Over the last four years, sea kayaking has become very popular within Exeter UOTC. Fortunately, we hold a small armada of sea kayaks and associated equipment and being based in Devon allows good access to some of the south-west top sea kayaking venues around the Devon and Cornwall coast. Making the most of our fortunate position, we often get out if only for a few hours before a training night practicing rescues and various other scenarios ready for our annual trip north to the Shetland Isle.
Find out more from what the Officer Cadets had to say about the expedition.
The Students’ Reflections
It was great how quickly we all got out on the water that first day. Even though I had some experience with freshwater kayaking, I initially felt unsteady adjusting to the sea conditions, but my confidence quickly grew with the support of my instructors and peers. I first felt out of my comfort zone on Day 3 when we paddled around a corner into a headwind for what was probably about 200 metres. Although I was nervous of capsizing due to the strong offshore wind, muscle memory from the previous two days kicked in and helped me stay balanced.
Our Instructors Nick and Mocky emphasised the importance of effortless paddling throughout the week by encouraging us to engage our core and legs rather than relying on our arms. Various turning exercises and games allowed me to incorporate these skills into my paddling, making me feel more at ease when paddling longer distances without stopping. Additionally, having the chance to lead the group for certain sections of the route made me more aware of my surroundings, as I had to choose the most efficient path while making sure the group stayed close behind.
It was nice to be part of a large group where we were all novices as everyone was learning together and helping each other out, both on and off the water. Despite our little experience, we quickly found a rhythm especially when it came to loading and unloading the trailer each day. Nonetheless I particularly enjoyed the last two days when the group was halved as we made better progress, and it gave me the chance to spend more time with people I had not really interacted with before.
I enjoyed learning from the instructors about the importance of considering tides, wind and swell when planning Sea Kayaking expeditions. Although it was frustrating to have to shorten our trip some days due to adverse conditions, it helped me understand that unexpected changes at sea, especially in remote areas like the Shetlands, are always possible and plans need to be flexible. Looking back the shorter days were just as beneficial as the longer ones as I was able to improve finer skills such as rock hopping, brace turning and edging. I found these skills the most fun to practice and they ultimately helped me develop into a more proficient kayaker.
I was then able to implement these skills for the last day paddling when the swell was much greater than what we had experienced before. Feeling confident on this turbulent water after just 7 days paddling motivates me to try more sea kayaking in the future. I would love to go on longer more challenging expeditions to explore more of the Shetland Islands and perhaps with the opportunity of camping overnight.
Aside from the kayaking it was incredible to see so much wildlife, especially all the bird life on the Shetlands. As a keen birdwatcher, it was amazing to observe seabirds nesting on the cliffs above us. A definite highlight were the “Bonxies” and the “Tammie Norries” we saw on the last day (though I was a bit gutted we didn’t spot any orcas!). The caves and scenery in general were awesome and the remoteness of the islands made the whole trip even more special.
by Harry Ratchford
Going to the Shetland Isles as a first-time sea kayaker was initially quite a worrying thought – what if I just drifted away to sea? However, following the first day on the water and completing our capsize drills I felt much more confident, especially with the amazing staff enabling us. It meant that, by the end of the week, I wasn’t afraid of capsizing. We soon travelled out to more windy, choppy conditions where just turning a corner into the wind was anxiety-inducing as it led to me drifting further away. It required more physical effort and a reliance on the skills we had been taught and by the time I had completed the turn and was on my way, fighting into the wind, I felt an incredible thrill and, from then on, enjoyed all of our time on the rougher seas. It made me develop trust not just in the kayak but also in my ability to overcome panic and focus on what I know how to do.
After every day, I felt I had learnt some new skill or a bit of knowledge, and although sometimes my group and I maybe wanted to paddle further, looking back the progression was managed well. I also enjoyed mixing up the groups for a day as my group got to learn a lot more about rescue on the water by enacting scenarios which pushed all of us outside of our comfort zone by demanding quick thinking, teamwork and resilience.
I loved the kayaking, but it was also amazing to see the incredible coastline and landscape as well as all the wildlife there. We all got to go places where you would never otherwise be able to go. The caves especially were great. Overall, I massively enjoyed the trip as I got to learn a new skill, go out of my comfort zone and experience the thrill of nature. However, it was the staff, especially the reliable local Mocky that really made the week as they allowed all of the above to happen.
