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The
chart below is an outline of guidelines for participation on
club trips. These were reviewed by members at the monthly meetings
in April & May 2004 and updated in November 2004. Each successive
level assumes inclusion of skills & equipment from the level
before. The chart approximates British
Canoe Union Star 2, 3, 4 and 5 levels.
August 2007: items in bold are suggested additions.
Items with strikethrough are suggested deletions. Please send
comments.
Beginners who have kayaked less than four times
in the last 12 months are considered Level 1,
as are all paddlers in recreational kayaks (sit-inside kayaks
with no bulkheads). New club members must be assessed before
participation on level 2+ trips.
| Participant - Level 2 |
Asst Leader - Level 3 |
Group Leader - Level 4 |
Instructor - Level 5 |
| Paddling Skills
Able to move boat in desired direction with efficient
forward stroke, and stay on course (effective sweep strokes).
Understand bracing.
Wet exit - maintain contact w/ boat & paddle. Stay
calm for several seconds while upside down (panic free).
Deep water self-rescue within 5 minutes. Self-rescue
in cold water (under 60 degrees F).
Familiar with Eskimo rescues & can do a draw stroke.
Able to paddle at consistent pace for two hours (at 2.5 to 3 miles per hour).
Conditions: can handle
2-3 ft. following seas, motorboat wakes, wind 10-15 knots.
Has taken a beginner class
and forward stroke training. |
Paddling Skills Well-defined strokes, e.g. efficient forward stroke, reverse in
desired direction, edging while turning, sculling draw & sculling for support
Committed hi & lo braces on both sides
Learning to roll
Deep water rescue within two minutes. Cowboy, Paddle Float, Eskimo & T-rescues
Can paddle at least 3 to 4 hrs, 12
10 mi. Towing - basic
Conditions: Seas 3-5 feet,
wind 15-20 knots, fog, twilight.
Has taken stroke refinement
(Core Paddling or private lesson) &
rescue class (Club rescue practice or ACA Coastal
Kayak). |
Paddling Skills
Low brace/bow rudder turn
Can roll or perform self rescue within
two minutes.
Broad knowledge of rescue
methods, including 'hand of God', all-in rescue and TX.
Towing - contact tows,
in-line tows of multiple boats. Can quickly set up and
release.
Can paddle 5-7 hrs, 15 or more miles in a day.
Conditions: up to 3' surf, 3 knots tide
and 25 knots wind and can avoid bringing group into
such conditions!
Has taken Ready to Roll or Traditional Rolling
class (on the sea). |
Paddling Skills Conditions: more than 3' surf, tides over 3 knots, winds over 25 knots and
able to help others, not just look after self.
Experience & comfort
in: swells, peasoup fog, night paddling, open crossings
of at least 5 miles, paddling 20 miles or more in a day,
challenging coastlines (rocky cliffs and headlands), tide
rips.
Can handle wide range of mishaps, such as swamped kayak
(loss of flotation), thunderstorms, injured & frightened paddlers.
Certified by ACA or BCU. Attends update sessions. |
| Trip Preparation/skills Awareness to eat well & be hydrated before paddling.
Readily accessible supplies to protect self: hat, waterproof jacket, gloves, sunscreen,
etc.
Appropriate food/beverage: hot beverage (when water is below 60 degrees) & water,
high energy snacks. No caffeine or alcohol.
Know weather & tides
Navigation skills - where am I? Where am I going? can
follow a compass heading and compute a back bearing.
|
Trip Preparation/skills First Aid - hypothermia, blisters, cuts, sun exposure,
dehydration
Discipline to check participants' gear before launching.
Awareness to regularly check for individuals' safety & comfort while underway and
to ensure no one is paddling alone (more than one minute from another paddler)
Good weather awareness - adjusts plans at first
signs of weather change.
Navigation -can read charts
and plan short trips. Can determine heading, distance
& ETA for a course segment while underway. Knows rules
of precedence, crosses channels safely. |
Trip Preparation/skills First Aid & CPR course taken. Knows how to summon help.
Well developed group awareness & leadership skills
& experience, as from scouts, teaching, management.
Able to manage 'slow' as well as 'fast' paddlers.
Navigation - can use chart, compass & tide info to plan
a single or multi-day trip.
Use of VHF radio.
Ability to read sky & sea to anticipate weather &
wave changes, obstructions in water, current changes. |
Trip Preparation/skills Wilderness First Responder desireable
Navigation - can pilot in fog and darkness. |
| Boat & Gear
Kayak with 2 bulkheads or SOT; min. 14' long and designed
for sea conditions; reflective tape on boat &
paddle.
If SI, spray skirt, pump & paddle float. Paddle leash
& repair materials or spare paddle
recommended.
Chart of local area or local knowledge, carries a compass. |
Boat & Gear
Quick-release tow belt, preferably integral to
pfd. Waist type okay if worn at all times.
Well-fitted kayak (secure hip & thigh bracing); thigh
straps are recommended for sit-on-top.
Deck-mounted compass recommended |
Boat & Gear Life vest with integral quick-release tow belt and pigtail.
First Aid Kit, spare clothing, pack towel, space blanket,
duct tape, stirrup, spare batteries for lights.
VHF radio |
Boat & Gear Boat repair tools |
Copyright 2005, Kayak Adventure LLC. All rights reserved.
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