Turn your educational project into an unforgettable adventure with a school kayaking program at Varec’h Kayak!
We welcome students from age 7 and up for introductory outings and skill-building cycles. These sessions can take place during school time (PE), after school, or as part of seaside classes or educational stays. All sessions are supervised by qualified instructors, and we provide equipment designed for kayaking discovery and learning.
We are also affiliated with the French Canoe-Kayak and Paddle Sports Federation (FFCK), ensuring a high standard of pedagogy and safety.
Why Practice Canoe-Kayak at School?
Learning canoe-kayak and paddle sports offers pupils a sporting adventure in nature while helping them develop:
– A link to acquiring “Savoir Nager” (swimming proficiency),
– Technical skills involving balance, strength, and sensory awareness,
– Self-confidence and autonomy while working solo or in a team,
– Mutual support in an open environment,
– Recognition and respect for other water users within its territory,
– Knowledge of the physical environment, local heritage, and marine wildlife and plant life.
To support teachers and instructors in preparing cycles and outings, the FFCK provides educational tools such as Pagaies Couleurs, which is mainly a canoe-kayak teaching method and a practice level certification system.
The Pagaies Couleurs diplomas help paddlers understand and demonstrate their level, with progression structured around three key abilities: safety, technique and sporting culture, and environmental understanding.
School Kayaking Program Developed with Lycée Saint-François-Xavier
For the third consecutive year, we have been supervising a sea kayaking team from Lycée Saint-François-Xavier in Vannes. Students in the sea kayaking team meet weekly at our Varec’h Kayak base for 2.5-hour sessions.
First, they learn the vocabulary, movement techniques, and safety maneuvers through games. These skills allow them to paddle at ease on the water! They then try different craft: sit-on-top and sit-in kayaks (single and tandem), stand-up paddles, and even the Canobus. Afterward, they venture into the tidal currents of the Golfe du Morbihan, learning how to observe and understand their environment during both guided excursions and scavenger hunt-style games.
When the weather doesn’t allow kayaking, classroom activities are offered, such as weather analysis, marine chart reading, and learning about kayaking culture.
The sea kayaking team approach goes beyond a typical school kayaking cycle. With its team structure, Lycée Saint-François-Xavier offers a unique educational project in France, where the student is at the heart of their development. The team framework allows a different approach to learning, promoting autonomy and collaborative work.
Each year, students develop a project linked to kayaking around a shared theme that matters to them (social or environmental). The project is then carried out in spring. You can find the 2024 and 2025 projects on our social networks and website.
Our School Outings and Kayak Cycles
Early/End-of-Year Outings or Stay Programs
Organisation:
1 to 2 sessions of 2 hours or 3 hours.
Educational Content:
Introduction (from age 7) 
techniques related to safe navigation linked to swimming proficiency, marine environment discovery through agility and teamwork games.
Kayak excursions (from age 14) awareness of navigation techniques in currents, discovering the fauna and flora of the Golfe du Morbihan during a guided tour.
Discovery Cycle:
Organisation:
2 to 10 sessions (2h each), spread over a week or a term depending on the educational project defined with the teacher.
Educational Content:
Learning movement and safety techniques using FFCK-developed educational materials intended for young paddlers, instructors, and teachers (Carnet Nirvelli, Planète Kayak). Environmental awareness is also included.
Prerequisites for School Kayak, Paddle, and Canobus Outings
All minor participants must provide either a “Savoir Nager” certificate or an aquatic proficiency certificate. Participants can also successfully complete the Pass Nautique test organised on site.
Where We Navigate
Varec’h Kayak offers students immersion in the exceptional natural environment of the Golfe du Morbihan!
Our base is located near the Anse du Moustoir, a navigation area sheltered from strong tidal currents — ideal for large games and bird and oyster farm observation.
Older students can explore tidal currents around Île Irus and Île-aux-Moines, both just a paddle stroke from the base departure point.
Practical Information
Period March to December.
Access Free parking available, also accessible for minibuses and coaches, right in front of the Varec’h base.
Equipment Sport clothing, windbreaker, cap, water-friendly shoes (neoprene booties or old trainers), and spare clothing.
We also provide windbreakers, shorty neoprene suits, and neoprene booties to students without suitable gear 
Individual changing cabins and toilets are available on site.
