Course Overview

The Advanced Whitewater Kayaking course is designed to refine and extend the judgment and technique of intermediate paddlers on class III to IV whitewater. This course is not to be taught on water of greater difficulty than class IV. To introduce advanced techniques including boat control, playboating and river running as appropriate to the site.

Judgment, Safety and Rescue Objectives

This course will use on-the-water scenarios to assess risk, evaluate rapid features and complexities, develop strategies, and nurture good judgment. Course will emphasize use of proactive, aggressive rescue skills stressing self reliance. This course should only be taken by those with a reliable river roll and rescue skills.

Course Prerequisites

• Acknowledgment of personal compliance with the ACA Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC)
• Completion of an ACA Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking course or equivalent skills
• Proficiency and experience in executing all strokes, maneuvers and techniques needed for paddling on class III whitewater
• A reliable roll and the ability to aggressively rescue required
• Participation in a Swiftwater rescue course strongly recommended

Course Location / Accessible Venues

Minimum of class III whitewater / maximum of class IV whitewater. Site should include a variety of features to meet the course objectives. A rapid class includes rapids at the lower and upper ends of the difficulty range, designated “-“ and “+”  respectively.

Course Size

3 Participants : 1 Instructor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ratio can be 6 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 6.

For additional details, see SEIC Policy Manual Chapter 6.

Instructor

This course may be offered by Level 5: Advanced Whitewater Kayaking ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators.

Course Duration

One day (8 hours) minimum.

Succeeding Courses

• Level 5: Advanced Whitewater Kayaking Skills Assessment

Course Outline