Sea Kayak Courses Switzerland
Sea Kayak Courses in Switzerland
At Hightide Kayak School, we believe in coaching the individual. Our courses are designed to meet you at your current skill level and guide you toward your personal kayaking goals. Whether you’re looking to build confidence on the water, paddle more efficiently for long distances and expeditions, or master sea kayaking techniques, we tailor our instruction to your needs. Some of our students want to navigate open waters, while others are eager to explore rivers, play around rocks, or surf the waves—wherever your kayaking journey takes you, we’re here to help.
Expert Coaching for Every Kayaker
With our extensive experience on the ocean and in-depth knowledge of sea kayaking techniques, we provide expert coaching that ensures real progress. All of our instructors are qualified sea kayakers with a deep passion for both paddling and teaching. We’ve spent years refining what truly makes a difference in learning this sport—and we deliver it in a way that makes you feel the learning firsthand.
Learn, Improve & Keep Progressing
When you take a course with Hightide Kayak School, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to improve and a structured approach to keep developing your skills. Our goal isn’t just to teach—it’s to create the right conditions for long-term learning, so your growth continues even after the course ends.
Join us on the water and take your kayaking to the next level!
Development Pathway
Beginner: Level 1
Want to start sea kayaking? Our foundation course is perfect for beginners! You'll learn the essential fundamentals, along with crucial safety and rescue skills, giving you the confidence to get out on your own.
Intermediate: Level 2
Have you completed a foundation course or paddle already but would like more inputs? Our Skills Development course is the perfect next step! We'll focus on your needs to prepare you for performing in more challenging and dynamic conditions.
Advanced: Level 3
For seasoned salt water or lake paddlers we have designed our Fine-Tuning and River/Tide Race courses. We believe there's always room to improve! Practicing advanced skills in easier conditions will enable you to excel when you return to the sea or river.
If in doubt about where to start, give us a call on +41 79 906 0551 and we can have a chat about your experience and your goals.
Our courses
Sea Kayak on the Lake
On the lake we offer three main courses in order to work on your skills progression. We have the perfect course for you whether you want to gain confidence to get out on your own, to develop and consolidate or to master the skills in more challenging conditions and become one with your boat.
See Kayak on the River
In Switzerland we have some of the most beautiful river journeys and some of the best white water in Europe. Although they might seem intimidating, they offer in the same way fantastic scenery, plenty of challenges and lots of fun for us sea kayakers too. We love to surf the waves and it will help you to become more fluid and dynamic in your boat.
Sea Kayak on the Sea
Every course on salt water feels a bit like coming home for us and we are always happy to share this feeling with guests and friends. The skills we practice on the lake and river can be deepened on the sea and transferred into practice between rocks, wind and waves.
Sea Kayak Theory & Planning
Our theory courses are aimed at all paddlers and guides who want to deepen their skills in planning trips in coastal areas with tides and gain more confidence. We look at weather, wind and swell forecasts and consolidate the use of compass and charts. Your next trip is awaiting you.
Sea Kayak Guide Training
We have a range of courses to support you in taking the step in leading others on the water, whether running it’s for running trips with friends, club members or professionally on the Sea. We have courses on the lake and the sea looking at fine tuning your rescues, planning abilities, group management and leadership skills.
Kids Kayak Training KKBEO
- Wednesdays (2h)
- CHF 25 / Session
- 6-12 years
Off to the water! Come rain or shine, we take your little pirates out for an adventure on the water! In a fun and playful environment, they’ll learn how to handle a kayak with confidence.
Our 2-hour kids’ paddle sessions take place every Wednesday afternoon. You’re welcome to try one or two sessions for just 25 CHF each before deciding on a membership with the Kanu Klub Berner Oberland (KKBEO) and joining our regular training program.
Our films
Meet our Coaching Team
Jolien Gekiere
Our partners
We work with a great set of partners, including Swiss Canoe, British Canoeing and PluSport. Click the button below for more information.