BEGINNER KAYAK TRIPS

No previous kayak experience is required.

• Beginners should expect to start on sit-on-top kayaks and progress to decked kayaks at the discretion of the trip leader.

• Spray skirts should either be: 1) not worn or 2) worn but not fully fastened around the cockpit.

• Beginners should look at the Intermediate skills to see what to practice or learn.

INTERMEDIATE TRIPS 

Individuals should be able to prepare and paddle their kayak without assistance, including:

• Set up your own boat & gear including spray skirt, paddle and foot pegs

• Get in and out of the kayak unassisted

• Demonstrate a wet exit in the water

• Understand skegs and rudders

• Perform forward and reverse strokes, turns, and a stop in three strokes

• Draw and rudder strokes

• Paddle at a moderate pace for at least 60 minutes without a break

• The above on-water skills, including the wet exit, can be demonstrated to a TL during the beginner paddler’s Intermediate Assessment

ADVANCED TRIPS 

Have mastered Intermediate paddler skills as well as the following:

• Self-rescue & towing

• Marine radio use

• Current and tide tables

• Weather knowledge (including lightning procedure, wind, CSO)

• Basic nautical rules and local knowledge

• Paddle at a moderate pace four hours or more

• Launch from land on a beach, or rocky shoreline

• Understand how to prevent hypo- and hyperthermia

• The above should be demonstrated to a TL during the paddler’s Advanced Assessment