Anyone do it?

Am moving to the coast soon and am toying with the idea of getting one. Just want some info regarding costs, whether I need to / where I can to do a course, the equipment that I'll need, do I need to grow a beard and other recomendations.

I've only done a days training earlier this summer (with Cape Adventure, way up in the far North of Scotland) but looked into the costs etc. as I'd enjoyed it.

All in you should expect to be at least £750 or so for kit if you start with a reasoable touring Kayak (rather than a full-on sea kayak). My course used Perception Carolina 14 footers which are about £600 new. You'll also need a spray-deck (£40+), a paddle (£35+) and a bouyancy aid (£65+). You'll also need a wet-suit (or specific kayaking clothes) and a rack for transporting the kayak.

Why don't you try asking on
UK Rivers Guidebook (Sea & Surf Forum)
It's the canoe equivalent of Singletrackworld, and they tend to know more about sea-kayaking than the average mountain-biker!!!

Thanks Esme, just what I was looking for!