****The Level 3 Sit-On-Top Coastal Kayak kayaker is a competent paddler in coastal waters 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. The Level 3 sit-on-top coastal kayaker performs safely, effectively, and efficiently in various environments, including small waves and surf, rocky shorelines, or tidal currents. This ACA Skills Assessment course evaluates a participant’s ability to perform all the skills listed and demonstrate appropriate knowledge. The assessment course allows the participant to receive documentation of having achieved a Level 3 level of paddling ability.
Note: This course is designed to be delivered by a Level 3 CK Sit-On-Top Instructor or Level 3 Coastal Kayak (CK) Instructor. Level 3 CK Sit-On-Top Instructors can assess only paddlers using sit-on-top kayaks, whereas Level 3 CK Instructors may deliver either type of Level 3 Skills Assessment course.
One Day (8 hours) or more at the assessor’s discretion
Assessors shall choose a location with some exposure to conditions and regular access to landing areas. During the course, the assessor shall keep participants within 1.5 nautical miles of shore. Participants must be assessed while paddling in three of the four conditions below, but all three conditions do not need to be experienced simultaneously.
****In addition to the above, the location chosen by the instructor shall be conducive to assessing all skills in the “Core Skills'' categories and the skills in their selected “Venue Specific” category. The venues and associated skills have been set to an equivalent level of challenge, allowing for regional accessibility while maintaining standards.
5 Participants: 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 10.
This assessment course may be offered by a Level 3 Sit-On-Top Coastal Kayak Instructor, Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor, or any higher-level Coastal Kayak Instructor is qualified to deliver this course.