We believe that in addition to appropriate sea kayaking equipment and accessories, good sea kayak skills and technique are essential to get the most out of sea kayaking. Fitness and strength are no substitute for technique and attitude.
While safety equipment is a worthwhile backup to coping with difficult situations, the correct application of skill will usually prevent the need to resort to its use.  Lets face it, the best safety gear is the gear you never need to use.

Our progressive instructional techniques concentrate on empowering students to develop confidence and good sea judgement above all. Energy efficient sea kayak techniques allow the paddler to relax and enjoy their surroundings without undue stress.  
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Meridian Kayak expeditions are designed and planned to cater to every person's idea of a perfect sea adventure.. From a leisurely couple of hours on tranquil waters enjoying the scents of the sea through moderate overnight camping expeditions to extended sea epics in remote and exotic locations Meridian Kayak will always look after every detail of the expedition.   For the novice, all our expeditions offer a perfect introduction to the intimate relationship that develops between the sea kayaker and the sea. For the experienced sea dogs looking for that something extra, a Meridian Kayak expedition will have it.
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For the comfort and safety of our clients we use a variety of sea kayak designs.  Naturally we are very proud of our own designed and produced sea kayaks which we mostly use.  The double kayaks are sleek, fast and extremely stable in all conditions. The singles are stable, easy to paddle and track extremely well.  Fitted with a full range of safety gear including hands-free electric powered pumps they make the ideal touring and instructional kayak for all sea adventures. The paddle jackets (cags) we provide are made from breathable material to keep you warm and dry. We use modern design sea kayak paddles made of fibreglass to keep the weight down and retain strength. PFDs (life jackets) are in safety approved colours with pockets. The range of sizes are fully adjustable for maximum comfort and proper fit.
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Our guides and instructors are simply the best there are. We do not employ "Gung ho adventurers". Adventurers they are indeed being highly qualified with a sensitivity for the people under their care and a deep regard for the marine environment in which they work.
Our instructors are "Australian Canoe qualified Sea Instructors". The highest professional rating possible. Committed environmentalists, they will always take the time to share with you their vast outdoor experiences and always endeavour to find ways to bring the magic of the sea to you.
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Our greatest concern is the safety of our clients. The greater attention to safety the greater the adventure possible. We at Meridian Kayak see adventure NOT as a disregard for safety precautions but as a sense of accomplishment and excitement in a realistic world. Yes, there are potential hazards in sea kayaking and our ongoing risk assessment and management programs are designed to anticipate and minimise the effects of those hazards.
This same attitude to safety is also reflected in the deign of our own Meridian "Cygnet" sea kayaks. 
All our guides are fully trained in sea rescue techniques, weather prediction, first aid, risk management and use of all safety gear. A full set of safety gear such as radios, EPIRBs, flares is always carried on every Meridian Kayak expedition. Where appropriate, fully equipped safety boats are on hand to assist.
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Is it risky?
Sea kayaking is an adventurous activity and as such there are real risks involved. The key to dealing with risks is in managing them. Our risk management systems are designed to not remove them but ensure they do not get out of hand.
Participants skills and abilities are assessed by our trained staff to match the conditions and risk levels encountered.

Where do you go?
To be succinct, wherever there is the sea there is a Meridian Kayak adventure. Currently we operate on the Victorian coast and Bass Straight with our favourite destination being Wilsons Promontory or just the "Prom". See our page on Trip Descriptions.

What level of fitness is required?
Any person who can hold a paddle can sea kayak. Meridian Kayak has suceessfully run programs for groups with various disabilities.   All our activities are graded according to difficulty, so you can find the specific trip to match your own fitness level.

Is it expensive?
Meridian Kayak's attitude to safety and comfort is second to none.  If these things are important to you also then the considerable investment we make to ensure they happen is worth the price.   

Who can participate?
Literally anyone. All that is needed is a sense of fun and adventure.

What about winter or cold weather trips? 
Today's modern sea kayaks have developed from those used by the Inuit and Aluit (Eskimos) of Alaska and Greenland for hunting in Arctic conditions.
The winters in Victoria can be the ideal season for sea kayaking. Being a temperate climate, conditions seem perfect. The water does not usually get below 12 ° C, which is sometimes warmer than the air temperature. Early winter mornings can be rather cool with often settled, warm weather following during the day AND virtually no wind. Cold weather paddling certainly has its advantages with protective clothing helping to keep you warm and generally dry.
Winter in Victoria can produce some stunning conditions with glassy seas and soft sunlight. Beautiful paddling conditions.

What happens when the weather turn bad? 
Our trips always have backup plans and our guides are trained in weather prediction so as not to get caught out in bad weather.
One of our favourite places is the "Prom". With a variety of protected and open waters there is nearly always somewhere to go!
Instruction courses use cabin/hut accommodation, to protect students from the lements and so enhance learning opportunities.

What sort of food is supplied? 
A variety of menus are available to provide high energy and nutrition as well as being culinary delights. Generally what can be found on supermarket shelves without refrigeration is provided.
If you have a favourite or UN- favourite food, just lets us know prior to the trip and we will have it provided where possible. 
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Very simply, sea kayaking is paddling on coastal waters.
Modern sea kayaks are based on the same design that the Inuit people of Greenland and Aluit people of Alaska evolved over thousands of years in Arctic conditions. Being a hunter’s boat their sea kayaks had to be both sea worthy and fast in order to keep pace with their prey in the open sea. No longer made from bone and hides, today’s kayaks are mostly either plastic or fibreglass which makes them both light and durable. 
To visit an untrodden wilderness or glide effortlessly over clear and tranquil sea as seals and dolphin dart about and whales come to have a look. Sea kayaking is the perfect vehicle for all this, an escape capsule from the hustle and bustle.
Sea kayaking is one of the fastest growing adventure activities in the world today. It is enjoying spectacular growth as more and more people experience Victoria’s coastal regions, arguably the only true wilderness left in our crowded outdoors... 
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