Fundamentals kayaking weekend with TYF Adventure Explore sea kayaking weekend with TYF Adventure

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the finest ways to discover the magnificent coastline of Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Low impact and silent it opens a new world unseen from other boats or from the shore.

TYF Adventure is recognised as a Welsh Canoe Association Centre of Excellence, employs only fully qualified expert guides and provides top quality equipment with which to explore Pembrokeshire’s spectacular marine environment.

Seals become inquisitive – “who are you?” – porpoise come within a few paddle lengths and birds watch you glide quietly through their world.

Our kayaking experiences…

+Half Day

These half day taster sessions are a great way to find out about kayaking.

You’ll start the session in a sheltered harbour or bay where you’ll learn about equipment for kayaking, launching and landing, basic kayaking strokes, turning your kayak, efficient forward paddling, capsize drill and safety at sea.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics you can then head for less sheltered water on the stunning West Wales coast and learn about, moving water techniques, principles of journeying and planning coastal journeys.

If you’re up for it, you can end the session with a quick game of canoe polo, before you head back to base to refuel.

Give us a call on 01437 721611 to find out more or to book your half day kayaking session.

+Full Day

For people who wish to spend a whole day kayaking TYF Adventure offers full day sea kayaking trips for intermediate kayakers, or coastal explorer days for beginners.

During our full day sea kayaking trip you will be using sea kayaks (available in a wide variety from the TYF fleet)

Using a variety of locations around the St Davids peninsular, this course will give you a knowledge of coastal waters and the kayak handling skills specific to the sea. Theory work will encompass: planning a coastal journey, tides, weather forecasting and sea safety.

Previous experience:-

This course is aimed at paddlers with sea kayaking experience in tidal waters. You should already have sea kayak control skills, and be able to:
• Paddle a sea kayak heading into, across and down a moderate wind
• Paddle a straight course and turn the boat using edge control and lean rather than merely paddle strokes
• Have effective support strokes and be able to cope with moderate seas

 To enquire about dates give us a call on 01437 721611 or email play@tyf.com

+Kayaking Fundamentals Weekend

Our two day, learn to kayak course is aimed at those who have never been in a kayak before or who have kayaked a hand full of times but never had any formal instruction.

During the course you will spend plenty of time on the water with the backdrop of the stunning North Pembrokeshire coastline providing the inspiration to improve your skills, to enable you to explore further and enjoy more spectacular scenery and wildlife.  You will get to experience a range of kayaking craft from, sit on tops, general purpose kayaks to expedition sea kayaks.

The days paddling will head out from wherever the conditions suit best, the emphasis of the trip and the nature of each day will depend entirely on what the group wants to achieve.  Our guides are experienced, qualified and passionate paddlers, who have paddled all over the globe, they will endeavor to provide an experience to remember that is tailored to your needs.  These courses are run in small groups with a maximum of 6 people to one guide, to allow you to gain the most from the course.

What will you cover?

We don’t operate around a set format for these weekends, as the whole aim is to tailor make an experience for you that will give you a taste of the wonderfully diverse world of kayaking, however we typically cover the following areas.

Fundamental kayaking strokes , to make life easier for yourself and prevent injury, learn those fundamentals properly.

Efficient forward paddling , it is the most important part of paddling, so we best get it right from the beginning!

Journeying and Planning a coastal trip , start to move towards being able to plan you own adventures on the coast.

Safety principles of kayaking , learn to manage yourself safely in this wonderful environment,
and learn what to do if you take a dunk in the drink.

Dates for 2012

  • March 24th/25th
  • April 14th/15th
  • May 12th/13th
  • June 9th/10th

To enquire about other dates or to book your weekend call us on 01437 721611 or email play@tyf.com

+Explore Sea Kayaking Weekend

This is a 2-day course for  those who have a small amount of kayaking experience who want to progress and experience the limitless world of Sea Kayaking.  This is the perfect progression from our kayaking fundamentals weekend.

Using a variety of stunning locations around the St Davids peninsular, our experienced guides will give you an opportunity to gain knowledge of coastal waters and the kayak handling skills specific to this inspiring, dynamic coastal environment.  They will endeavor to provide an experience to remember that is tailored to your needs, by taking in to account your previous experience & the prevailing sea conditions. These courses are run in small groups with a maximum of 6 people to one guide, to allow you to gain the most from the course.
As well as learning a plethora of exciting new skills, there will still be plenty of opportunity to take a step back, relax and enjoy the beautiful Pembrokeshire national park.

What will you cover?

We don’t operate around a set format for these weekends, as the whole aim is to tailor make an experience for you that will give you a taste of the wonderfully diverse world of sea kayaking, however we typically cover the following areas…..

  • The skills specific to Sea kayak handling , yes sea kayaks are long, but with a little practice and a few handy hints we will have you maneuvering with ease in no time.
  • Tidal planning and navigation , in easily digestible bite sized chunks we will demystify the dark art of  planning a trip in a coastal environment.
  • Rescue skills , it is surprisingly easy to get yourself  back in a sea kayak.  Find out how before it happens for real!
  • Understanding weather forecasts , learn straight forward ways to interpret the boggling array of weather information available.
  • Selecting a kayak for you ,  we will point you in the direction of the right kayak for you to ensure you continue to improve those new found skills.

