Sea Kayak Skills Fine Tuning
Date
Duration
Price
Ratio
Coach
Course dates
- April 11, 2026
- July 12, 2026
- August 2, 2026
Personalized Coaching for Advanced Paddlers
Unlock the next level of your paddling with our Fine-Tuning course, a developmental workshop for experienced sea or lake paddlers. Unlike standard programs with a rigid syllabus, this day is entirely shaped by your personal goals and aspirations.
Located in Bönigen, we utilize the stunning and diverse waters of the Bernese Oberland—from the glassy expanse of Lake Brienz to the dynamic currents of the Lütschine Delta and the steady flow of the Aare River. By slowing things down in these controlled environments, we create the perfect laboratory to refine techniques that will transfer directly to more challenging sea or river expeditions.
With a maximum group size of 4, you receive highly individualized attention. We don't just "fix" a stroke; we observe your unique movement patterns to identify the specific adjustments that will yield the greatest impact on your efficiency and control.
Course Goal
The ultimate goal isn't just to "fix" a stroke; it is to transform you into your own coach. We aim to equip you with the analytical tools and self-awareness needed to critique and refine your own technique. You will leave not only with superior boat control for your next adventure but with a customized action plan to continue evolving long after you’ve left the water.
Course Specifics
Key areas of technique focus
- Forward Paddling Efficiency: Maximizing power while minimizing fatigue.
- Smooth Transitions: Blending and linking strokes with fluidity.
- Core Engagement: Mastering rotation for more powerful, stable boat control.
- Active Edging: Gaining confidence and precision in boat handling.
The Art of Self-Coaching
- This course is an investment in your long-term growth. Our primary goal is to shift your perspective from "doing" to "analyzing."
- Analyze & Experiment: Develop a deep awareness of your own mechanics.
- Self-Correction: Learn to critique and refine your technique independently.
- Customized Action Plan: Leave with a clear roadmap designed to propel you to your next performance peak.
Think of this as a "living" course—a resource you can return to whenever you feel ready to sharpen your skills and push your limits further.
Before You Book
This program is specifically designed for experienced paddlers looking to bridge the gap between competence and mastery. It is the ideal fit if you:
- have completed foundational training and feel fully confident navigating flat water.
- thrive on detail and are looking for high-level, technical feedback to refine your efficiency and style.
- want expert input to build the superior boat control required for demanding sea kayaking expeditions or dynamic river trips.
- are ready to move beyond "just paddling" and want to develop the self-coaching tools necessary for long-term performance.
To ensure you get the most out of this high-level coaching, participants should meet the following criteria:
Technical Foundation & Experience: You should feel fully confident on flat water and have a solid grasp of fundamental strokes and rescue techniques.
Physical Fitness: Ability to spend a full day on the water and a desire to engage in repetitive, focused technical drills.
Moderate
This course is stationary by design. Distances are shorter, and time on the water is focused on exercises and developing technique. It involves sessions of 2–3 hours at a time in sheltered conditions.
- Sea Kayak
- Spray Deck
- Paddle
- Buoyancy Aid
- Drysuit or neoprene depending on the weather
- Water shoes
- Towline, paddle float, pump
- Lockers and changing rooms
- Video analysis
- Own kayak equipment (if possible)
- Swimwear and personal kayak clothing
- Medication
- Sun protection
Minimum age 15
3. Cancellation by the customer
The withdrawal must be in writing and cancellation fees will be calculated as follows: NB. 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.
3.2 Courses and Coaching in Switzerland
- More than 7 days before the start of the activity: CHF 50 administration fee.
- 7 days -24hours before the start of the activity 50%.
- 24 hours before the start of the activity/no shows 100%.
Directions to Bönigen
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.