SAINT MARY'S ISLAND SAILING FIELD GUIDE
First Strokes at Saint Mary's: A Two‑Hour Kayak Primer
A focused 2‑hour beginner course on Saint Mary's Island teaching safe entries, basic strokes, and low‑impact paddling—essential for anyone starting out.
First Strokes at Saint Mary's: A Two‑Hour Kayak Primer.
Embark on your paddling journey with this essential two‑hour course for beginners on Saint Mary's Island. The Start Kayaking session is a hands‑on primer: instructors cover safe entry and exit, basic forward strokes, turning and stopping, clothing and equipment, and how to minimize your impact on the water and its wildlife.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Essential skills to get afloat
This course teaches the core techniques every novice needs: what to wear and how to handle clothing and equipment, how to get safely in and out of the kayak, and the basic strokes needed to move and control the boat.
On‑ and off‑water safety
Practical training in safe entry/exit and on‑water behaviour is central to the session—participants learn how to stay safe both while paddling and when handling the craft ashore.
Low‑impact paddling
Alongside technique and safety, the course fosters environmental awareness so new paddlers understand how to limit their impact on the waterways and the wildlife they share them with.
What the day feels like
How the session unfolds
Over two concentrated hours you move from shore to simple manoeuvres: an instructor‑led briefing on kit and clothing, hands‑on practice getting into and out of the kayak, then progressive drills to build a reliable forward stroke, basic turns and stopping. The session closes with guidance on staying safe and respecting the local environment.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this session suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring suitable clothing for paddling as advised in the course briefing; the session covers clothing and equipment considerations.
The course runs for two hours.
The Start Kayaking session takes place at Saint Mary's Island and is operated by Chatham Maritime Trust.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Start Kayaking course?
The course is two hours long.
Where and by whom is the session run?
The course takes place at Saint Mary's Island and is operated by Chatham Maritime Trust.
What will I learn during the session?
You’ll learn clothing and equipment basics, how to get safely in and out of a kayak, forward paddling, turning and stopping, plus safety and low‑impact paddling practices.
What ages can participate?
Participants must be aged 10 years or older.
What should I wear or bring?
The course covers appropriate clothing and equipment; come prepared with suitable, water‑appropriate clothing as advised by the operator.
Is this suitable if I’ve never kayaked before?
Yes—this is explicitly a beginner course intended as the first step for new paddlers.