OCdt Laurren Creek
I had a brilliant time in Shetland, it’s a place I would have never been if it wasn’t for the sea kayaking. From never sitting in a sea kayak before to being comfortable and confident that if someone said get in a kayak and paddle 20km round the coast I know I would be capable of doing it in a safe manner.
The most important thing I learnt was how dangerous the water was. I was oblivious to the danger and the speed at which conditions change, but from Tammie Norrie, through experience from being on the water and great instruction, I understand that even the best kayakers can be caught out and the ways to avoid getting into trouble. This also translates into all water sports/activities and has taught me how to be safer in the water in general.
I would love to go sea kayaking with the army again and would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something different.
Robin Fisk
Tammie Norrie expedition to Shetland with the Southwest Officer Training Regiment was just the challenge I sought. I had done kayaking before, so I thought I knew what to expect, but the sea had other plans. The first few days were the days when my skills were tested, as I had never had to deal with swells or waves. However, due to the fantastic guidance provided by my instructors, Nic and Tony, I managed to keep calm and progress my skills. In the last few days, I found that the initial challenges seemed little and that I could cope much more efficiently in the environmental conditions. I also found this trip very enjoyable due to the scenery; being able to enter geos and caves made my days even more enjoyable.
The trip didn’t just improve my kayaking ability, but also my resilience and teamwork. I found that some skills didn’t come as naturally as I would have hoped; however, after trial and error, including a couple of capsizes, I could learn a new skill through hard work. Furthermore, sharing a hostel and communal meals allowed my peers and me to connect and form long-lasting relationships. I found that this has massively improved my confidence within the unit as I have been able to get to know other officer cadets whom I hadn’t talked to before.
If I were to improve one aspect of this trip, I would have wanted to undergo an expedition, as sadly we weren’t able to do it this time. However, this doesn’t change my mind about sea kayaking or AT in general. I will aim to do more adventurous training in the future, progressing my life skills, which will no doubt benefit me in my future military career.
OCdt Jake Edwards
Firstly, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Martin, Al and all the staff who made the trip as excellent as it was. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been on this trip, Shetland is a special place to paddle, and to be taught by a variety of very experienced staff was a privilege.
My group focused on leadership styles and techniques, which has definitely helped me develop as both a leader and an effective team member.
I found it extremely interesting applying my experience in whitewater kayaking, as well as my experience working as a paddle sports instructor, to the sea kayaking environment. While I didn’t find the paddling itself technically challenging, it was new to me to paddle as far and for as long as we did each day. I found myself tired and aching at the end of each day; this encouraged me to focus on maintaining a good paddling technique to avoid becoming fatigued on longer days.
Al encouraged me to constantly think about how to be most useful to others in the group and involved me in his thought process when making decisions to facilitate a challenging but safe day.
He also challenged my mistakes in a useful and memorable way. I found that although I made lots of mistakes through the week, I never found myself making the same one twice.
I’m looking forward to progressing my skills within the OTC with the aim of achieving my Sea Kayak Leader qualification.
OCdt Zach Rogers.
I wanted to do Tammie Norrie for two main reasons: I wanted to experience a new adventurous sport, and I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. I am in fact not comfortable at sea and the thought of being stuck in a little plastic kayak surrounded by rough waves, with only a paddle and the occasional orca for company… was genuinely daunting.
I began the week terrified, being thrown in, quite literally, in the deep end. It was not something my body and mind were at ease with. As each hour went by, just when I was getting comfortable, a new challenge presented itself. Whether it was navigating jagged rocks, entering dark and narrow caves, or waves and strong winds that were determined to capsize us, every moment demanded focus and resilience. Each challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I’m so glad it did. I genuinely had to dig deep, there was no way I was giving up, no way I would shy away (no way I’d be the girl that couldn’t keep up with the boys), I told myself to push through. It took genuine courage and mental resilience to go ‘I’m scared, but do it scared’. And I did. Every challenge we faced, I said yes, with my knuckles white with how hard I was tensing, I went for it. I’m so proud that I did. I’ve proven to myself that I can do scary things, I can do them scared, I can dig deep and push through. I felt proud of myself in a way I’ve not before, no one knew (bar the instructors who probably saw my ‘I’m shit scared face’) how scared I was. I loved the trip so much; I thought I was going to come away having just had fun in the sea. But as cheesy as it is, I’ve grown so much and learnt so much about what resilience and courage really means. I feel proud of myself, and I now want to do more scary things, I want to keep pushing myself to persevere, to keep proving that its mind over matter and I can succeed.
