Level 2: Essentials of Sit-On-Top Kayak Touring (ESOTKT), is the discipline-specific beginning of a progression in paddling skills and technical knowledge. The Level 2 ESOTKT instructor certification program equips sit-on-top kayakers with the teaching, assessing, and leadership skills to provide safe and effective learning experiences in sheltered water. It is an entry point in the Coastal Kayak instructor scheme and, therefore, appropriate for paddlers who may not have prior experience as an outdoor educator. Sit-On-Top kayakers may choose to start their path to becoming an instructor at Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, depending on their paddling environment, skills, and goals.
Level 2 Instructor Candidates shall meet the standard for the skills and competencies outlined in the Level 2 ESOTKT Skill Assessment before starting instructor development. By the time of evaluation, they are expected to exceed the Level 2 skills and technical knowledge, including the “developing skills,” as identified in the assessment.
Instructor Candidates will focus on the instructing aspect of developing entry-level kayaking skills for those who wish to learn to kayak on sit-on-top kayaks in Level 2 conditions. In general, Level 2 Instructors can plan courses, deliver structured learning sessions, and can recognize and correct common errors. Successful candidates will lead and teach in sheltered water environments with minimal learning distractions. As with all levels of coastal kayaking instructor training, there will also be a focus on the planning and delivering of skills courses and skill assessments, as well as the role and responsibilities of an ACA Instructor.
Combined Instructor Development Workshop (IDW) and Instructor Certification Exam (ICE) or Instructor Certification Workshop (ICW)- minimum 4 days (32 hours).
Trainers shall choose a location that offers calm and protected waters with constant access to landing areas. The trainer shall keep the participants within 0.5 nautical miles of shore during the course. Conditions during the assessment shall be:
5 Instructor Candidates : 1 Instructor Trainer; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2. The maximum number of instructor candidates permitted is 10.
For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 6.
This certification course may be offered by Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring (or higher) ACA Instructor Trainers or Instructor Trainer Educators.