Thailand Educational adventure programmes for school groups

PaddleAsia specializes in year-round school group kayaking and mountain biking adventurous journeys to unique, unspoiled and colorful destinations throughout Southern Thailand

In attaining a balance between enjoyment and learning, students and other youth people will become proficient and confident adventurers as a new world unfolds before them.

PaddleAsia offers the most experienced nature-based kayaking trips for schools in the region. We provide students with specific paddling skills, safety and rescue techniques, knowledge and experience with local flora and fauna and an overall understanding and respect for their surroundings. Additionally, in keeping with the criteria set forth by the Duke of Edinburgh and other award programs, personal growth, leadership and team cooperation are always an integral part of the programs.

We are the most highly certified company in the South Thailand region. We are certified by international organizations such as the British Canoe Union, Emergency First Response, Immediate Temporary Care (ITC), Rescue 3 International, the International Award for Young People and other organizations. Click here to see proof of certification.

Mountain Biking

For cycling trips, see our mountain biking site.

Our experience also shows that students have the most fun when the classroom is all around. In other words, why not be surrounded by what you're studying?

Phang Nga Bay Kayaking and Homestay Project

Ko Yao Noi is a basically Muslim fishing village basically and the locals are doing their best to keep their island from being gobbled up by mass tourism. The locals are some of the most friendly and giving people you'll find anywhere... period. They've been very successful so far at protecting their very special culture. PaddleAsia offers a variety of Community Involvement Programs.

They even have a Homestay Project that you might want to consider. Check out the Homestay page and the following pages:
Homestay Images

We also work with the local high school on Ko Yao Noi and offer their students as guides for trips around the island. These guides can also serve as for the Homestay people as few of them speak much English. Here is an image gallery of some students participating is some activities.

Safety Standards

Itineraries, accommodations and meals have been extensively researched and tested. Our native-English speaking guides are certified in first-aid, CPR and Life Guarding. From start to finish, PaddleAsia programmes comply with the United Kingdom Ministry of Education’s guidelines on health and safety standards.

Dave is an Emergency First Response instructor and is a certified rescue technician through the Rescue 3 International organization. In addition, Dave is certified in first aid through Immediate Temporary Care as well.

Dave is a British Canoe Union Level 2 Coach, but just as important as that, he's got over 30 years of real experience... a 'piece of paper' is certainly nice, but it's no substitute for the combination of both experience and certification.

On PaddleAsia school trips, a professional-quality spine board (with head block) is included as is an emergency oxygen tank/mask kit. Our safety record is perfect, still, emergency preparedness is a top priority with us at all times.

PaddleAsia is fully licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and insured by the New Hampshire Insurance Company of Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.A. Click here for proof of insurance.

We look forward to designing a rewarding adventure for you. PaddleAsia will also assist you in developing a specific field of focus particular to your current studies.

Here is a list of some of the schools that have uses our services:

• World School Incorporated
• Singapore American School
• Bangkok Patana International School
• New International School Thailand (NIST Bangkok)
• New English School Kuwait
• Asia Pacific International School (APIS, Chiang Mai)
• Jakarta International School
• High Tech High School (San Diego)
• Rickardson High School (USA)
• Qatar Academy
• American International School (Dhaka)
• International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (Chiang Mai)
•United World College (Singapore)
• Saint Joseph's Institution (Singapore)
• Mayflower Secondary School (Singapore)
• National Dong Hwa University (Taiwan)

If you'd like to read about some of our previous school trips and see some photos, check out:
ISB - Wet and Wild in Khao Sok
SAS - Tarutao Residential Program photos

Community Service Opportunities

PaddleAsia works closely with the Yaowawit School for the orphaned, poor and disadvantaged youth of the region. This school is located in Kapong, just 90 minutes north of Phuket. You can see some images and read more on this page and this page. This school represents a great opportunity for more fortunate students to do some community service work. Here is a list of what the school needs. Here is an article from The Nation newspaper.

Sample Phang Nga Bay Kayaking Itinerary: Here is a sample four-day kayaking itinerary for Phang Nga Bay that we've operated for several schools. This is the perfect choice for upper-level awards. The bay offers the perception of remoteness, yet it is within easy striking distance to world-class medical facilities. The many islands makes navigation challenging and rewarding.

Here is some further information on the evolution of PaddleAsia and what we stand for.

Click here to see some photos from a Duke of Edinburgh trip in Phang Nga Bay with NES Kuwait students.

Our newest school group trip is an easy river kayaking trip down the Khao Sok River. This gentle river flows from Khao Sok National Park all the way to the Gulf of Thailand.

For high quality school trips in the Bangkok region, there's no better place to do this than The Wild Planet's Wild Lodge. Click on the logo to read all about it.

The resort is traditionally constructed using reclaimed hardwoods, sustainable & recycled materials and local skills. Our ongoing philosophy is to minimize impact on the environment with involvement and help from the local community. We promote energy efficiency and ethical employment practices, and contribute to the local economy where possible.

Another very happy group!

Note: If checking with other tour operators, please do the students a favor ask for proof of certification. It's easy to say you're certified and qualified. The government doesn't necessarily check that everything that everyone claims is true.

Certified

Dave is a BCU Level 2 Coach and is Level 3 Trained

Dave is an EFR instructor

Certified

Dave is a certified rescue technician

Certified