Paddling Lightly much like “treading softly” on land is the focus of the Stackpole Sea Kayak Festival, which was held 29^th-31^st this past May.

Kokatat Sea Kayaking Ambassador Mark Tozer attended the Stackpole Sea Kayak Festival as a guest coach and trip leader.

The following is Mark’s report of the event kindly provided by Kokatat.

“The Stackpole Sea Kayak Festival is a now well established event with a difference in that the theme of ‘paddling lightly’, like ‘treading softly’ on the land, is the underpinning ethos rather than that of skills development. The symposium runs every other year and this was the fourth event of its kind and my third appearance as a guest leader.

The emphasis of the festival has always been about looking after the wonderful coastline that is Pembrokeshire in South Wales whilst exploring and discovering its natural wonders.

With over 70 attendees, the National Trust’s residential centre at Stackpole was a lively hub of activity.

The first day included a trip around Stackpole Head via Church Rock and Broad Haven to St Govan’s Head, having set off from Stackpole Quay.

A number of social events were organized to keep everyone enthralled and entertained in the evenings including a wildlife talk from bird expert Bob Haycock and presentations about sea kayak adventures, both local and afar by renowned experts Nige Robinson and Ollie Sanders.

Other highlights included the famous Stackpole BBQ which is always plentiful and delicious followed by a ceilidh for those still with enough energy to throw themselves around on the dance floor.

The highlight of the weekend for me was a circumnavigation of Skomer Island. This fifteen kilometer trip includes the chance to observe an abundance of bird life (for example, Manx Shearwaters and Puffins), the negotiation of strong tidal flows as well as a feeling of exposure, especially along the west coast.

The journey requires careful planning as challenges occur at the very start where a ferry glide is required to cross Jack Sound with its intimidating tidal race.

The final day of the main event was spent circumnavigating Caldey Island, which is a pleasant trip at the best of times. – Mark Tozer

Mark Tozer is based in North Wales and provides outdoor learning, training and recreation programmes throughout the UK all year round.