We had a brilliant day sea kayaking with Joe on Friday 27th September. He is highly professional and went out of his way to make our day a success. The forecast had been for a breezy northerly, which, although we were't complete beginners, as we were not experienced kayakers, he offered a change to the next day with expected calmer conditions. We were't able to do this. So after being kitted up at his base in Bowmore, he drove us down to Port Ellen.
The kit is excellent and in good condition, including Palm, Peak UK farmer john style wetsuits, cags, boots, and P&H Virgo kayaks. We were given a very thorough safety briefing by Joe - he's also a paramedic so as you might expect he was very knowledgeable
and safety conscious. The plan was to paddle to Ardbeg and back, using shelter of the land. En route, we were given helpful coaching on paddling strokes, use of the skeg, and how to paddle more efficiently. He had asked whether we fancied exploring some sea caves and rocky areas. We did, so he then picked out areas suitable for our ability.
Conditions on parts of the paddle back were more 'interesting' with the stronger winds giving us a good workout. It was a full day, from 9am to 6.30pm including the kitting up and travel to Port Ellen with around 18km of paddling. Joe has a lovely languid paddling style typical of someone who is highly proficient and efficient. Importantly, he is passionate about sea kayaking and offered lots of coaching and helpful insights which we appreciated. Not only that, he took some 50 excellent photos during the day, which he shared with us, to help remember the day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Joe and we'd definitely seek him out again if back on Islay.
We went for the sunset adventure and it did not disappoint.
It was my first time in a kayak and I was a little nervous but the instructions given and the support from Joe put my mind at rest.
We paddled out and it was amazing, we were fortunate enough to meet some curious seals and stopped for a welcome hot drink on a small reef( can’t remember the proper name for it)
Very careful attention was paid to getting our gear right for the trip and we were really well looked after.
The passion Joe has for this was evident and infectious, thank you for an extraordinary experience we won’t forget
I cannot speak highly enough of our experience with Joe of Adventure Kayaking!
We had a group with two experienced kayakers and two beginners - he managed to meet both levels, teaching us beginners safety basics while also giving tips and challenges to support the more experienced.
His gear kept us safe and dry; his guidance kept us safe and gave us an amazing adventure. We're no influencers, but if you are definitely book with Joe - he took AMAZING pictures. We're so grateful for these as they captured a memorable and positive experience!
