Course Overview
The River Kayaking course is a program emphasizing safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition for entry-level through intermediate individuals in public, private and commercial settings.
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
Sections of rivers rated up to and including class I-II, where limited maneuvering in current is required to avoid obstacles.
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 3: River Kayaking (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.
Succeeding Courses
- Level 3: River Kayaking 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 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
- Launching, carries, landing