ACA LEVEL 2 Kayak Award

ACA LEVEL 2 Kayak Award

VENUE: Sheltered water, not a swimming pool

KAYAK & EQUIPMENT

q General purpose kayak or sea kayak equipped with suitable floatation, deck lines and grab loops

q PFD, spray skirt with release strap, paddle, food, drink, spare clothing, whistle

q Clothing suitable for immersion and appropriate to the conditions

STROKES & MANEUVERS

q LIFTING ~ CARRYING: good technique with a variety of options

q LAUNCHING: low dock/bank entering boat without use of paddle

q EFFICIENT FORWARD PADDLING: 200 meter paddle with reasonable steerage control

q EFFICIENT REVERSE PADDLING: 50 meter paddle with reasonable steerage control

q STOP: stop the kayak from a good speed, forwards or reverse

q ROTATE 360º ON THE SPOT: spin kayak using full forward and reverse sweeps

q PADDLE A FIGURE 8 COURSE: using reasonable steerage control

q DRAW SIDEWAYS: move the boat sideways 5 meters using good directional stability

q PREVENT CAPSIZE: effective low and high brace, both sides, with boat off balance to waist

q RUDDERING: trailing stern rudder to keep the boat straight at reasonable speed

q TURNING ON THE MOVE: sweep strokes while underway to turn boat

q TURNING ON THE MOVE: sweep followed by a low brace turn with onside tilt to assist

q LANDING: at low dock/bank under control without use of paddle and no damage to boat or bank

RESCUE & RECOVERY

q WET EXIT: capsize and wet exit with sprayskirt attached with and without use of grab loop

q DEEP-WATER RESCUE: assisted drain and re-enter both as victim and rescuer

q SWIM RESCUE: swim to shore (~25 meter) in full paddling gear and drain boat

q RAFTING UP: for stability

q PADDLE FLOAT SELF RESCUE:

BEGINNINGS

q SCULLING DRAW: comfort with good paddle articulation

q ESKIMO RESCUE: assisted recovery as victim and rescuer, using partners bow or stern

q EDGING ~ BOAT TILT: paddle a circle while edging both on and offside

q SCULLING FOR SUPPORT: support from proper blade articulation and rotation

KAYAK TRIPPING

q ONE DAY TRIP: Show evidence of at least one day trip of at least 5 nautical miles

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

q EQUIPMENT: have a working knowledge of paddling equipment

q SAFETY: understand the dangers of kayaking and how to avoid trouble

q HYPOTHERMIA ~ HYPERTHERMIA: understand body heat control

q ENVIRONMENT ISSUES: understand ecology, seamanship and water sense

q TRIP PLANNING: comfortable in preparing for a short day trip

q GROUP AWARENESS: familiar with whistle and paddle signals and group dynamics

q GENERAL: familiar with the different disciplines of paddle sport

q SECURING BOATS TO RACK: attach kayak to roof rack using rope and suitable knots