“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats” – The Water Rat, The Wind in the Willows
For me, “messing about in boats” usually meant a relaxed coastal cruise. So when I had the chance to try sea kayaking with Bougainville Travel, who run day and multi-day sea kayak tours along Turkey’s southwest coast, I signed up out of curiosity and a desire to try something different. I was spending time with the company to see how they run their adventure activities, and the idea of gliding across the water sounded irresistible.
Sea kayaking isn’t often at the top of mainstream lists of things to do in Turkey, so the day promised to be a fresh introduction to an activity I’d never seriously considered. I imagined it would be straightforward — serene paddling, quiet coves, and a feeling of freedom. I soon discovered those assumptions were optimistic.
As it turned out, my preconceptions about sea kayaking were quickly overturned.
“Although kayaking tends to draw a younger demographic, it is still a lifelong sport that anyone can get into. It’s a sport anyone can enjoy, because it’s not about strength, it’s about technique.” – Katherine Carr
I should have remembered that quote before I climbed into a kayak. Although I listened to the safety briefing, I confess I was more eager to launch than to internalize the technique. That impatience showed: for the first half hour I paddled in circles or headed the opposite direction from the group.
Eventually I corrected course and we left the harbor at Ucagiz, aiming for the sunken city of Kekova. This ancient site lies off a small island separated from the mainland by an earthquake centuries ago. The scenery was breathtaking, but my focus was on keeping my kayak steady and moving the right way.
Gaining Control of the Kayak
I paddled hard but lagged behind the group. A speedboat flashed by at a distance, sending ripples that unsettled my boat. I’d overlooked how easily waves could affect a kayak; for a worrying moment I imagined capsizing. By the time we reached Kekova I had to concede this wasn’t a skill I’d master instantly.
I hitched my kayak to the safety boat that trailed our group and clambered aboard. The captain, cheerful and seasoned, explained what I’d been doing wrong with good-humored patience. Despite the help, I felt deflated—watching others paddle over the ruins while I viewed the sunken city from the safety boat felt like failure.
It was too late—the feeling of failure had settled in.
I watched the historic sunken city from the boat while others paddled above it.
From Kekova we headed to the lovely bay at Simena, an ancient Lycian village reachable only by boat. After a refreshment stop some paddlers were flagging, but most were determined to continue. The instructor, who runs the tour daily during the season, appeared effortlessly in control — a reminder that experience matters.
The group mixed experienced kayakers and first-timers who quickly found their rhythm. Watching their success stung a little; I’m used to things coming easily. My mother likes to say I’m lucky enough to “come up smelling of roses” no matter what, but that day sea kayaking humbled me.
I struggled to recall many things I had failed at in life, but this was one of them. It reminded me that some skills require focused practice rather than natural flair. I left the water determined to improve rather than accept defeat.
Mastering the Sport of Sea Kayaking
A strong urge to try again has stayed with me. Next time I plan to start with one-to-one lessons, possibly even in a pool, so I can learn proper technique and build confidence before returning to open water. With targeted coaching and practice I expect to improve coordination, steering, and strokes, and eventually return to places like Kas to complete a tour with ease.
I won’t accept defeat. Sea kayaking has captured my interest; it will take effort and patience, but the reward—better technique, new experiences, and the chance to share them with others—seems well worth it.
“Sea kayaking is about journeying. Sea kayaking is about exploring. Sea kayaking is about sharing experiences and memories with others. There is more to sea kayaking than just paddling.” – Pete Dingle
If you’d like to experience sea kayaking in Turkey, Bougainville Travel operate organized and tailor-made sea kayaking tours along the southwest coast. I’m grateful to them for introducing me to a range of adventure activities around Kas and the surrounding region.
Have you been sea kayaking in Turkey or elsewhere? Share your experience and any tips for a nervous beginner.