DofE Gold Kayak Open Expeditions

If you are an individual looking to complete your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition, join us on an open kayak expedition to meet new people and explore the stunning Devon coastline. No prior kayaking experience needed and all paddling kit provided! Sit-on-top sea kayaks are provided which are really stable and provide plenty of space to carry your equipment.

What is included?

• Training in the following: Paddling Skills, Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning, First Aid and Rescue Training, Weather Interpretation, Camp craft and most importantly Team Work!
• Supervision and guidance from a qualified and experienced Kayak professional during preparation and execution of the Practice and Qualifying venture
• Campsite fees, a comprehensive kit list and training pack
• All kayaking and group equipment required
• A fair assessment on the water from a qualified DofE assessor

We've put together a blog summarising how the Gold DofE Kayak Expedition works! Check it out HERE!

2025 Gold Open Expedition Dates:

• Training & Practice - 26th July - 30th July 2025 (arrive at Reach Outdoors Centre, 9am on 26th July, return 5pm on 30th July)
• Qualifier: arrive 5pm 31st July - 4th August 2025

Please note that between 5pm on 30th July and 5pm on 31st July, no activities or pastoral care is provided by Reach Outdoors. We do however provide campsite accommodation for the nights between the practice and qualifying expedition and you are welcome to borrow our expedition tents and cooking equipment during this time, should you be camping over. This is inclusive within the package cost.

Want more info on how this back-to-back training, practice and qualifying expedition works? Check out our blog here!

Prices:

Full Training, Practice & Expedition Package - £690 per participant (including VAT)

For further information or to register your interest for 2025, please contact info@reach-outdoors.com. If you are a group or school looking to book multiple participants, please check out our packages HERE or email us.

Link to DofE Resources (kit lists and route card)

What equipment we will provide you with:

• Sit on Top Kayaks (tandems and singles)
• Paddles
• Buoyancy Aids, Helmets, Waterproof Smocks and Sallopettes, Wetsuits if required
• Dry Bags
• Additional water carriers
• First Aid Kits
• Group tents
• Cooking stoves & cooking fuel
• 1:25 OS Maps / Compass
• Foam roll mats
• Team trowel

What equipment you are required to bring:

• All food for the duration of the training, practice and qualifying expeditions
• Water bottle 1L
• Cooking equipment (plate/bowl, cutlery)
• Sleeping Bag
• 1 complete set of clothes for camp
• 1 complete set of clothes to Paddle in
• 1 complete spare set of clothes
• Trainers or sandals to get wet.
• Sunscreen, Sun Hat, Warm Hat
• Swim wear
• Personal Toiletries
• Personal first aid kit

• Head Torch
• Dry footwear for camp.
• Snacks for sustenance
• Whistle
• Gloves to paddle in (weight training gloves are quite effective)
• Lightweight towel
• Personal roll mat – optional