Sea Kayaking & Coastal Expeditions Guide

Hi, I’m Rodion—born by the Black Sea and shaped by the cliffs and currents of Crimea. After starting out on the docks, I moved into guiding and have spent more than five years leading water-based tours in Crimea and Turkey. Today, I guide small groups with a Montenegro-based kayak and SUP team, sharing paddling and rescue skills while exploring turquoise waters, sea caves, and quiet beaches. For me, a great trip is about feeling confident on the water, working well as a team, and enjoying the journey together.

Off the water I edit trip footage, trying to make paddling feel welcoming to newcomers without losing respect for the sea. Whether it’s a calm dawn crossing or a windy downwind run, I aim for the same result every time: solid teamwork, simple systems, and that quiet satisfaction when the kayaks slide onto the sand at day’s end. 

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified & credentialed

Verified credentials that underpin every adventure.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The record behind the record

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Led dozens of multi-day sea kayak expeditions, navigating complex coastal routes across the Black, Mediterranean, and Adriatic seas.

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Advanced from a dock assistant to a lead expedition guide, transitioning from supporting logistics to fully managing multi-day sea voyages.

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Key contributor to establishing and scouting Mediterranean sea-kayaking routes along the Turkish coast.

Certified in advanced ISKGA safety, rescue, and expedition modules under the direct mentorship of renowned trainer Lee Waters.

SAFETY

Safety is the protocol

I plan every coastal trip around safety: I brief the group on conditions, kit and communication, and I stick to conservative weather windows. In our practice we take first-aid courses annually, register each trip with EMERCOM, and carry a GPS tracker and a satellite phone so support can reach us even off-grid. Your job is to paddle and enjoy the coastline; my job is to manage the route, pacing and decisions so we land safe and happy.

Ready to dive with Rodion?

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