Kayak Safety Workshops

Kayak Safety Workshops

in memory of Jack Skellett, 1998-2021

Following the tragic death of Jack Skellett in Wellington Harbour in 2021, the Jack Skellett give-a-little fund was set up to run FREE Kayak Safety Workshops for the community. We've now hosted five of these workshops, with a sixth scheduled for February 2027.

The 6th workshop will be held in Days Bay in February 2027, exact date tbc. The workshop is a comprehensive, 1 day event covering every aspect of water kayaking safety, with a strong focus on theory and building awareness, plus practical and skills development. This is aimed at all ages from beginner to intermediate level. It will be hosted by our friends from the Wellington Sea Kayak Network Group: Noel Pepperell, Chris Henshaw & Denys Church, who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the day.

Spaces are limited, and are on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrations will open early January 2027.

This free event is being funded by the Jack Skellett give-a-little fund, a donation that was set up following the loss of 23-year-old Jack in December 2021 after a kayaking incident along this coastline. With thanks to Wildfinder, Days Bay Pavilion, Victoria University of Wellington, and the Skellett family for help in organising this event for the community.

Jack Skellett, 1998-2021

“I took a lot of value from the workshop - not the least of which (for me personally) was the confirmation that ‘I was doing it right and I have the right gear, and I am appropriately prepared’. It's good to receive that confirmation from a reliable trusted third party. 

For those new to kayaking, or to those who perhaps are considering returning to kayaking after quite some years away from it, this workshop is a ‘must attend’. The risks that anyone new to kayaking (or need refreshing on the processes and skills) puts themselves (and any potential rescuers) in is unacceptable if they have not at least followed the guidelines contained in this workshop.”

— Gerard McMullen, attended workshop Feb 2026