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
Ready to trade the calm of the lake for the rhythm of the sea? This course is designed to bridge that gap, taking your inland knowledge and putting it into practice on the open water. Our mission is to give you the skill set and confidence to plan and lead your own coastal journeys in non-tidal environments. Whether we’re navigating wind and waves or weaving through rugged rock gardens, we teach you to read the conditions and master the Mediterranean.
Course Goal
The ultimate goal of our week in Liguria is your independence. We aren’t just leading a tour; we are giving you the building blocks to venture out on your own. By the end of the course, you will have moved beyond "following the group" to becoming a self-sufficient sea paddler who understands the Mediterranean’s unique rhythm.
All our sea courses offer the opportunity to earn British Canoeing Performance Awards. These certifications are the gold standard for validating your personal competence in planning and execution—whether you’re paddling solo or as part of a group.
- Sea Kayak Award: Focused on sheltered water skills and safety.
- Coastal Sea Kayak Award: For those ready for moderate, non-tidal or tidal conditions.
- Advanced Sea Kayak Award: For experienced paddlers looking to tackle challenging, dynamic environments.
Course Details
The Building Blocks of Sea Kayaking Our week in Liguria is about more than just following a guide; it’s about becoming the pilot. You will learn to decode weather forecasts and translate data into reality—knowing exactly where and when it is safe to paddle at your specific level.
Tactics for Dynamic Water From wind and surf to swell forecasts, you’ll learn what to expect before you even launch. We dive deep into the technical skills and tactical decisions needed to have fun in "rock hopping" zones and stay efficient when the wind picks up.
Levanto: The Ultimate Coastal Classroom Our base in Levanto offers a phenomenal variety of conditions. With a surf beach, dramatic cliffs, and hidden sea caves all within reach, it is the perfect training ground. Regardless of whether the water is glass-calm or challenging, we find the "teachable moments" to push your limits and take your paddling to the next level.
Before You Book
This is our Level 3 progression—designed for paddlers ready to transition from the inland comfort of the lake to the dynamic energy of the sea.
To get the most out of this week in Liguria, you should already feel "at home" in your boat.
- Master the Lake: Be comfortable paddling in windy and wavy conditions with a solid grasp of efficient forward paddling and maneuvering.
- Have the Stamina: Be prepared to cover 20 to 30 km in a day of coastal exploration.
- Ready to Fine-Tune: If you already have sea experience, we’ll help you master the nuances of wind, waves, and the technical challenges of rock hopping and surf.
Tip: If you haven’t had formal coaching yet, we highly recommend a Fine-Tuning course or a Private Coaching on the lake first. This ensures your technique is leveled up before we hit the Mediterranean swells.
Active
This course involves full days out in moderate conditions or higher-intensity activities. While still focused on exercises and technique, it may involve increased distances, more demanding drills, or bigger conditions such as waves, Beaufort scale 3–4 winds, or flowing water.
- Day 1: Arrival – Meet up at 19.00.
- 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.
Our Liguria sea courses are based in the beautiful town of Levanto. To give you the flexibility to choose a stay that fits your budget and style, accommodation is not included in the course price. Here are our favorite local spots:
- For the Outdoor Lovers: Camping Acqua Dolce. This is an excellent, eco-friendly campsite just a short stroll from the water and our meeting points. It’s a team favorite, but it fills up fast!
- For a Cozy Local Stay: Affittacamere Marco. We highly recommend our long-standing partner, Marco Bertolotto. It’s a fantastic way to experience local hospitality. You can reach him directly to book at +39 347 372 7654.
To help reduce our environmental footprint, we encourage participants to carpool or use public transport where possible. Levanto is a fantastic, accessible location whether you are traveling from Switzerland or further afield.
- By Train: Levanto is exceptionally well-connected. There are excellent direct train connections via Milan, making for a scenic and relaxing journey to the coast.
- By Car: If you choose to drive, the town is easy to reach, and we have free week-long parking available for our participants.
- Equipment Transport: To make your travel even easier, we can handle the heavy lifting. We are happy to transport your boats and equipment to Italy for you—just arrange a drop-off at our base in Bönigen before the trip.
We usually kick things off the evening before the water sessions begin.
- The Evening Before: We typically gather for dinner or drinks at 19:00 the night before the course starts. It’s a great chance to meet the team and discuss the plan for the week in a relaxed setting.
- The First Morning: On the first official day, we meet at 08:00 to fuel up with a coffee and a briefing before heading to the water.
Location: We will send you the exact meeting locations closer to the start date.
We provide everything you need to focus on your progression. Your booking includes:
- Expert Coaching: Leadership from a British Canoeing Advanced Sea Kayak Guide and Performance Coach.
- Premium Equipment: Use of all necessary sea kayaks, paddles, and technical gear.
- Logistics: Transportation of your personal boat and equipment from Bönigen to Levanto (if required).
- Certification: Expert assessment for British Canoeing Performance Awards.
On the Water: Base Layers
- For Under a Drysuit: * Thermal base layers (top and bottom).
- Thin fleece or lightweight sweaters (layering is key).
- Warm socks.
- For Under a Wetsuit: * Swimwear or quick-drying underwear.
- Rashguard or UV-protection shirt.
- Headwear: A warm beanie for cold sessions and a peaked cap/hat for sunny days.
Technical Gear & Accessories
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes for use on the water (e.g., neoprene boots or water shoes).
- Dry Storage: Personal dry bags (Pro tip: "double-bag" anything that absolutely must stay dry).
- Electronics: Mobile phone and a dedicated waterproof phone case/dry bag.
- Lighting: A headlamp (essential for evenings or early starts).
Lunch & Hydration
- Water Bottle: Reusable bottle for daily hydration.
- Lunch Box: A sturdy Tupperware-style box (this keeps your lunch dry and prevents it from being crushed in the kayak).
- Cutlery: A fork or spoon (if you plan on having anything other than sandwiches).
- Snacks: Your favorite energy snacks (bars, nuts, or fruit).
Personal Care & Clothing
- Shore Wear: Casual clothing, including shorts and T-shirts for warm weather.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen and sunglasses (ideally with a retention strap).
Ready to pack? Click here for the full Packing List (PDF)
3. Cancellation by the customer
The withdrawal must be in writing and cancellation fees will be calculated as follows:
The Percentage refers to the cancellation fee from the total course or tour fee. For all our activities we recommend purchasing cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
3.3 Courses and Tours Abroad
- Up to 180 days before course start: 100% refund of the course fees.
- 179 - 90 days before course start: 75% refund of the course fees.
- 89 - 60 days before course start: 50% refund of the course fees.
- from 59 days to course start: 0% refund.
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.