A further and unexpected highlight of the week was how much I learned from those around me. On one day, we were placed with a fellow officer cadet and staff member undergoing their sea kayak leader assessment. I was especially inspired by Andrew’s leadership skills; we acted out a mock rescue situation and he had to recall half the group from round a corner whilst saving the casualty and keeping the group together. He shouted (but not frantically yelling) for us to gather in the designated spot, in that one sentence he had conveyed immediacy without causing panic.
Similarly, I learned a great deal from observing Marty as he dealt with his unconscious casualty scenario. He assigned clear roles to the group, communicated his plan effectively and throughout monitored the casualty whilst coordinating the team with precision. As a group we discussed when different leadership styles (autocratic versus democratic) are appropriate in dynamic, high-pressure environments. Witnessing these styles in action, not just in theory, brought the concepts to life to me. I would love to be part of more leader examinations because I learnt so much from watching them in action.
Our instructors were outstanding. Lee was amazing, I appreciated how he spent that extra time before we even got on the water going through exactly what he had in his boat and safety protocols. Although I wasn’t expected to carry what he had, I found it educational and useful moving forward for future kayaking and water-based activities. I particularly enjoyed his explanation of the protocols for medical emergencies. He struck the perfect balance between thoroughness and engagement. Mockie was equally brilliant! His knowledge and expertise of the local area gave us confidence to explore caves and coastlines. He maintained high safety standards while encouraging us to ask questions, try new things, and make the most of the experience. As a result, we developed a great rapport with him and with each other.
I loved the trip so much. Thrown together with a group of individuals to do something that scared me, and I’ve come away with new friends, unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of resilience. I’m excited to continue pushing myself, both physically and mentally, and to seek out more opportunities like this to grow.
The only thing I would change is having a dry suit that didn’t have holes in!
Emma Bunting
Tammie Norrie was such an amazing trip! I had an absolutely amazing time and it was great to tick off some real bucket list destinations, Pappa Stour and Muckle Flugga!
Throughout the week I was challenged both physically and mentally with the longer paddles, being in my stretch zone during some of the times that we were in the top end moderate conditions and the tidal races. I feel as though I gained lots of confidence by proving to myself that I could paddle for longer distances and in such conditions. I really enjoyed the fact that we took time to explore the caves and Geo’s, especially when we made decisions to cover less distance to be able to thoroughly explore, like on Muckle Roe. Once again, thank for such an amazing trip!
Fran Langford
I really appreciate the opportunity to take part in Expedition Tammie Norrie. It has allowed me to test and push myself at a new sport in a dynamic and hazardous yet controlled environment with excellent instructors. Over the week I saw a real improvement in my sea kayaking abilities and confidence going from learning different paddle strokes to rock hopping, attempting rolling, performing T and self-rescues and even managing to back surf. The expedition has introduced me to a new AT sport that I hadn’t experienced, and it’s one I’d really like to pursue further.
The instructors consistently stretched me beyond my comfort zone. Building up distances and technical challenges over the week. The trip also helped me build my teamwork and leadership skills with my group by giving us opportunities to self lead the group following the principles of Communication Line of sight Avoidance Positioning and Continual Risk Assessments. Even simple tasks, like loading and unloading the kayaks, buddy checks and practising group rescues contributed to this development.
I am also grateful to have been able to visit an area of the UK that few people get to visit in a way even fewer people get to experience. Kayaking the coastline allowed me to witness the islands’ wildlife up close, I was able to see seals, dolphins, puffins, sea urchins, razorbills and oyster catchers.
Thank you again for organising the trip, I truly appreciate the opportunity to develop new skills and push my limits.
Henry Watson
Tammie Norrie this year has been an incredible experience—such a major step up from last year for me. It really helped me develop both my skills and my passion for kayaking as a sport. More importantly, it pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to progress far more than I expected.
When I arrived, I still wasn’t entirely sure about my confidence or love for the sport—I knew I enjoyed the experience last year, but I didn’t yet feel like a capable paddler. Now, I can roll confidently, feel more comfortable in big swell and technical conditions, and have a much stronger sense of my paddling and group leadership abilities.
