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Quickstart Your Kayak(Sample Skills Course)

Course Overview: The Quickstart Your Kayak workshop is a brief introduction to paddling a kayak.Students are presented with basic information on dressing to paddle safely and potential hazards andsimple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely andcomfortably maneuver on still water.

Course Objectives: To make available a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry level

paddlers.

Essential Eligibility Criteria: In order to participate in an ACA Skills Course, each participant mustsatisfy the following essential eligibility criteria:

Be able to independently participate in all individual skills and activities listed in the course

outline while also maintaining an appropriate and safe body positionBe able to hold their breath while under water and, while in the water wearing a properly fittedlifejacket, be able to independently turn from a face down to a face up position keeping their headabove waterBe able to effectively communicate with the instructor and other course participantsBe able to manage all personal care independently, or with the assistance of a companionBe able to manage all personal mobility independently, or with the assistance of a companion

Course Prerequisites: None

Instructors: ACA Level 1: Introduction to Kayak Instructor (or higher)

Course Duration: Three hours or more at instructor’s discretion

Course Location / Venue : Calm, flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with noapparent current and within swimming distance of shore.

Class Ratio - 1 Instructor to every 5 students (1:5) / 2:10 with an additional instructor or qualifiedassistant

Succeeding courses :Level 1: Introduction to KayakingLevel 2: Essentials of River KayakingLevel 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring

The following is a general summary of course content for the Quickstart Your Kayak course. Thecontent covered and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, classlocation and time allowance.

Note: Use of sprayskir ts is not part of the QuickStart Your K ayak Cur r icul um Course Content

Introduction, Expectations, & Logistics: Welcome, introductions, paperwork

Student & instructor course expectationsand limitationsCourse itinerary & site logistics

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Quickstart Your Kayak(Sample Skills Course)

Review waiver, assumption of risk,challenge by choice, medical disclosureAbout the ACAPFD policy (always wear on water)Appropriate personal behavior

No alcohol / substance abuseProper etiquette on & off the waterRespect private propertyPractice Leave No Trace ethics

The Paddling Environment: WindWavesWeatherWater

Personal Preparation: Personal abilitySwimming abilityWater comfort & confidenceFitness, conditioning, and warm upSafe paddle and boat handlingSafety and rescue considerations

Personal equipment (reviewed byInstructor)Judgment. In addition to learning hardskills, the importance of developing

personal judgment and groupresponsibility increases on moredifficult paddling venues.

Safety & RescueLife jackets (PFD)Possible Hazards:

Current

Strainers3 W’s - wind, waves, weather

Cold Water Shock / Hypothermia-Help& Huddle, appropriate clothingHyperthermia-hydrate often and early,appropriate clothingRescue:

Rescue Sequence: RETHROG

Rescue Priorities: people, boats,gearDemonstrate or Discuss:

Water confidence and comforttestEffective rescue techniques

EquipmentKayak: types, parts, materialsPaddles: types, parts, hand positions,sizing

Getting StartedCar Topping: racks, tie downs, loadingand unloadingKayak CarriesLaunching: from land or docksTrimPositions of paddle and postureTerminology: onside, offside, etc.

ManeuversForward: Hull moves forward in astraight line.Forward Stopping: boat stops within areasonable distance.Spin: (onside & offside) Hull pivotsfrom standstill.Turn: Hull turns while underwayAbeam: Hull moves sideway fromstandstill

Conclusion & Wrap Up: Group debrief / Individual feedback

Course limitationsImportance of First Aid & CPRImportance of additional instruction,

practice, experienceImportance of appropriate level of safety& rescue trainingDemo advanced maneuversLife sport / Paddling optionsLocal paddling groups / ClubsHandouts / Reference materials

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Quickstart Your Kayak(Sample Skills Course)

ACA Membership formsCourse evaluationParticipation cards