Skills Course Overview:

The Essentials of Surf Kayaking Skills course is designed to introduce beginning paddlers to the basic elements of surf kayaking in smaller, more maneuverable, and venue appropriate boats including sit-on-top kayaks (with or without thigh straps), whitewater kayaks, surf-specific kayaks, and wave-skis. The emphasis is on awareness of the ocean environment, and introducing skills to enhance safety, maximize enjoyment and fun.

Coastal kayaking surf skills are included in ACA Coastal Kayaking curriculum.

Course Objectives:

• Safety – Learn about the surf zone environment, surf etiquette, self-rescues and assisted rescues
• Skills – Introduce paddle strokes and techniques to catch and ride waves safely
• Fun – To promote the inherent enjoyment and rewards of paddling in the surf zone

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:

The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants.

(5 or more hours).

Course Location / Accessible Venues:

Gently sloping sandy beach with mild surf, consistently spilling waves, with access to flat, protected water.

• Winds less than 10 knots
• Waves less than 3 feet (1 meter)
• Current less than 1 knot

Note: When selecting a venue, careful consideration should be given to hazards including other surfers, rip currents, long- shore drift, rocks, and human-made structures.

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 Surf Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.