Level 3: Coastal Kayaking Basic Strokes & Rescues Skills Course Skills Course Overview The Coastal Kayak Basic Strokes and Rescues course is designed to introduce basic coastal kayaking skills and safety to beginners. Course Objectives Participants will be introduced to:

• Proper fit and adjustment of their kayak for effective control and comfort
• Attaching and releasing the spray skirt
• Safely entering and exiting kayak, including wet exit
• Effective use and control of the paddle
• Performing basic strokes efficiently
• Performing T-rescue and Paddle float self rescue
• The importance and influence of weather and tides on the coastal kayaker
• Dealing with marine hazards and other safety issues
• Understanding personal limitations and skill level

Minimum Personal Equipment for the Course:

• Properly sized and outfitted kayak with front and rear flotation.
• Standard gear and safety equipment (paddles, PFDs (lifejackets), spray skirt, paddle floats, bilge pumps, and appropriate clothing for weather and immersion)

Course Prerequisites

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
• Agree to comply with the ACA Code of Conduct
• No prior paddling experience or training is required to participate in this course

Course Duration The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants. Suggested time: Half a day to one day (4-8 hours). Course Location / Accessible Venues Lakes or coastal waters with potential areas of exposure to mild wind and wave conditions, with constant access to safe landing and within 1.5 nm from shore:

• 10 - 15 knot winds
• 1 - 2 foot waves (chop) (0.3 – 0.6 meters)
• 1 - 2 foot surf (0.3 – 0.6 meters)
• 1 - 2 knots of current

Course Size 5 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2. For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 7. Instructor This course may be offered by Level 3: Coastal Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators. Succeeding Courses Level 3: Coastal Kayak Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement Skills Course Level 3: Coastal Kayaking Skills Assessment Course Outline The following is a general summary of content for this course. The content and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location and time allowance. Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics:

• Welcome, introductions, paperwork
• Student and Instructor course expectations and limitations
• Course itinerary and site logistics
• Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure
• About the ACA
• Life jacket policy (always wear on water)
• Appropriate personal behavior
  • No alcohol / substance abuse
  • Proper etiquette on and off the water
  • Respect private property
  • Practice Leave No Trace ethics

Paddling Environment:

• Wind
• Waves
• Weather
• Water

Personal Preparation:

• Personal ability
• Swimming ability
• Water comfort and confidence
• Fitness, conditioning, and warm up
• Safe paddle and boat handling
• Safety and rescue considerations
• Personal equipment (reviewed by Instructor)

On Shore Presentations:

• Equipment orientation
• Personal clothing and gear
• PFDs, wetsuits, spray skirts
• Safety equipment
• Basic boat design and kayak terminology
• Boat fit and adjustment
• Boat/body weld
• Foot brace adjustment
• Spray skirt attachment/release
• Dry land “wet exit” drill
• Paddle orientation and use
• Correct hand placement
• Control hand/relaxed grip
• Torso rotation and paddler’s box

Launching & Landing / Wet-exit practice & Kayak Orientation:

• Carrying kayak to and from water
• Entry/exit of kayak from shore or dock
• Boat stability, “hip wiggle,” edging
• Practice wet-exits with one-on-one supervision by instructor (if in cold water environment, wait until rescue session)
• Wet exits must be modeled and taught two ways: (1) utilizing the spray skirt grab loop and (2) releasing the skirt off the hip.
• Allow students a few minutes to paddle around and get oriented with their kayak

Basic Strokes & Skills:

• Rafting up
• Sweep stroke (forward/reverse/pivot in place)
• Forward Stroke
• Reverse stroke and stopping
• Draw stroke
• High and low braces (hip snap/boat edging/lower body control)

On Land Discussion Items:

• Weather conditions
• Chart use
• Tides and currents (if applicable)
• Signaling and safety devices

Deep Water Rescues: Note: Use stirrup if necessary

• Demonstrate and practice T-rescue
• Demonstrate and practice paddle float, and other self-rescues
• Demonstrate and practice towing, contact tow, as well as in-line tow
• Bonus: Reentry and roll with Paddle float

Group Safety Discussion:

• Group signals
• Staying together (i.e. lead/sweep)
• What to do in an emergency
• Dealing with boat traffic

Short Skills Development Tour:

• Continue to develop efficient stroke technique
• Practice course corrections
• Have fun

Conclusion and Wrap Up:

• Group debrief / individual feedback
• Course limitations
• Importance of first aid and CPR
• Importance of additional instruction, practice, experience
• Importance of appropriate level of safety and rescue training
• Demonstrate advanced maneuvers
• Life sport / paddling options
• Local paddling groups / clubs
• Handouts / reference materials
• ACA membership forms
• Course evaluation
• Participation cards

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