Dates for 2012

  • 17th/18th March
  • 28th/29th April
  • 26th/27th May
  • 16th/17th June

To enquire about other dates or to book your weekend call us on 01437 721611 or email play@tyf.com

+Sit on Top Safety

At TYF we have been using sit on top kayaks to explore the Pembrokeshire coast for nearly a decade. Over this time our guide team has developed a unique understanding of how to safely use Sit on Top kayaks in this dynamic exciting environment.

We have drawn on this knowledge to design a full day course aimed at those who own their own kayak or who are looking to buy. This course will leave you with the knowledge of how to head out and explore the coastline with the confidence that you know what to do if it all goes wrong.

What will you cover?

We don’t like to operate around a strict format for these days, as the whole aim is to tailor make an experience for you that will give you exactly what you require to develop the areas of knowledge to need, however we typically cover the following areas…..

Fundamental kayaking strokes, to make life easier for you and prevent injury, learn those fundamentals properly. Safety principles of kayaking, learn to manage yourself and others safely in this wonderful environment.

Rescue skills, focusing on the unique rescue skills specific to sit on top kayaks will enable you to become independent and know what to do if you take a dip.

Planning a coastal trip, in easily digestible bite sized chunks, understand tide, weather and navigation, and start to move towards being able to plan your own adventures on the coast.

Selecting a kayak for you, we will point you in the direction of the right kayak for you to ensure you continue to improve these new found skills.

Dates for 2012 have been selected by our head guide to allow the correct tides and slots in our diary. These dates are subject to availability, sea state and weather conditions. We would need a minimum of 3 people to run the course.

  • April 13th/14th 2012
  • May 12th/13th
  • June 11th/12th
  • Sept 22nd/23rd
  • Oct 8th/9th

The maximum number of clients per guide is six. All paddlers must be 14 years or above.

To book your sit on top safety course call 01437 721611 or email play@tyf.com

+Guided Island Tours

The islands dotted around the Pembrokeshire coast are of stunning beauty and history.>

Kayaking is one of the finest ways to discover the magnificent Welsh coastline.  Low impact and silent kayaking opens a new world unseen from other boats or from the shore as you glide quietly past coastal magic and play in the waves.

With our experienced and knowledgeable guides you can get up close and personal with an exciting variety of the animals that live on the islands.

Ramsey Island

This dramatic offshore island is high on the tick list of any discerning sea kayaker.  It sports cliffs up to 120 metres high, the perfect place for breeding seabirds in spring and early summer. The island is awash with colour from May to September, with bluebells, then pink thrift and purple heather. You might see choughs and peregrines nesting on the cliffs. And if you visit in the autumn, you can watch a colony of breeding grey seals.  Ramsey island is separated from the mainland by Ramsey sound and the bitches tidal rapid, where in 1991 TYF hosted the world first rodeo kayaking championships.

To book your Ramsey Island adventure call 01437 721611

Skomer Island

A marine nature reserve and is home an abundance of wildlife such as the grey seal, razor bills, choughs, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, gulls and or course hundreds of puffins, you can also see the occasional pod of dolphins and porpoise. Jack Sound lies between Skomer and the mainland which makes for some turbulent and playful waters! Your knowledgable guide will expertly guide you safely around the island whilst ensuring you cause as little disturbance to the delicate ecology of the island.

To book your trip to Skomer call 01437 721611

Caldey Island

Lies cradled in the magnificent South Pembrokeshire coastline. Stunning limestone rock formations and the chance to visit one of Pembrokeshire’s most stunning beaches – The Priory. The cliffs on the south side and on neighbouring St Margaret’s island are teeming with nesting seabird colonies which are a must see for bird fans. The Cistercian monks of Caldey continue a tradition, which began there in Celtic times

Call 01437 721611 to experience the beauty of Caldey.

Dates for 2012 have been selected by our head guide to allow the correct tides, presence of wildlife and slots in our busy diary.

Ramsey Island – April 28th, May 12th, Sept 22nd, Oct 8th

Skomer Island – April 29th, May 13th, Sept 23rd, Oct 9th

Caldey Island –  April 13th, May 26th, Sept 15th, Oct 22nd

The dates above are subject to availability, sea state and weather conditions. We would need a minimum of 3 people to run the trip. The maximum number of clients per guide is six. All paddlers must be 16 years or above. To undertake these sea kayak trips you should be a competent, experienced paddler in strong moving water. If you haven’t been on a weekend kayaking course already then our Introduction to Kayaking courses run on the first weekend of every month from April to October (excluding August) and would be a perfect starting point for a novice paddler.

The cost for a Pembrokeshire Island sea kayaking trip is £105.00 per person including any specialist kit hire. Lunch can be provided for £5.00pp.

