LEVEL 1: SMARTSTART PADDLING ORIENTATION: KAYAK
(SAMPLE SKILLS COURSE)
Course Overview:
Course Prerequisites:
None
Instructors:
ACA Level 1: Introduction to Kayak Instructor (or higher)
Course Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Course Location / Venue
Calm, flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with no apparent current and within swimming distance of shore.
Class Ratio: 5 students: 1 Instructor; with an additional instructor or qualified assistant the ratio can be 10 : 2
Succeeding courses:
Level 1: QuickStart Your Kayak
Level 1: Introduction to Kayaking
The following is a general summary of course content for the SmartStart Paddling Orientation – Kayak course. The content covered and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location and time allowance.
Course Content
Introduction, Expectations, & Logistics:
- Welcome, introductions, paperwork
- Student & instructor course expectations and limitations
- Course itinerary & site logistics
- Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure
- About the ACA
- PFD policy (always wear on water)
- Appropriate personal behavior
- No alcohol / substance abuse
- Proper etiquette on & off the water
- Respect private property
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics
The Paddling Environment:
- Wind
- Waves
- Weather
- Water
Personal Preparation:
- Personal ability
- Swimming ability
- Water comfort & confidence
- Fitness, conditioning, and warm up
- Safe paddle an d boat handling
- Safety and rescue considerations
- Personal equipment (reviewed by Instructor)
- Judgment. In addition to learning hard skills, the importance of developing personal judgment and group responsibility increases on more difficult paddling venues
Note: Please understand that all classes must have a minimum of 3 participants in order to be scheduled. Upon registration you will be contacted by one of our instructors in order to schedule a time and date for your instruction. However, in the event a class can not be scheduled within the first 30 days of payment, based on our availability (not yours), you will be granted an upgrade to Quick Start Program at no additional Charge