Skills Course Overview

The Coastal Kayak Rough Water Maneuvering, Towing and Rescue course is designed to teach paddlers how to read and surf waves with good boat control

Course Objectives

Participants will be introduced to:

• Plan a rough water outing
• Practice decision-making process to manage risk
• Determine proper equipment
• Practice group formations and communicate in rough water
• Perform advanced strokes in rough water
• Perform towing exercises in rough water
• Perform self and assisted rescues in rough water with loaded boats
• Launch and land through moderate surf, if available
• Transit through areas of moderate current or tidal rip where necessary, if available

Skills Course Prerequisites

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
• Completion of an open water course and proficiency and experience in executing all strokes, maneuvers and techniques in open water.
• A reliable roll and the ability to aggressively self-rescue required

Minimum Personal Equipment for the Course:

Properly sized and outfitted sea kayaks with front and rear flotation and related paddling and safety equipment (I.e. paddle & spare, PFD, spray skirt, tow rig, paddle float, bilge pump, wet/dry suit & hypothermia kit if necessary, helmet, first aid kit, repair kit, emergency signaling devices appropriate for the time and area of travel, extra clothes, food and water).

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).