| Courses |
Intro to Kayaking Level lThis 4 hour class is meant to introduce non-paddlers to the sport with the emphasis on safety and fun. We will learn to move the kayak, forward, backward, sideways and to turn while paddling without a spray skirt. Class size is limited to 6 participants.
Basic Sea Kayaking-Level l and llThis 8 hour class builds on the Intro to Kayak class by adding the wet exit and simple assisted and self rescue techniques. We will take a closer look at strokes with the addition of braces and rudders. Class size is limited to 6 participants.
Intermediate Sea Kayaking-Level lllThis 8 hour class is intended for those with aspirations of club trip leading in moderate conditions. Students will practice their level l and ll skills in moving water, wind and waves. In addition, we will introduce deep water rescues, towing, blended strokes group management and the Eskimo Roll. We will debrief at the end to help students assess their performance and recommend their next step. Class size is limited to 6 participants.
Coastal Sea Kayaking-Level lVThis 16 hour class is intended for those leading trips in open water/open ocean. Students will practice their level lll skills in moving water, wind and waves and surf to three feet. The first day will be working in the surf zone to develop strategies in getting in and out successfully and recognizing hazards. We will finish the day with a basic navigation workshop and planning of day two. Day two will be an open coastal journey in or near rock gardens and ocean swell. In addition, we will practice deep water rescues, towing, blended strokes group management, navigation and the Eskimo Roll. We will debrief at the end to help students assess their performance and recommend their next step. Class size is limited to 6 participants.
Coastal Sea Kayaking-Level VThis 16 hour class is intended for those leading trips in open ocean. Students will practice their level lV skills in moving water, wind and waves and surf to five feet. This is an open coastal journey with an overnight bivouac on the open coast. In addition, we will practice deep water rescues, towing, navigation and the Eskimo Roll in or near rock gardens and ocean swell. We will concentrate on group and incident management and leadership skills. We will debrief at the end to help students assess their performance and recommend their next step. Class size is limited to 6 participants.
Currents WorkshopThis 8 hour class introduces students to moving water. We learn and practice ferrying, peel-outs and eddy turns in Deception Pass. Prior to entering the current we will practice low brace turns and discuss moving water rescue and recovery scenarios.
Eskimo RollingThis 4 hour workshop introduces this traditional recovery skill. While not difficult to learn, teaching yourself can be a frustrating process. We will break the roll down into its component parts, work on each part, then reassemble the whole. We recommend students use whitewater kayaks, but allow sea kayaks as well. Many students take this workshop more than once for a refresher.
Rescues and RecoveriesIn this 4 hour workshop students will practice both self and assisted rescues and recoveries including towing, contact tows and rescuing swimmers. We will discuss strategies to prevent capsize and practice bracing and sculling. Plan to get wet.
Stroke Enhancement Clinics with video analysisThis 8 hour clinic is designed to specifically improve stroke efficiency. We will discuss fitting the paddle to the boat and paddler. Students will learn how to get the most out of each stroke. After on water demonstration, activities and practice we will video tape each participant. After loading our gear and changing we will review the video to help identify strengths and areas of possible improvement. At the end of the clinic participants will have learned how to paddle more efficiently and, with less effort for a greater distance. Class size is limited to 6 participants.
Trip Leadership SeminarGood leadership is more a result of experience and assessment skills, than good paddling abilities. This eight-hour program is designed to enhance skills necessary to lead trips safely. We will examine all elements of trip leading both on and off the water. On land topics include Risk analysis and management, trip selection guidelines, prerequisites, peddler classifications, equipment, float plans, reports. On water topics include single and double rescues, towing and group and incident management exercises. This seminar is meant to encourage interaction among participants and provide an opportunity for both seasoned and novice leaders to develop their skills. It is not intended to be a skills class as much as it is a leadership forum. Seminar is limited to 16 participants.
Navigation WorkshopThis 8 hour workshop is broken into two parts. In the morning we will introduce the basics of piloting and dead reckoning. We will learn to plot a course, follow a heading and take a bearing and fix a position. Marine compass, handheld compass nautical charts, and Nav-Aid their use will be explained prior to lunch. After lunch we will practice on the water in actual conditions.
Surf Zone ClinicThis 8 hour clinic introduces students to the ocean surf zone with the emphasis on boat control in the surf zone. We will learn and practice launching, landing, and moving laterally in the surf zone.
American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor WorkshopsThe ACA instructor training consists of two parts; The Instructor Development Workshop (IDW), and the Instructor Certification Exam (ICE). The IDW is a prerequisite for the ICE and is designed to improve and refine your paddling, teaching and leadership skills, regardless of your current skill level. Participation and successful completion of both the IDW and ICE are necessary to receive your ACA instructor certification. Whether you chose to continue toward certification with the ICE or not, you will certainly become a better paddler, trip leader and teacher. The IDW focuses on modeling effective instruction of the skills, knowledge and techniques necessary for successful completion of the ICE, which is primarily an assessment process. In other words, the IDW is designed to “teach you how to teach kayaking” and the ICE demonstrates that “you can teach kayaking”. Included in both are video stroke analysis, peer reviews of both paddling and teaching skills and assessment by ACA certified Instructors and Instructor Trainer Educators. At the conclusion of the IDW, each candidate will be personally assessed and advised as to his or her readiness for entry into the ICE. The ICE is designed to evaluate each instructor candidate as to their overall skills as an instructor. A candidate must be proficient in: paddlesport general knowledge, the technical knowledge of coastal kayaking, teaching ability, efficient modeling and paddling skills and people management skills. You will need to go to the ACA website and download the course outline for Coastal Open Water. While there, explore the site fully and be prepared for some pop questions regarding ACA. The site is very complete and should answer most questions regarding ACA policy, course deceptions and protocol. Become familiar with it. The included schedule is very full so be prepared for some long hours and hard work. Though full of content, the schedule is flexible and may vary. You will provide your own meals and accommodation. We will be doing lunch on site and doing dinner along with a navigation workshop on Friday night in Anacortes. IDW Course requirements:
ICE Course requirements:
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