The Level 2 Essentials of Sit-On-Top Kayak Touring (ESOTKT) kayaker is a competent paddler in mild, protected waters (coastal waters, inland lakes, and gently flowing rivers) with regular access to landing areas. They have the judgment to know when they should not paddle and have a plan for when things do not go as expected. This is an entry-level to the coastal kayaking discipline of the American Canoe Association. Whereas Level 1 kayakers paddle in completely sheltered areas, Level 2 kayakers are honing newfound skills and challenging themselves to venture out and explore sheltered bays, inlets, and rivers.
This ACA Skills Assessment course evaluates a participant’s ability to perform the skills listed and demonstrate appropriate knowledge. The assessment course provides the participant with the opportunity to receive documentation of having achieved an L2 level of paddling ability.
Note: The course is designed to be delivered by a L2 ESOTKT Instructor or L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring (EKT) Instructor. L2 ESOTKT Instructors can assess only paddlers using sit-on-top kayaks whereas L2 EKT Instructors may deliver either type of L2 Skills Assessment course.
One Day (8 hours) minimum
Assessors shall choose a location that offers calm and protected waters with constant access to landing areas. The assessor shall keep the participants within 0.5 nautical miles of shore during the course. Conditions during the assessment shall be:
5 Participants: 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 10.
A Level 2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Instructor, Level 2 Essentials of Sit-On-Top Kayaking Instructor, or any higher-level Coastal Kayak Instructor is qualified to deliver this course. Sit-on-top kayak Instructors may only provide this course to sit-on-top paddlers.
Preparing for this Assessment: The document “Level 2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Training Guidance” provides guidance on how to train for paddling in Level 2 conditions and helps prepare kayakers for this assessment course.
Assessor’s Guide and Field Grids: The Level 2 Essentials of Sit-on-Top Kayak Touring (ESOTKT) Assessor’s Guide is the companion document to the Level 2 ESOTKT Skills Assessment document. ****Assessors shall use the Assessor’s Guide for guidance on delivering the course and ensuring compliance with standards for Level 2 ESOTKT paddlers. Assessor Guides include guidance on what constitutes Exceeds, Meets, and Below standard for each skill. Also provided are Single-Paddler and Multi-Paddler Field Grids designed for the assessor’s use when delivering this course.