Sea kayaking off the fantastic Northumberland and Scottish Borders coastline is fantastic

I have chosen to live and work in a very special place for sea kayaking. The North Sea off the North Northumberland or Scottish Borders coast offers great adventures that require expert knowledge and specialist equipment. I happen to have both and having coached and guided here since 1999 I have extensive knowledge of this beautiful coastline. My kayaks are specially designed for journeying on the sea, I do not have ‘Sit on Top’ kayaks designed for sheltered water! Some previous kayak experience is recommended for guided trips and I offer coaching for those people who haven’t kayaked before. I have a wide range of sea kayaks so if you are looking to buy your first kayak why not come and try some out – just ask and I can advise. I also have a couple of surf skis – the new performance machines! The Tweed estuary provides an excellent training venue and when ready I can get you out on the sea. Forward paddling clinics are proving popular at the moment as people realise the benefits of kayaking for your core strength, mental strength and resilience.

Paddling to North of Knifestone off the Farnes

Coaching for local paddlers

There seems to be lots of sea kayaking taking place locally; which is great; with lots of options to get out on the water including club paddling a peer group paddling. I am keen to ensure people continue to paddle safely off this coastline and am happy to offer individual of small group coaching sessions – just get in touch.

I have a wide range of specialist sea kayaks including doubles

A small group Sea kayaking in Beadnell Bay

‘Made to measure’ guided adventures by sea kayak

Sea kayaking off the fantastic Northumberland and Scottish Borders coastline is amazing. I can offer a variety of locations ideal for beginners and intermediate kayakers. More experienced paddlers might want a trip to the National Trust managed Farne Islands Nature reserve, this is a very sensitive area that needs looking after, especially in the sea bird breeding season. This area will whet the appetite of any budding ornithologist with sea birds in their thousands (in fact 200,000 in total in the height of summer). In the winter months we have over 4,000 grey seals, around 2400 born during the winter! St. Abbs head offers a real challenge too also with lots of birds and seals (winter only).

New to the sport of Sea Kayaking

If you are interested in getting into sea kayaking or developing your skills why not ask me to suggest some developmental coaching? I can run beginner and intermediate courses throughout the year. I also run bespoke courses for those wanting to work on a specific element of their skills – e.g. confidence in rough water (video link) , developing a safe rescue strategy etc. Just drop me a line to discuss your needs.

Sea Kayak Rock Hopping Article

I wrote an article on rock hopping that was published in the Paddler ezine back in 2018 if you are interested in getting amongst the rocks safely. I have some great rock hopping locations locally to develop your skills.

Sea Kayak Testimonials:

“We had a top class day with Ollie at the Farne Islands, great craic, excellent kit and Ollie’s knowledge was exceptional. Highly recommended. We will be planning another adventure in the future thanks Ollie”

“As part of a lovely camping trip my husband and I had the treat of a day’s sea kayaking with Ollie.

Ollie clearly knows his stuff and the local area very well and easily set it up so that we would get the most of the day. The day was very helpfully split into two halves so that we could take turns with child care. Each session was well adapted to our respective abilities and interests.

I am a complete novice but I had no problems in getting going and in spite of an overcast morning. I had a truly special morning with porpoises, puffins and sights of magnificent jelly fish. My husband had a longer session and more of a sporty adventure along the coastline.

In fact this is the second time that my husband has been out with Ollie. First was a day out with mates and Ollie took them out for a superb kayaking adventure, miles along the coast to Dunstanburgh and some surf practice at Low Newton.”

“Hi Ollie

Thanks for a great trip yesterday, my first kayak outing to the Farnes was certainly a day to remember – excellent company both on and in the water!

Look forward to catching up again soon.”