Will Partridge
Exercise Tammie Norrie has been one of my most enjoyable EUOTC experiences so far and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone keen to try their hand at a new skill, while being pushed beyond their comfort zone but while remaining in a safe and supportive environment. While the trip allowed me to pursue a new sport I had never previously considered trying, it also provided the space to form closer friendships with fellow Officer Cadets that I had only know before superficially. The value of the Exercise, therefore, can truly be expressed in its ability to create a challenging environment for Officer Cadets to work together and form closer bonds which will ultimately be valuable for the rest of all our time in the UOTC. The enthusiasm of the instructors and the ability of them to communicate their genuine passion for sea kayaking was extremely valuable in creating an atmosphere where we were keen to push our limits without feeling that any failures would have been seen as negative, and instead were framed as paramount to progress. Beyond this, their seemingly unlimited expertise meant that there was a wealth of knowledge readily available, which I am sure will be incredibly useful should any of us wish to pursue further sea kayaking qualifications and transfer into leadership roles.
Overall, I found the trip both extremely enjoyable and valuable and have no doubts that I will pursue any future opportunities provided by the SWOTR to get back into the water and go for a paddle.
Toby Ferguson
I was part of the novice group on the recent kayaking trip up to the Shetland Islands in May and can honestly say that I was pushed in a manner which helped me grow as a person. This was principally because I get quite seasick and have therefore decided, in the past, to avoid water-based activities which go on for longer than a day or so. I was very rarely comfortable and learned a lot about leaning on others for support and managing risk from the environment when in adverse conditions. In particular I was quite worried about the requirement to capsize oneself in order to gain the qualification. I eventually overcame this. By overcoming this and the majority of these challenges, despite my fear, I genuinely believe I am better placed to take on greater physical challenges in the future, albeit maybe not from within a kayak.
Another benefit which AT undoubtedly provides to the UOTC amongst other military units is the bonds it creates and the teamwork/ communication skills it can establish. Personally, I went from having met no-one in my 12-person group before the trip to being assisted after facing seasickness-related difficulties on the final day. On this basis, I’d love to see greater AT opportunities in the future for SWOTR, as it is undoubtedly a cornerstone in building unit cohesion, especially between Bristol and Exeter students who haven’t met beforehand.
Archie Ogden
It’s been exactly a year since I did my first AT trip with the Unit, and it’s really starting to show how much these trips have changed me. I completed my K2F qualification in Orkney last year, which was brilliant by all means—but the kayaking in Shetland has outdone it. I feel like I can appreciate the location so much more now that I’ve developed the right set of skills to really embrace it all. With the weather on our side—and somehow arriving during Shetland’s only week of summer—we were all lucky enough to witness what can only be described as a feat of nature, with an abundance of wildlife and a jaw-dropping coastline.
I also have to say I’ve never felt more prepared for kayaking thanks to the high-end kit we were issued. I felt safer and warmer on the water than I ever have before. Not to mention, you don’t look half bad in a swanky dry suit.
It was great having so many people on the trip. However, not long ago I was a complete novice myself, and I think the conditions looked pretty tough for learning—especially for the K2F groups. I know it’s difficult to get perfect weather, but when you have the skills, you can appreciate the scenery so much more because you’re not just focused on staying out of the water.
Overall, though, the trip hit every single spot I was looking for. And I honestly couldn’t thank Julie enough for cooking for us—she’s amazing at what she does and kept us well-fed all week.
Will Gardner
Firstly, a huge thank you must go to Martin for organising an incredible trip. I would also like to offer thanks to all the staff, particularly Al, who led the S3N group, for creating such a fantastic environment for learning and development.
Over the course of 6 days, Shetland provided a jaw dropping arena for developing sea kayaking skills, whilst providing a challenging location that fostered resilience and fortitude. The conditions were uncomfortable at times, pushing me into stretch zones, vastly improving my skills.
As someone with AOSB coming up, I greatly valued the opportunity to lead my peers in an unfamiliar environment, and receive honest feedback from them.
While strong winds blew from the north, the west coast of the islands opened up, allowing for exploration of some breathtaking marine features and present the chance to see some unique wildlife. While no orcas were seen, puffins and shags more than satisfied the appetite for fauna. The islands are a fantastic location for a trip of this nature and are incredibly unique.
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to paddle in a kayaking mecca.
Thank you very much for having me on the trip. It was fantastic.
Ben
Tammie Norrie 2025 was a brilliant trip and I completed my S3n course! It was so nice to go back to Scotland and I was so excited to see Shetland and all it has to offer. Which was a lot of wind, wildlife and funny pubs so it was perfect for the week!
Having only done one week of kayaking last year, I was a bit worried I’d forgotten how to paddle! As soon as I got in the kayak my muscle memory kicked in! Paddling with my peers who had more experience than me was so helpful, asking about tips and tricks and how to improve my paddling and skills. I practiced more rolling even in the freezing cold water and felt a lot more confident in my own ability.
