The purpose of the Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking Trip Leader (Level 4: OWCKTL) assessment is to prepare individuals who intend to lead other paddlers, either recreationally or professionally, in open water and moderate conditions in coastal environments (oceans, bays, large lakes, wide rivers, etc.). The emphasis of the assessment is on leadership. Successful completion of the assessment provides evidence of proficiency in the participant’s technical skills, as well as the knowledge and leadership necessary to plan and implement single day or multi-day trips appropriate for a group’s abilities in environments up to and including Level 4: OWCK conditions where more dynamic environments may limit decision times and where wind and wave noise may degrade communication.
For successful completion of the Level 4: OWCKTL assessment, an individual must demonstrate technical proficiency, appropriate trip planning, group management and leadership skills in Level 4: OWCKTL conditions. While this is not a teaching award, an Level 4: OWCKTL must also be able to provide basic tips to paddlers, as appropriate, to help them to paddle safely through the environment.
Two days (16 hours) minimum.
The selected venue must provide access to open water and at least three of the four conditions within the following ranges, with constant access to safe landing and within 2 nm from shore:
Conditions do not need to be simultaneously present and areas of escape from conditions must be available. The training venue shall provide a variety of leadership environments such as regions with boat traffic, surf zones, tidal races, and rocky headlands. Safe landings within 2 nm must always be available.
5 Participants: 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 10 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 10.