Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking Rock Gardening & Sea Caves

Skills Course Overview

The Coastal Kayak Rock Garden and Sea Cave Skills & Safety course is designed to teach paddlers how to paddle safely within rock gardens, run features, explore sea caves and perform self and assisted rescues in these dynamic environments

Course Objectives

Participants will be introduced to:

Dynamics of the rock garden; interaction of swell, wind and tide
Identification of hazards and safe areas
Selection of features for play
Setting up for and running a pour-over
Safe exploration of sea caves
Modification of existing rescue techniques to the rock garden and sea cave environments

Skills Course Prerequisites

Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
ACA Coastal Kayak skills at the appropriate level including bracing skills and a reliable roll or self-rescue

Minimum Personal Equipment for the Course:

Whitewater or sea kayaks. Sit inside or sit-on-top kayaks can be used. The more maneuverable, plastic sea kayaks may be preferable. All kayaks will have adequate flotation. Helmets, life jackets, and paddling clothing appropriate to water temperature are required.

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

Conditions shall not exceed the venue conditions for the level of the course; that is, an L3 course shall not exceed the venue conditions for the Level 3: Coastal Kayak Instructor Criteria; an L4 course shall not exceed the venue conditions for the Level 4: Open Water Instructor Criteria; and, an L5 course shall not exceed the venue conditions for the Level 5: Advanced Open Water Coastal Kayaking Instructor Criteria. An area of rock garden should have sufficient deep water and safe areas; sea caves should be back filled with sand or rock (debris free), and thoroughly inspected for hazardous tunnels and underwater obstructions.

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.