Safety, Kit And Conditions
The Coastal Plan Changes Before The Safety Margin Does.
This is not legal small print. It is how IKO Experience decides whether a kayak or coasteering session belongs at Stackpole, Freshwater East, Angle, Pembroke Castle Mill Pond or somewhere more sheltered.
Route Decision Process
Wind, Tide, Swell, Visibility And Group Capability.
Carys checks the forecast, tide timing, swell height, swell direction, visibility and expected group capability before confirming the meet point. The message goes out the evening before by 18:30. That late decision is deliberate. It keeps the route attached to the sea that will actually be there.
IKO Experience does not launch in offshore winds above Force 4, breaking swell above the site limit or poor visibility that removes coastal reference points. The original venue is never more important than the group returning composed.
Ratios And Guide Practice
Fewer People, More Attention.
- KayakingPublic sessions run with a maximum of 10 participants per guide.
- CoasteeringPublic sessions run with a maximum of 8 participants per guide.
- MinimumPublic trips run with at least 2 booked participants.
- Guide BaseCarys Llewellyn is a Pembroke-based paddlesport and coasteering guide with south coast experience.
- QualificationsGuided by a qualified paddlesport and coasteering guide; current qualification and first-aid details can be supplied before booking.
Issued Equipment
Kit Comes With The Session.
- For CoasteeringWinter wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and seasonal layers where needed.
- For KayakingBoats, paddles, buoyancy aids, helmets where appropriate, drybags and seasonal layers.
- For The GroupFirst-aid kit, safety equipment and route-specific decisions made by the guide.
- For WeatherSheltered alternatives are held as real plans, not as apology routes.
Visitor Checklist
What To Bring.
- Swimwear to wear under a wetsuit.
- Old trainers or water shoes that stay on your feet and can get wet.
- A towel and warm clothes for afterwards.
- Medication you may need during the session, clearly named.
- Glasses strap if you wear glasses on the water.
- A bottle of water and a small snack for after the session.
- Honest information about swimming confidence, injuries and anxiety around deep water.
“A good day on the coast is not the same thing as forcing the original plan.”
Weather Changes
Sheltered Alternatives, Reschedules And Refunds.
If the exposed route is not sensible, IKO Experience may move the session to a sheltered alternative, offer a reschedule or issue a full refund when safe water cannot be found. Weather moves are made by IKO Experience, not by a fixed venue promise.
Private groups pay a 25% deposit when booking. The balance is due 5 days before the trip. Public session bookings close 18 hours before departure, which helps avoid late numbers being added to a marginal day.
Accessibility And Requirements
Honest Fit Matters More Than Brave Talk.
Kayaking can suit many first-time visitors, but participants need to sit in or on a boat, follow instructions and cope with being splashed. Coasteering asks more. You need to swim 25 metres in light clothing, move over uneven rock and be comfortable entering the sea from ledges or low rocks.
If someone in the group has limited mobility, a medical condition, neurodivergent access needs or high anxiety around water, email before booking. Some sheltered kayak sessions can be adapted. Some coasteering routes cannot be made honest or safe without changing the activity.
Emergency Planning
Prepared Without Theatre.
Each session is planned with exit points, communication options, first-aid provision and the nearest sensible access route in mind. The point is not drama. The point is that the group can enjoy the coast because the unglamorous work has already been done.
Ask About A Specific Need