I way inspired by the recent Bristol Explores Connect Group talk given by Richard Harpham. I am looking for 5 or 6 team mates to join in on one or two beginners trips in the spring/summer of 2014. Some details are as follows:Trip 1 - I am looking for men or women who would like to do a 5 day long beginners/introduction to Sea Kayaking trip based on the West Coast of Scotland. The intension is to start off the week with some day trips in sheltered locations to enable people to get used to the boats and learn some basic paddling skills. Then if people wanted to and the weather forecast was suitable, we could finish off the week by doing a short coastal tour . This would be a one or two night mini expedition type trip. Either wild camping in tents provided (or you can use your own), with us spending the evenings sitting around drift wood fires on secluded beaches. We could possibly stay in one of the MBA bothies found near the sea shore (or a combination of the both).Trip 2 - The second, 5 day long trip, would build on the skills and experience gained from the first trip. We would gain further skills and experience whilst on the water and would hope to undertake a longer wild camping expedition/coastal tour. This could be along the West Coast of Scotland or possibly we could catch a ferry out to the island of Canna which is a small Inner Isle.Again I am looking for 5 to 6 people and priority will be given to those who also sign up for Trip 1. However if you already hold sufficient sea kayaking skills and experience it may be possible (depending on what the provider thinks) for you to go straight onto this second trip.I spoken to a number of Scottish providers and I have found one who has said that they are willing do a tailor made trip pitched at the level of experience of the people who attend. They will provide all necessary equipment and the services of an experience and fully qualified sea kayaking guide. They can also provide outdoor centre or Scottish Youth Hostel type accommodation with showers and a drying room.I was thinking of either flying, driving or catching a train up to Inverness (Note - Easy Jet fly Bristol to Inverness) and then arrange to be picked up by the provider and taken to their accommodation on the West coast.Dates:The dates are not yet booked but are likely to be as follows:Trip 1: 19th 23rd May 2014Trip 2: 14th 18th July 2014Costs:Cost will depend on the numbers who sign up but will be in the region of:Trip 1 - 350 per person.Trip 2 - 440-450 per person (depending if we catch a ferry)Note - All monies would be paid direct to the provider and their terms and conditions would apply to the trips.Included:Pick up and return to Inverness (Train Station or Airport)Shared self-catering accommodation at an outdoor centre or Scottish Youth Hostel or bunk house (including the use of communal cooking facilities and fridges and a drying room). Note - That BB or Hotel accommodation can be arranged but this will be at a higher cost.The services of a qualified Sea Kayak guide(s) throughout the trip.Hire of a Sea kayak and all associated paddling clothing. (Transport for the team and kit while kayaking).Hire of a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and 1 or 2 dry bags while on the expedition.(A full kit list will be supplied by the provider when booking).Not included:Food (this can either be brought with you or purchased on day of arrival in a super market on way from Inverness orcan be provided as part of the trip at a cost of 12.50 per person per day)Camp cooking and eating equipment if self-catering.Finally:In order to run the trips this year and in the way we want them and keep the costs down I will need sufficient numbers to sign up.Im putting together a more detailed itinerary with the provider and getting some definite costs, so if you are interested then please get in touch and Ill send out the information to you by e-mail.If you cannot afford the time (or money) to go on both trips this year then dont worry I could possibly ask the provider to repeat the trips next spring/summer if sufficient people were interested.Eventually it is hoped to build up a small group of people with similar abilities (and who get along well with each other) who in subsequent years, could possibly undertake some longer trips in Scotland or even some international trips. These could include some of the best sea kayaking areas in the world, such as The Scottish Outer Hebrides, Croatia, Greece, Norway, Vancouver Island Canada, Baja Mexico, Alaska.Contact:Mobile 07967379507email cjames@cardiff.gov.uk