Words:
Richard Janes

Photos:
Richard Janes &
Richard Uren

What turns a sea kayaking meet from good to great? Lessons from the magic of… west Cornwall

Returning from another West Cornwall Sea Kayaking Meet (WKSKM), I’ve been reflecting on why this event is not only fun, but genuinely ‘great’.

The dates had been in the diary for months – in truth, they were added the moment last year’s meet ended, along with a mental note to grab tickets the second they were released. The anticipation builds long before arrival, growing with every glimpse of a car carrying sea kayaks down the A30.

Like many others, I rolled into St Just Rugby Club on Friday evening, joining the kaleidoscope of kayak-laden vehicles filtering quietly into the field.

Within minutes, conversations spark. The field fills with the buzz of shared stories, gear chat, and good-natured craic. Men and women, young and old, novices and seasoned paddlers – everyone blends into a community that feels instantly familiar. The coastline we paddle is undeniably beautiful, but the true beauty of this meet lies in its spirit of total inclusivity.

Richard Uren
Richard Uren of Paddlecrest Coaching, and a long-time member of Penzance Canoe Club (PzCC), founded the WCSKM in 2016 as a charitable event supporting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) and PzCC. Indeed, all proceeds from the weekend – from the St Just Rugby Club Campsite and bar, along with local food providers – remain within a five-mile radius, making it a truly ‘local’ event.

Behind-the-scenes planning from Richard and PzCC sets the foundation for everything that follows. Coaches and Leaders – local and visiting – volunteer their time, and between them, the paddlers, and their families, a strong sense of mutual support emerges. They share ownership of the event, with a collective desire to make it work both on and off the water.

West Cornwall is Richard’s office. His day-to-day coaching gives him deep knowledge of the local environment, tides, and conditions – knowledge that becomes invaluable when planning trips. It’s no surprise that Leaders seek Richard’s advice.

The event runs over a three-day long weekend. Many participants build the event into a longer holiday or stay on for more formal Courses, such as ‘Rocks, Rescues and Gullies’ or building surfing skills in sea kayaks.

A comment from Phil Mayo (Local paddler, member of Penzance canoe club and Leader), “As a Club, we really look forward to this event every year. It’s great to see folk coming year after year, and who we now regard as old friends, and also to welcome new paddlers to our wonderful coastline. I particularly enjoy guiding people around our shores, showing them hidden treasures and telling them of our local history and folklore.”

Structure of the days
Each day begins with a warm welcome from Richard, introductions to PzCC, the Leaders, and an outline of the day’s proposed trips. The atmosphere is relaxed and open, allowing paddlers to choose routes that suit their skills without feeling out of place or held back.

Good weather meant a wide range of trips could run – from gentle training grounds in Mounts Bay to more challenging environments of the north Coast.

All were excellent in their own way, united by shared knowledge, steady support, and well-matched leader-to-paddler ratios. Local Leaders and club members helped identify the best options for each group, drawing on their experience of West Cornwall’s surf, swell, and ever-changing conditions.

A Saturday night ‘hog roast’ and ‘veggie curry’ are a pleasure for tired paddlers meeting old friends and sharing tales of the day’s thrills, spills and more stunning scenery. Our friends from PzCC are helping out with local details and information. Clearly and rightly proud of their home waters.

A comment from PzCC, “It’s a fantastic event, which brings together paddlers from different clubs and all around the country to socialise and enjoy the incredible paddling locations in Cornwall. The donation from the event helps to fund training and equipment to ensure the future of the club.”

The second and third day are more of the same! By now, folk have a better understanding of the local geography – many great trips. Names evocative to every sea kayaker: Lands End, Longships, Pendeen, Cape Cornwall, Porthgwarra, Praa Sands, and the list goes on, and time takes on a different meaning. Have we been here a week?

Before trying to summarise the central theme, ‘what turns a Sea Kayaking Meet from Good to Great’, it is interesting to read a personal story from Matt Parton, a very well-known visiting Leader, and also that of Joel Ninnes. Joel is the RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support Officer, South West Region.

