Skills Course Overview

This course is designed as a program emphasizing safety, enjoyment, and skill development. The skills and knowledge gained through this course can set the stage for a lifetime of exploration, adventures, a healthy lifestyle, appreciation of water and the natural world, lasting memories with family and friends, and a rewarding experience for all - we paddle because it is fun.

The Essentials of Rafting - Oar course is for individuals interested in learning the skills required to efficiently row a raft on rivers with class I rapids. This course includes advanced river reading, safety considerations, and rowing techniques. This course is appropriate for properly outfitted rafts.

Skills Course Prerequisites

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
• Agree to comply with the ACA Code of Conduct
• No prior paddling experience or training is required to participate in this course

Course Duration

2 days (16 hours) minimum

Course Location / Accessible Venues

Moving water on rivers rated up to and including class I.

A rapid class includes rapids at the lower and upper ends of the difficulty range, designated “-“ and “+”  respectively.

Course Size

6 Participants : 1 Instructor ; with an additional instructor, the ratio can be 12 : 2.

For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 6.

Instructor

This course may be offered by Level 2: Essentials of Rafting - Oar (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.

Succeeding Courses

• Level 2: Essentials of Rafting - Oar Assessment, Guide Certification, or Instructor Certification Course
• Level 3: Rafting - Oar Skills, Assessment, Guide Certification, or Instructor Certification Course

Complementary Courses

• Level 2: Essentials of Rafting - Paddle Skills, Assessment, or Certification Course
• Level 3: Rafting - Paddle Skills, Assessment, or Certification Course

Course Learning Objectives

While navigating in this course venue, the participant will learn to:

• Identify whitewater features and hazards
• Become familiar with oar rafting equipment and the river environment
• Maneuver an oar raft