SANDRINGHAM KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
A Shoreline Classroom: Learn Sea Kayaking on Sandringham’s Calm Coast
A hands-on, 7-hour beginner course in Sandringham that teaches core paddling skills, wet-exits and recovery with fitted kayaks and expert instruction — a practical guide for first-time paddlers.
A Shoreline Classroom: Learn Sea Kayaking on Sandringham’s Calm Coast.
Embark on a 7-hour, instructor-led sea kayaking class designed for first-time paddlers. The course delivers a practical introduction to kayak equipment and clothing, maneuvering (forward, reverse, sideways, turning and steering), support strokes, sculling, edging, wet-exits and capsize recovery, plus a short afternoon paddle — all with personalized kayak fitting and hands-on coaching.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Core paddling and safety techniques
A concentrated, hands-on syllabus covering maneuvers, support strokes, sculling, edging, wet-exits and both self- and assisted-rescues — the essential skills for safe, confident paddling.
Everything you need is provided
Participants are supplied with an enclosed sea kayak, life jacket (PFD), paddle, pump and bailer; a spray jacket is provided weather-dependant, and course notes and instructor support are included.
Personalized kayak fitting
Each paddler is fitted to the most suitable single kayak for their height and weight, ensuring proper seating and comfort as skills are taught and practiced.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
The day mixes shore-based instruction and progressive on-water practice: morning sessions focus on equipment, basic strokes and safety drills, followed by coached practice of edging, sculling and support strokes, a practice of wet-exit and recovery techniques, then a short afternoon paddle that consolidates the morning’s skills.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this course
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Thermals, fleece, board shorts, footwear (old runners are fine), a light rain jacket (for summer and winter), sunglasses with a retainer and a hat. Wetsuits are recommended in colder months; spare thermals and a raincoat are useful when off the water.
Sea kayak (enclosed), life jacket (PFD), paddle, pump & bailer. A spray jacket may be provided depending on weather; course notes and instructor supervision are included.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The course is a 7-hour program, typically running from about 9:00am to 4:30pm (arrive 8:30am).
What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 16 years old.
Where and when do we meet?
Meet at The Kayak Shop and Training Centre, 37 Jetty Road Sandringham; arrive at 8:30am to allow time for parking and administration.
What should I wear?
Wear thermals, fleece, board shorts and suitable footwear (old runners). Bring a light rain jacket, sunglasses with a retainer and a hat. Wetsuits are advisable in colder months and spare thermals and a raincoat are useful when off the water.
What equipment is provided?
The operator provides an enclosed sea kayak, life jacket (PFD), paddle, pump and bailer; a spray jacket is provided depending on weather, plus course notes and instructor guidance.
Is this suitable for complete beginners?
Yes — the class is intended for first-time paddlers and those who have not had formal instruction, teaching foundational knowledge and skills for safe paddling.