LSKC club paddles are categorised according to the following list. Please contact the trip organiser with any concerns over your ability for any particular paddle. See the Resources page for kit packing suggestions for Pathway and Grade A paddles, and for a self-assessment tool to help you decide which trip is the best for you.
Pathway. Pathway paddles aim to provide an easier and more structured introduction to club trips for people new to sea kayaking, especially for those who would not yet class themselves as competent group paddlers.
These trips will be less than 10 km, in conditions up to F2/lower F3, and on sheltered or very sheltered water. Numbers should be limited to a 1:4 leader to follower ratio. The leaders may also do some coaching along the way. Participants must contact the leader in advance.
(These are suitable for incoming members with relatively little or no sea paddling experience. Once you have attended two of these paddles, including having completed at least one wet exit, it is recommended you move to grade A paddles to allow new members to participate at this level. )
Grade A A Grade A paddle is a club trip suitable for people new to sea kayaking and those who prefer calmer conditions, manageable distances and a more gentle pace. As a general guideline, a Grade A paddle is in sheltered water and does not exceed paddling 20km (12 miles) per day in max. Force 2/3 conditions. Paddlers must have practiced “wet exits”. A 3*/Sea Kayak Award paddler would feel comfortable on such a trip.
Each A-paddle has one designated leader who can be accompanied by co-leaders and assistants.
Grade B is in more challenging waters and may include tidal streams, exposed headlands, and open crossings between islands. Participants should be capable of paddling 25km (16 miles) per day in up to Force 4 conditions. A 4*/Coastal Sea Kayak Award paddler would feel comfortable on such a trip.
(This would frequently apply to local evening, part day and all day paddles and weekend trips which are not excessively exposed, hugely subject to weather conditions on the day.)
Grade C participants should be capable of paddling in more difficult conditions than Grade B for a longer time.
(This may apply to more adventurous day and weekend paddles and longer trips where exposure or duration makes the conditions very likely to change. May encompass ANY of the above trip types, where weather and sea conditions are more challenging on the day.)