Sea Kayaking Level Three Skills Course

(4 days) Kayak with confidence and competence!

In this exciting four-day course, you will learn the skills necessary to embark on multi-day sea kayak trips to wilderness settings with coastlines exposed to ocean swell and surf. You will learn how to launch and land safely at a surf beach, and how to brace in surf to prevent a capsize. You will also learn how to use timing and finesse to make your kayak respond quickly and accurately to changing situations, such as conditions found in surge channels and rock gardens. As an advanced paddler, you may be responsible for the safety of others in your group. As such, you will learn leadership and judgement skills to keep you and other paddlers in your group safe. This practical course takes place in the field, so you’ll take part in a multi-day kayak trip as you develop your paddling technique, improve your navigation skills, and further your camping skills. This course teaches you the necessary components for Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-3 Skills Certification.

2012 Dates: Aug 23–26

Location: Clayoquot Sound (Tofino, BC)

Course Cost: $550

Kayak and Paddling Gear Rental: $90

Ages: 16 and up

Prerequisites:

Before taking this course, we recommend that you have Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-2 Skills Certification or equivalent skills and knowledge (see below for a list of specific prerequisite skills). As well, you should have overnight kayak tripping experience comprising extended trips of 2 or more days and totaling 10 overnights. Specifically, prior to the course, you should have previously received instruction on how to correctly perform intermediate-level paddle strokes, including:

• Edging your kayak
• Low and high brace
• Sculling for support
• Forward and reverse turning on edge
• Slipstream (hanging draw) stroke
• Low brace and high brace turns Bow rudder and cross-bow rudder strokes

In addition, you should have previously received instruction on how to confidently perform rescues, including:

• Assisted and solo rescue techniques
• Towing
• Rolling (it is recommended that you have received instruction in rolling and have attempted to roll, although a ʻbombproof' roll is not required before taking this course)

It is recommended that you also possess the following licenses and certificates prior to entering the course:

• Wilderness First Aid (16 hours) with CPR is strongly recommended
• VHF radio operators license is recommended
• Bronze Medallion swimming and life saving (or equivalent) is recommended

For your safety and enjoyment, and for the safety and enjoyment of others in the program, please ensure you enter the course with the prerequisite knowledge, skills, and experience. If you are unsure about your level of experience, please give us a call.