First off, let’s hear from Matt…

A Decade of Paddling, Friendship and Cornwall Magic
“I first met Richard Uren back in 2013, when he was my assessor for my Sea Kayak Leader award. I immediately connected with his coaching style, which led me to pursue further qualifications with him. Over the years, that relationship has evolved from coach to mentor, and now proudly to a valued friend. Now a coach myself, I still call upon Rich’s mentorship, using his vast knowledge and experience.

“During my time training in Cornwall, I had the privilege of leading and coaching many members of the Penzance Canoe Club, who generously gave up their time to support my development, and I was struck by the warmth and friendliness of everyone I met, something that has stayed with me ever since.

“Around ten years ago, Rich invited me to lead trips as part of an event run in partnership with PZCC. I said yes without hesitation, and that decision has shaped a decade of unforgettable summers. What started as a one-off quickly became an annual highlight, both socially and within my paddling calendar.

“Each year, I return to reconnect with friends from across the country, meet new paddlers, and share my love for sea kayaking in one of the UK’s most spectacular locations. The combination of incredible coastline, welcoming people, and a relaxed, social atmosphere makes this event truly special.

“So, what keeps me coming back? The friendships, old and new. The fun, both on and off the water. The exceptional paddling around West Cornwall. The brilliant campsite at St Just Rugby Club, complete with its ever-friendly team behind the bar! And above all, my continued appreciation for Rich and the PZCC team, who make it all happen.

“This year’s event felt particularly memorable. We were blessed with glorious weather, crystal-clear waters, and an atmosphere full of laughter and good energy. I had the pleasure of leading some fantastic trips and paddling alongside genuinely wonderful people.

“It was a truly special weekend, and I’m already looking forward to next year.”

With over one hundred paddlers on the sea during the WCSKM, a final word from Joel…
“Richard is a fantastic ambassador for the RNLI, with family connections and his own volunteering within the RNLI’s Water Safety Team. The Water Safety team is a group of volunteers who use their skills and knowledge to help share and educate on all aspects of safety around the coast.

“This is a key part of the RNLI’s work; just under 50% of the people the RNLI rescue don’t even intend to get wet, so our messaging has to be far-reaching and accessible to all, no matter the activity they are undertaking on or around the water. Accidents and incidents will always happen at sea; it’s the nature of the beast, but we can prepare water users for those unlikely events, and Richard, along with PzCC, ensures this happens through the West Cornwall Sea Kayaking Meet.

“Every time Richard and PzCC organise this meet, they keep safety and understanding at the forefront. Richard’s knowledge is impeccable, and he wants everyone to have a fun but safe time on the Water. Every year Richard speaks to me beforehand to discuss what he has planned and how he can incorporate the RNLI’s Water Safety messaging and resources into his event.

“He shares his safety knowledge for all things sea kayaking, whether that’s planning the paddle, incorporating the weather, wind, and tides, or making sure everyone understands and has the right safety equipment, such as PLBs, buoyancy aids, or radios. Richard is truly an excellent ambassador for the RNLI, Water Safety, and Sea Kayaking Safety.

“It’s hard to prove the effectiveness of Water Safety; there is no way to tell whether someone has made a safer decision or changed course of action because of the safety messages and advice they have been taught. Nevertheless, I’m confident that the benefit of education and training Richard, along with PzCC and supporting Leaders and Coaches, has delivered will reduce the potential for incident here and further afield. Such is the benefit of sharing knowledge and preparing everyone to be safe on the sea.”

What turns a Sea Kayaking Meet from Good to Great?
Any event involving a hundred or so paddlers takes a lot of organising. And that has to be meticulous. Total inclusivity for everyone, whatever their paddling skill; everyone feels respected and like a valued part of the event. PzCC’s involvement adds a wonderful, personal element.

Collectively, this builds a sense of mutual ownership and desire to have a great time. And then there is the paddling. Stunning scenery and interesting waters. A sea kayaker’s dream!

For individual paddlers, the value goes beyond the weekend. As Matt highlighted above, a great meet acts as a launch pad for personal growth. That can mean new partnerships, expanded horizons, or learning in a new environment.

Ultimately, a good meet is fun and a logbook entry. As a great meet, the WCSKM is a milestone. A fabulous mix of wild environments along with a careful safety structure. All this, plus a warm, welcoming, inclusive culture that reminds every paddler why they fell in love with sea kayaking!