Just had a great couple of days running Noukhada’s inaugral 2 day Intro to Sea Kayaking Course. The course started in the classroom introducing key principals of decktop navigation, tides maps/charts and trip planning before heading out onto the water for 2 great days in the Al Hamra to Um Al Quwain area.
For the first day we put into practice the trip planning we had covered in the classroom as well as covering rescue techniques. We had a beautiful evening camping on the beach. The sunset was stunning, the temperature perfect and the company was great.
The next morning we were up at dawn to catch the tide to take us to Um Al Quwain. There is a huge colony of Cormorants that roost in the Um Al Quwain area. We’d seen large quantities of them fly just above our heads on their way ‘home’ the previous evening. Passing them is the morning was a spectacular site. The sheer quantity of birds was staggering.
Early in the morning is always a good time to paddle. Calm seas make for very easy progress. We passed the shipwreck. I was suprised to see they had been cutting it up slowly. I wonder how long it will take for it to vanish all together?
The final paddle past the docks and shipping port was a great glimpse of a less modern middle east. Fishermen repairing and preparing nets and boats for the days work.
We finished at the beack with plenty of time to spare before our pick up was due, time for a brew before heading back to base to wash salt off boats and kit and then wrap up the course over a final cup of tea.
Thanks to the course attendee’s for making the 2 days interesting and enjoyable. I look forward to paddling with you again
Ian Ganderton 
Hi please can you contact me re two day courses. Many thanks
Hi Ian,
This is Guida here, just a quicke note to say that I had a great time on the expedition. Learnt so much in a short time in a fantastic classroom. Feel far more confident about paddling on the sea and now have the basic skils to start planning my own adventures. I also learnt that to be on my own out there is not such a good idea. Look forward to the next expedition to improve my paddling skills and learning to roll. All the best for now. Guida
Mikey,
We are just putting in place 4 different programmes:
1 day Discover Sea Kayaking – single day experience in closed cockpit sea kayaks.
2 day Discover Sea Kayaking – 2 day experience in closed cockpit sea kayaks including overnight wild camp.
2 day Introduction to Sea Kayaking – 2 day practical course introducing the key principals of decktop navigation (tidal planning, charts/maps, journey planning) and kayak expeditioning. The course is aimed at those who are looking to become a self sufficient sea kayaker.
1 and 2 day Kayak Expeditions – Guided expeditions around the UAE for self sufficient sea kayakers.
Dates will be published on the http://www.noukhada.ae website. Custom dates for groups can easily be arranged. Contact the office on EMAIL: info@noukhada.ae PHONE: +971-(0)50-721-8928 for more info.
To keep up to date with new information its worth joining the Noukhada facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=26268552965
Guida,
Glad you had a good time, now we need to organise our next sea kayak adventure! I’ve got some great ideas
Hi,
I would like to join the 2-days intro session. Can I ask for details or schedules for it to my email? I tried the website, but it doesn’t seem to work.
Thanks you.
Ada