Skills Course Overview

The Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayak course is designed to refine and increase coastal kayaking skills for use in open water.

Course Objectives

Participants will be introduced to:

• Refining edge control for maneuvering and correcting course, balance, bracing, and overall boat control
• Refining the forward stoke and learning the side slip maneuver (static draw)
• Performing assisted and self-rescues in open water
• Using compass to hold course and chart to fix location
• Bow angle method of avoiding collision
• Refining open water towing technique

Skills Course Prerequisites

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
• Completion of Level 3: Coastal Kayaking Basic Strokes & Rescues skills course or equivalent skills

Minimum Personal Equipment for the Course

• Properly sized and outfitted kayak with front and rear flotation
• Standard gear and safety equipment (paddles, life jackets (PFDs), spray skirts, paddle floats, bilge pumps, and clothing appropriate for weather and immersion)

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

The selected venue should provide access to open water and at least one set of conditions within the following ranges, with constant access to safe landing and within 2 nm from shore:

• 15 - 20 knot winds