Tuned in... with kmfm Breakfast DJ Emma Saint

Active Coast is a campaign run by Visit Kent to get more people enjoying the county’s coastline. It’s all about making the most of the beautiful surroundings that are right on our doorstep as well as keeping active and having a great time.

With summer quickly approaching Rob Wills - my co-presenter on kmfm Breakfast – and I thought we should go and check out some of the activities on offer.

We started off with a spot bit of kayaking at Greatstone. I’m not going to lie, the water wasn’t quite as warm as when you go abroad on holiday but you soon warm up! If you’ve never been in a kayak before but you like the sound of water sports then you should definitely consider going along.

You are given all of your equipment and told how to sit in the kayak and hold the paddles so that you aren’t wobbling all over the place. Trust me its easier than it looks and you’ll pick it up quicker than you think.

After the kayaking we headed to Lydd Lakes to try a bit of water skiing. Now I’ve been very lucky to ski from a young age so I was really excited about this activity. The instructors take you through all the basic safety requirements and make you feel really at ease. Once I had my wet suit on I started to get a little nervous – worrying I may be thrown in the air at 100mph.

I shouldn’t have worried, it didn’t happen like that at all and when I finally stood up I loved it. Its such a great feeling, hurtling across the water. What’s more it’s a real buzz being able to enjoying these activities in Kent rather than having to go elsewhere to experience these activities.

If you don’t fancy the water sports then why not check out a bit of cycling on some of Kent’s cycle routes? You can even join the long distance North Downs Way, following the historic Pilgrims Way to Canterbury like the old medieval travellers or discover the ancient fortifications along the Saxon Shore Way that runs all along the Kent coast.

There really is something for all the family and if you want more information on any of the activities on offer you can head to www.kentsplash.co.uk. This will also give you details of places close to your chosen activities plus where you can relax and enjoy some good food afterwards!