To enquire about other dates or to book a Pembrokeshire Island adventure call the booking office on 01437 721611

+Pembrokeshire Paddle

A 5-day sea kayak tour of the Pembrokeshire Coast, which is a wonderful journey exploring spectacular sea cliffs, hidden caves & secluded sandy bays, whilst spotting seals, porpoise, dolphins and spectacular birdlife.

The north coast of Pembrokeshire is some of the most remote and wild in the area, this tour sets out to explore it to it’s full potential. You will need to have some previous experience of kayaking, and be prepared to be paddling open waters that may be choppy at times and exposed to tidal currents, your guide will obviously support you and tailor the trip to your abilities as best as possible.

The Journey

So far each Pembrokeshire paddle has followed a different path, everyday has been different, as this is a true exploration of the coast.  This year as ever, along with your guide you will have to take into account the ability and wishes of your group, and most importantly the fickle wishes of the unpredictable Welsh weather.

We would typically expect to spend the first day getting to know each other on and off the water, planning the trip together, buying your food for the trip, trying out different expedition sea kayaks and preparing for the journey ahead.

The intention for the remaining 4 days would be to head off on an expedition, ideally spending each night wild camping in a different spot each night.  There is always the option if the weather or the group dictates to spend the odd night in a bunkhouse.

The distance covered each day will as always be dictated by the group and the weather but you could expect to be comfortably covering up to 20km per day.  An occasional open crossing may be required to complete a particular leg but the emphasis is on getting in close as possible to soak in the stunning beauty of this special coastal environment.  At the same time always keeping an eye out for the perfect spot to haul up and have a well earned rest and a bite to eat.

There will be plenty of opportunity for those who wish to work on their paddling skills to draw on the extensive knowledge of the guide.  Time of an evening can be spent around the campfire swapping stories of the day’s adventures and perhaps learning about the intricate tidal movements of the coast you’re paddling along.

Before you know it you will be returning to civilization, at which point you will realize that will have to break the beautifully simple expedition routine of paddling, eating, sleeping and relaxing.  Hopefully you will return home, inspired and looking forward to the next time you can glide out onto the water again.

Dates for 2012

  • 19th – 23rd September

£450 per person, including 5 full days and 4 nights wild camping. Minimum of 4 people. Maximum of 6 people. Food not included. Larger groups can be arranged. Call 01437 721611 to book or find out more

What’s included?

  • Sea Kayak Coach with an extensive local knowledge about the wildlife, heritage and landscape that you will see and explore.
  • Sea kayak and all specialist kayaking equipment.
  • Some camping kit available for hire

+Overnight Sea Kayak Trips

Sea Kayaking is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and explore the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline, the intention is to spend two days paddling away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Spend two days paddling along the coast, exploring caves, playing in the swell and learn more about the local environment and wildlife. In the evening you’ll pull up on a secluded beach, spend the evening swapping stories around the campfire before retiring to your bed under the stars.

There will be plenty of opportunity, on and off the water to develop your skills. Our guides are experienced, qualified and passionate individuals who get a real buzz from guiding and educating people in wild places.

These weekends are perfect for paddlers who have done our Fundamentals of Kayaking weekend, or who have   a small amount of kayaking experience and are looking for a relaxed few days of learning, exploration and relaxation.

T he trip will be carefully tailored to meet your wants and needs whilst taking into account the prevailing weather conditions. These trips are run in small groups with a maximum of six people to one guide, to allow you to gain the most from the trip.

Price: £220 per person and £230 per person during July and August. All of your specialist equipment,  camping equipment,  guides and transport is included in the cost . You will need to provide your own food, feel free to bring any of your own camping equipment or paddling gear if you have it, if you feel it will make your trip more comfortable.

Dates for 2012 TBC

We can arrange other dates spread through the season and need a minimum of four people to run the weekend. If you are less than four then please contact us as we may have had others enquire and can hook you up to create a group.

Call our booking office on 01437 721611 to book.


On a calm day it is possible to explore caves, when it gets rougher hold onto your hats – it can be a rollercoaster ride!

The BBC’s ‘Holidays Out’ programme called it ‘the best liquid refreshment you can get’ and Everest mountaineer Chris Bonington found it ‘immensely enjoyable’. But you don’t have to be a TV presenter or a Himalayan climber to enjoy this fantastic new sport. BBC’s Julia Bradbury came coasteering with us in 2009, click here to see how she got on!

Course Timings:

Courses begin at 9.00 am, 10.00 am, 1:30 pm or 14.30pm with a brief introduction to TYF and a chance to meet your guide and the other kayakers in your group.  Safety briefing and kit issue will be followed by an initial kayaking session to gauge your ability.

You need to bring:

  • Packed lunch
  • Towel
  • Wet suit boots
  • Swimming costume
  • Warm clothes for changing into
  • Packed lunches, disposable waterproof cameras and other equipment are available from TYF; please order them through our booking office.

We will provide:

  • A boat
  • Wetsuit
  • Helmet
  • Spraydeck
  • Buoyancy Aid
  • Cag (if necessary)
  • And a really friendly and experienced guide…..


Call 01437 721611 and talk to the team to discuss options to suit you or your group.