“In 2013 I started KAYAK MAJIK to provide paddlesports activities and equipment hire for visitors to the beautiful area where we live in Argyll, Scotland.
“As a family, we love nothing more than spending time in our great outdoor spaces, particularly on the water and we want to share the experience with you.”
Dave McBride
Through the Scottish Canoeing Association (SCA), I am a British Canoeing (BC) UKCC Level 2 Paddlesports Coach and 4 Star Sea Kayak Leader.
Following many years of wavesailing on the Altantic swells hitting the beaches of Cornwall, I attended Falmouth Marine College to turn my hobby into a career, completing a National Certificate in Outdoor Pursuits, gaining a number of National Governing Body instructor awards through the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Canoeing (BC).
It was at college that I found the enjoyment of sea kayaking in the challenging waters of the Cornish coast. I believe it was the feeling of winning against the elements, using preparation, along with the new skills I was acquiring, under the guidance of the instrutors, that attracted me to the sport and made me wish to become a guide to introduce others to this amazing pastime.
Let me take you, your family and/or your friends, out onto the water on a beginner’s ‘taster’ session in a sheltered location or, if you have a little previous kayaking experience, I can guide you on a coastal sea kayaking day trip.Â
If you wish to improve your paddling skills, I can show you how to handle your boat more effectively, so that you remain in control.Â
SCA courses and assessments for personal awards are available to 2-star and if you have ambitions to venture out on sea kayaking expeditions into remote areas and challenging conditions we can arrange 3-star sea kayak coaching and/or ISKGA ‘fundamentals’ Â training.
We offer coaching on how to avoid capsizing in your boat, but if you do, it’s best to have learned how to get back into your boat.Â
Although this is often easiest with some assistance from another paddler, you really need to be able to rescue yourself. It’s easy when you know how. But you need to practise.
Our view is that it’s more important to be able to self rescue than to be able to roll a kayak back up. It’s great if you can, but even the best may eventually fail a rolling attempt. But we can teach you how to get yourself back up the right way using a simple beginner’s technique, which will give you a higher chance of success.
Sea Kayakers Against
Marine Pollution International
The waters we paddle in and the coastline we enjoy exploring are very precious to us. The West Coast of Scotland has some lovely clear and clean water. However, like most coastal regions, we’re experiencing a surge in marine litter, particularly plastics.
We wanted to do something about it, so along with a few others who are equally as passionate about attacking this problem, we’ve founded The Skampi Organisation. Please visit skampi.org to see what we do. We hope you’ll join us.
