Skills Course Overview:

The Surf Kayaking Skills course is designed for paddlers with previous flat water or whitewater or surf experience wishing to experience surf kayaking using 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 course introduces paddlers to the essentials of surf kayak technique and ocean safety considerations with an emphasis on 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

Course Prerequisites:

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
• Completed a Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking, Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring, or Level 2: Essentials of Surf Kayaking skills course, or possess equivalent skills and experience.

Course Duration

The course duration should be adjusted to best fit the needs and goals of the participants. One day (8 hours) or more.

Course Location / Accessible Venues

Sandy beach with moderate surf, mostly spilling waves with occasional steeper (plunging) waves during sets, with access to flat, protected water.

• Winds, if cross-shore or off-shore less than 10 knots, if on-shore less than 15 knots
• Waves less than 4 feet (1.2 meters)

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