Skills Course Overview

The Coastal Kayak Tidal Currents course is designed to teach paddlers how to navigate in current, read and handle tide rips and related rough water conditions.

Course Objectives:

Participants will be introduced to:

• The basic dynamics of tidal currents (current speeds, eddies, flow direction)
• How to navigate in current
• How to control a kayak in current: cross eddy lines, ferry across current, and surf in tide rips

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, Level 4: Open Water Coastal Kayaking skills course equivalent skills

Minimum Personal Equipment for the Course:

• Properly sized and outfitted kayak with deck lines and adequate puncture proof flotation.
• Standard gear and safety equipment (paddles, PFD’s, and appropriate clothing for weather and immersion). Thigh straps are optional but recommended.
• Helmets should be worn in tide rips for protection during rescues.

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 2-4 knots of current, and a tide rip with a large eddy. Wind should not exceed 20 knots. Safe landings within 2 nm must be available at all times.

• 15 - 20 knot winds
• 3 - 5 foot waves (chop) (0.9 – 1.5 meters)
• 3 - 4 foot surf (0.9 – 1.2 meters)