This weekend is designed for paddlers with some previous kayaking experience (ideally on the sea or whitewater) and is not suitable for beginners. You must be comfortable capsizing, although you do not need to be able to self-rescue or roll. At the upper end, we might paddle in wind of 18mph, swell or surf height around 1m, and currents of 2 knots (i.e. ‘moderate’ water). We will also have to cross a tide race to reach Skomer Island, although we will choose the easiest time to do this. If you are not sure whether this trip is right for you, please call us for a chat before booking! We will provide you with a sea kayak, paddle, spray deck, buoyancy aid, helmet, cag, and a dry bag, but you must provide your own clothing and footwear. You are welcome to use your own sea kayak and equipment provided it is seaworthy. This trip is non-residential but nearby accommodation options include camping at West Hook Farm, and luxury converted barns with hot tubs at Musslewick Farm! We will notify you of the meeting location for Day 1 at least 24 hours before hand, and there will be a WhatsApp group for communication and sharing photos.