Barefoot Kayak have a passion for paddlesport. A local company, awarded the British Canoeing Quality Mark in 2017, we deliver a safe paddling experience in Runswick Bay, recognised by The Sunday Times as 'Britain's Best Beach 2020'. With years of experience in Ourdoor Education our staff are there to ensure you have a safe, memorable experience.
Barefoot Kayak operate from the beach at Runswick Bay during the school summer holidays hiring Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards. Outside the busy summer period, we offer British Canoeing Personal Performance Awards to help you take your paddling to the next level. Look at our Facebook and Instagram pages for more frequent updates.
As founder of Baref?t Kayak I am delighted to see the direction this little idea is going. Originally put together to meet the need for safe and inexpensive equipment hire on the beach at Runswick Bay Barefoot, after 7 years, is coming of age.
My background is in surfing, travelling to follow the sun and experience waves around the world. I have had a career in Outdoor Education as an Instructor before managing Outdoor Centres before becoming Head of Outdoor Education for a Local Education Authority. As an Outdoor Adviser I witnessed the benefits of outdoor activities in the natural environment. With this ethos I have worked hard to develop Baref?t to provide a safe Paddlesport experience, expanding year on year. I qualified as a British Canoeing Guide in 2021 and look forward to expanding our offer.
Hi, I’m Jules,
This will be my 7th season running the beach with Baref?t and I’m loving helping people kit up to enjoy a safe kayak or SUP experience here in Runswick Bay.
I really enjoy paddlesports and having started from no experience I have gained British Canoeing qualifications on my journey to becoming a safe and competent paddler. I am currently aiming toward completing the three lakes challenge and this season I will be handing over to Ben which will ultimately allow me more free time to pursue my goal.
Hi. I’m Jamie
I have been involved in watersports for as long as I can remember. I have worked for Horizon Sailing, a Watersports Activity Centre, leading groups dinghy sailing, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and raft building and setting up outdoor problem solving activities.
I grew up in the Bay and Baref?t is my family business. I enjoy the hire operation at Runswick Bay every summer giving our paddlers a safe and unique SUP or kayak experience.
As a trainer by profession and an ECB Level 2 Cricket Coach I bring my coaching skills to Baref?t in support of our British Canoeing Personal Performance Awards and look forward to an exciting future as we take our venture forward. I Look forward to seeing you ‘Baref?t on the Beach.
Hi, I’m Ben,
I’m the new kid on the block; having officially joined Baref?t at the beginning of 2022, Im excited for the upcoming season. Although this will be my first year working with Baref?t, I've been an RNLI lifeguard for the last five years, and have worked at Runswick Bay as a lifeguard for the last three years.
In 2020 I graduated from the University Of Liverpool with a 2:1 in Bsc Geography specialising in fluvial environments and GIS.
Having lots of time to reflect over 2020 and 2021 it suddenly dawned on me that I have a deep connection to water; with my job, lifestyle and education revolving in one way or another to H20.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the beach over summer!
Hobbies:
Surfing
Fitness
Martial arts
Travelling
Cooking
Anything outdoors
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