We would like to do a little kayaking while in England. I'm thinking the best option is a day trip from York to the coast - maybe Scarborough? Anybody here with kayaking experience that could comment on places to rent boats? Or particularly nice paddles? We would prefer a place that has actual kayaks, not sit-ons.

Also, on the websites for a couple places that I've found, all the paddlers are wearing helmets. Um, this is sea kayaking, not whitewater - is that a typical thing in the UK for kayaking? If so, why? The only time I'd wear a helmet while paddling is Class IV or above whitewater.