Reviews:

Introductory Whitewater Course:

Introduction to White Water Kayaking Skills Course (2.5 hour course held at Yalding) 14th December 2025

I have attended a number of eskimo rolling sessions with Grant and his team and noticed that he had created a new course. This sounded particularly appealing as I thought the sculling component of the course would be beneficial for refining my eskimo roll.

There was much more to the course than sculling and included high and low braces/entering and leaving the flow. Grant's tuition was excellent in breaking down the techniques; including when and how they would be applied to moving water - he even got into the water to assist/explain paddle movement at one point. The location provided the perfect environment in which to practice key white water skills on flat water and then transfer them onto moving water at a pace to suit you when the sluice gates opened periodically. A highlight for me was side surfing/moving through a stopper - the water was shallow enough to stand up in but also deep enough to practice a roll (which I did a few times…) so felt relaxed and safe to try this out. All in all a great course and would heartily recommend it to both those in the early stage of their kayaking journey and even more experienced paddlers in order to refine technique and enjoy the river no matter the grade!

Warren

Introductory Whitewater Course:

I recently took the Intro to Whitewater course with Grant from Scamell Coaching, and it was exactly what I
needed. I’m a reasonably experienced kayaker, but after a few injuries and operations, I was looking for a way to rebuild my confidence and get back on the water — and this course delivered perfectly.

Grant’s instruction was excellent, the venue was fantastic, and the whole experience was really well put together. What I
particularly appreciated was Grant’s philosophy: you don’t have to be on grade 3 or 4 water to progress. Focusing on solid technique and skill development at grades 1 and 2 made all the difference.

I came away feeling stronger, more confident, and excited about kayaking again. I can’t recommend Scamell Coaching highly enough.

Cheers Stig

Introductory Whitewater Course:

I recently attended one of Grant's introduction to White Water courses and would highly recommend it. I do have some whitewater experience and the advice regarding improvement to technique as well as new approaches to paddling in the more challenging situations was invaluable. I would very highly recommend it both to those with limited but also greater experience. All will benefit. I have.

KR, 

Nick

Eskimo rolling course:

Hi Grant,

Thank you so much for the instructions today. It was a great course I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was very impressed the way you broke it down tailored each roll to the person attempting it . My confidence has increased loads and I am very much looking forward to the next session.

Thank again.


Mark.

Eskimo rolling course - May 2025

Hi Grant, 

Thank you so much to you and Nick for yesterday, really really appreciated! I completely understand the article now I have actually gone through it in the pool. 

It was more difficult to visualise by reading, having not done it in practice. It totally makes sense now, how the drills are performed and the need for the technique. I’m really looking forward to the next session. 

Thank you for your patience. 

All the very best John.

(Please see the link to the article John is refering to: https://scamellcoaching.co.uk/...)

Eskimo rolling course:

Hi Grant,

Thank you so much for the instructions today. It was a great course I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was very impressed the way you broke it down tailored each roll to the person attempting it .
My confidence has increased loads and I am very much looking forward to the next session.

Thank again.

Mark.

Eskimo rolling course:

'The Eskimo rolling course was a really good introduction to rolling a kayak for an absolute beginner. As someone completely new to the technique, Grant took us through the method step by step, and gave us plenty of time to practice in a safe environment. Definitely recommended.'
Stuart.

Eskimo rolling course:

Having attended several of Grant's rolling sessions I can confirm that Grant and his team have the patience of saints! I was determined to repeat the classic error of trying to get my head out of the water first even though it should be last and of course then kept failing to roll successfully. Grant and Nick were equally determined that I would roll and with calm and clear instruction they finally won the day. The sessions are fun, the pool is warm and the atmosphere is friendly and very encouraging. I highly recommend this course. They will get you to roll a kayak!.
Dave.

Eskimo rolling course:

I was nervous to learn rolling but keen as it seems like a really useful skill. Grant broke down the process into manageable chunks that we repeated, learning how each part of the roll feels. This isn’t something that I could have picked up from a youtube video, when you are upside down you are not calm enough to think through the process. It’s confusingly inverted and stressful because it needs to be done before you run out of air and you are not confident that you will manage it. Instead you teach your body the steps and then let it happen, knowing that even if it doesn’t succeed on this attempt you are safe because you are being observed. Even on my way home I was imagining myself on the wrong side of the boat because everything is flipped 180 degrees, however when I was in the boat I was able to carry out the beginnings of a roll. There’s still a lot for me to learn but I have no doubt that I’d not have made anywhere near the progress I made without the experienced tuition that we all received, thanks Grant!
James.

Eskimo rolling course:

I recently started white water kayaking and after umpteen swims, I thought to myself “I really do need to learn to roll” (even though I was petrified of being upside down in a floating piece of fibreglass) so I booked myself onto a rolling course with Grant and Nick. As I expected I was really tense when I first showed up but really needn't have been; the coaching was extremely patient and I felt completely safe at all times. Having relaxed I could focus on the actual roll. Nick broke the technique of the roll down into easily understandable and digestible stages together with giving positive and constructive feedback throughout. I have been for a few sessions now and am really impressed by Nick and Grant’s knowledge and how they have helped me progress. Most importantly I thoroughly enjoy each session and will be back!
Warren.

British Canoeing Open Canoeing Course:

“Great course, Grant was exceptional, very knowledgeable and able to point us in the right direction”

River Canche introduction to moving water - Northern France:

Hi Grant,
We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves both on and off the water. We can't thank you enough for introducing us to fun of moving water. What a great team you Nick and Tom make. Looking forward to more fun in the pool on the 29th.
Chris & Brenda

Hi Grant,
Thanks so much to you, Nick and of course Tom. Learnt so much, just need to learn to apply it! Great fun and great company. Look forward to the video, Christmas presents taken care of! When are we going again?
Nick.

British Canoeing 1 Star Kayak Course:

Hi Grant,
Thanks for the star 1 course last Tuesday. Penny and I really enjoyed it so much we want to do star 2. You mentioned that you would be willing to do the course with the two us. Can you do any of these dates?
Katherine.

River Canche British Canoeing 3 Star white water course - Northern France:

Dear Grant and Nick,

Thank you so much for organising and running the trip it was absolutely brilliant, really well done and really enjoyed it. I feel as though I have come a long way since last year. Back working but bored and want to go paddling!

Look forward to seeing the photos/videos, especially going through the sluice on day two.

Catch up soon.
Best wishes

Nick