I have done quite a bit of AT and am usually very comfortable but being in a kayak has definitely taught me a lot about myself. For some reason the feeling of being stuck in a kayak under the spray deck slightly worries me in the fact that I have to get myself out or roll if I capsize and turn over. Especially this one day when we were against the wind and the swell was coming in sideways and the waves were quite high, I felt quite out of my comfort zone and nervous of how I would get my myself out of the situation if I did go in. Luckily I didn’t turn over and had my instructor encouraging me on. At the end when we turned the corner, I even managed a bit of surfing, which at the start I was terrified but was then laughing after a few initial waves.
Being out of my comfort zone in that moment made me feel a lot more accomplished and I knew I had learnt more and actually put into practice the skills and techniques we had been taught. It made the rest of the week much more enjoyable knowing I was capable of paddling in strong winds and swell. Meaning I am able to go out on a paddle in weather conditions most average people would choose not to go out in.
Alert training like this has so many benefits and I am very grateful I have been able to go and to visit more interesting places I wouldn’t normally. It has enabled me to get to know more of my peers in younger years of OTC too which I think it critical for a cohesive unit especially having people from Bristol too! I thoroughly enjoyed my week and hope trips like this still run for future OCdts!
Jess
The entirety of Tammie Norrie was incredible, from the sea kayaking to the food, to the accommodation, to the instructors and all the people involved.
Getting to grips with kayaking was a slight struggle at the beginning as, without the proper techniques, I was quickly feeling fatigued. However, thanks to my instructors Nic and Mocky who corrected and taught me how to do it correctly, led to me finding it a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable. I enjoyed all of the kayaking we got to do and loved how they would push us. However if I could change one thing it would be that we would be able to do longer days. I understand that sea kayaking is solely based on the weather and sea conditions – especially for beginners, however if there was a way to push the days and feel more of a physical push then I would have really enjoyed that. The food and accommodation was lovely and I wouldn’t have changed a thing, the mess was the perfect end of the day place for everyone to chat and play pool which I really loved.
Coming into Tammie Norrie I had done previous AT and remembered how hard I found it mentally and physically, therefore was excited but also nervous for the push I was about to get. On reflection of the following week I found that Tammie Norrie AT was less demanding than the other (Spindrift), although I would say that part of that reason was not because the AT was a lot easier but instead (because of the Spindrift) I was stronger, meaning I was able to handle and enjoy it more.
After every AT I’ve been lucky enough to find myself on, I’ve always come away feeling a lot more developed as an individual in multiple ways. The new activities and sports I try force me to become more comfortable with failure and pushes me to having to be okay with not being the best at something straight away but still pushing forward to improve in it. By new people going on the AT each time has pushed me into meeting new people and lead to me making extremely close friendships with people I didn’t know a week ago. As a person who continuously looks for ways I can improve as an individual and become a better person all round I’ve found that AT has definitely been driving forces for me and I can promise that I will continue to try and get myself on more AT to push myself and grow even further. I am extremely grateful for the entire experience.
Charlotte Davies
One of the highlights for me was paddling with Abbi, one of our OCdt Sea Kayak Leaders. That session stood out for its strong learning value — covering everything from rolling in choppy water to self-rescue techniques, as well as discussing the importance of decision-making in challenging sea conditions. Especially in environments like OTC, where the instinct is often to push on, learning when to turn back for the safety of the group is a crucial lesson I was glad to gain.
I’ve really appreciated the opportunities this trip has offered and have taken away a lot from the experience. For future paddlers, though, I think it’s important that expectations around development versus peer paddling are communicated more clearly to help everyone get the most out of the programme.
I had a fantastic time on the sea kayaking trip – definitely one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in a while. The coaching throughout was really clear and helpful, which made a big difference, especially when tackling trickier parts of the water. The accommodation was also surprisingly nice, offering a warm and comfortable place to relax after a day out on the sea. The Shetland Islands themselves were absolutely fascinating, with such a unique landscape and a real sense of being somewhere special.
One of the real highlights for me was spotting wildlife along the way—it added a whole new layer to the trip and made paddling even more exciting. The travel to and from the islands was quite long, but I’d expected that, so it didn’t take away from the overall experience. All in all, it was a brilliant trip with a great mix of adventure, learning, and time spent in a truly interesting part of the world.
