Liguria: Paddle The Sea
Dates
Duration
Price
Ratio
Coach
Course dates
- April 19, 2026 - April 25, 2026
- April 27, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Course description
Our courses on the sea aim to give you the building blocks to venture out on your own and support you in becoming an independent paddler. After a week with us in Liguria you will feel confident planning trips in the Mediterranean, taking wind, surf and swell forecasts into account and have a good idea of what skills and tactics are needed to have fun in and around the rocks and out in the wind and waves.
Levanto is the base for our level 1 course on the Sea. This phenomenal location enables us to put our skills learnt on the lake and river into practice, with rock hopping, a surf beach, stunning cliffs and beautiful journeys all close to hand. The conditions can vary enormously but regardless of whether they are calm or more challenging there is always something we can work on to develop our confidence and skills and we always look to try and push your limits and skills in order to take your to the next level.
Beyond our standard instruction, all sea courses offer the opportunity to earn British Canoeing Performance Awards. These certifications validate your personal competence in planning and execution—whether paddling solo or as part of a group. Available awards include the Sea Kayak Award (sheltered waters), the Coastal Sea Kayak Award (moderate tidal conditions), and the Advanced Sea Kayak Award (challenging environments).
Prerequisite
To get the most out of this course, you should be comfortable on the lake in windy and wavy conditions, with a solid grasp of efficient forward paddling and maneuvering. You’ll need the stamina to cover 20 to 30 km in a day. If you already have some sea experience, this course will help you fine-tune your technique to master wind, waves, and the dynamic challenges of rock hopping and surf. If you haven't had formal coaching yet, we recommend a fine-tuning course or a private session on the lake first to sharpen your technique.
If you are unsure or have any questions regarding your kayaking level, just contact our office and Dave will give you a call to chat through your options.
Weekly Plan
Day 1: Arrival – Meet up at 19.00 hrs
Day 2: Course day 1.
Day 3: Course day 2.
Day 4: Course day 3.
Day 5: Course day 4.
Day 6: Course day 5.
Day 7: – Course finishes at 07.00 hrs
Accommodation
Our Liguria trip is based in Levanto. The accommodation is not included.
There is an excellent campsite, Camping Acqua Dolce, a short walk from the water and early booking is recommended, as the it is very popular. We also like to recommend our long-standing partner Affittacamere Marco Di Marco Bertolotto, +39 347 372 7654.
Getting There
To help reduce our environmental footprint, we encourage participants to carpool or use public transport where possible. Levanto is easily accessible by both car and train; for those driving, free week-long parking is available.
If you prefer the train, there are excellent direct connections via Milan. We are also able to transport boats and equipment if you can arrange delivery to Bönigen.
Meeting point
Our group typically gathers for dinner or drinks at 19:00 the evening before the course begins. On the first official day of the course, we meet at 08:00 to kick things off over a cup of coffee. Where exactly we will let you know.
Price
CHF 1090
including all necessary material, BC Advanced Guide, Performance coach
excluding accommodation, transport costs and meals
Directions to Levanto
Meet The Team
Jolien Gekiere
Become a part of the Hightide Outdoor & Paddle Community
We want to share our love of the outdoors and paddling with as many people as possible. We look forward to more paddling and outdoor events together. You want to be part of it? Then make sure you get your regular online outdoor and kayak inspiration and sign up for our newsletter! We would be happy if you become a part of our community.
Coaching Philosophy
At Hightide, we believe in coaching the individual. Our courses start from where you are and guide you toward your personal paddling goals.
For some, this means building confidence to paddle and enjoy nature. For others, it’s about improving efficiency for expeditions or long-distance paddling. It could also involve developing the skills to venture onto the sea or mastering techniques for rivers, rock gardens, and surf.
Whatever your aim, our extensive experience on the ocean and deep understanding of sea kayaking will help you move forward. All our coaches come from a sea kayaking background, hold professional qualifications, and are passionate not just about paddling but also about coaching. We’ve spent years refining what truly makes a difference in the sport and are committed to delivering it in the most effective way—by making you feel the learning.
When you join a Hightide course, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to keep improving and a structured way to retain what you've learned. We see our role as creating the right conditions for learning, so your progress continues long after the course ends.