Course Overview
The Essentials of River Kayaking course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on gentle rivers.
Note: This course outline may be used for both spray skirted kayaks as well as non-spray skirted kayaks. Skills not applicable to non-spray skirted kayaks are followed by the notation: *
Skills Course Prerequisites
Course Duration
The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants. Suggested time: Half a day to one day (4-8 hours).
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:
5 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2.
For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 6.
Instructor
This course may be offered by Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.
Succeeding Courses
- For all kayaks:
- Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking Skills Assessment
- Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking Trip Leader Skills Assessment
- For kayaks with spray skirts only:
- Level 3: River Kayaking Skills Course and/or Skills Assessment
- Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking Skills Course and/or Skills Assessment
- Level 5: Advanced Whitewater Kayaking Skills Course and/or Skills Assessment
Course Outline
The following is a general summary of course content for the Essentials of River Kayaking skills course. The content covered and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class location and time allowance.
Introduction, Expectations, and Logistics
- Welcome, introductions, paperwork
- Student and Instructor course expectations and limitations
- Course itinerary and site logistics
- Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure
- About the ACA
- Life jacket policy (always wear on water)
- Appropriate personal behavior
- No alcohol / substance abuse
- Proper etiquette on and off the water
- Respect private property
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics
Paddling Environment
Personal Preparation
- Personal ability
- Swimming ability
- Water comfort and confidence
- Fitness, conditioning, and warm up
- Safe paddle and boat handling
- Safety and rescue considerations
- Personal equipment (reviewed by Instructor)
- Judgment. In addition to learning hard skills, the importance of developing personal judgment and group responsibility increases on more difficult paddling venues.
Getting Started