2023 Paddle Canada Level 2 Kayak Course

$699 + tax per person

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2023 Paddle Canada Level 2 Kayak Course

Sept 6-10th - 2023

5-day program is the third step in the national certification program.

Safe Kayaking Level 2

Dates: Sept 6-10, 2023 

Location: St. Ann’s Bay, Cape Breton- North River Kayak

Cost: $ 699 + hst 

Includes: on site camping, course manual, certification, and group equipment. 

 

Excludes: Transportation, kayak and personal equipment, meals for the course. * Kayak, gear and drysuits rentals available if needed. 

 

Aim: To provide the skills and knowledge for proficient kayaking at sea in moderate conditions, on overnight trips along a moderately exposed coastline with frequent easy landing sites. 

 

Prerequisites:

Paddle Canada SeaKayak Level-1 Skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge.

Experience: At least 3, one day long, kayaking trips in different locations

Wilderness First Aid (16 hours) strongly recommended.

 

Location:

Moderately exposed coastline with frequent easy landing opportunities

 

Conditions

Moderate winds (12-19 knots), combined sea state less than 1-metre with a moderate

sea state. Surf < 1 meter. Current < 3 knots.

 

Introduction

This 5-day program is the third step in the national certification program.  It takes the participant from the shelter of level 1 condition and develops the skills and knowledge necessary for paddling on coastline in moderate conditions beyond day tripping. Candidates will be assessed on their ability to paddle on exposed coastlines including overnights in moderate conditions with others of similar ability. Students will be exposed to surf-beaches, swell and waves, open crossings, tidal currents, challenging navigation, and introduction to rolling. 

 

What You Will Learn

Efficient forward strokes

New maneuvering skills

Kayak rolling (intro) 

Towing and Advanced Rescues

Monitoring and predicting the weather

Land and water based navigation.

Food preparation and water purification

Shelter skills

Course Outline

 

This is a general outline for the Level 2 Course. We reserve the right to alter the schedule, as necessary.  Weather, logistics and the desires of the class may cause this schedule to be altered or changed.  The course covers a lot of material in a short period of time; candidates are discouraged from planning anything else during this period.  


 

July 13th-17th-2022

Day1 

Afternoon/ Evening – Introductions, Paddle Canada program & course overview

        - Safety / Risk 

        - Review of Level one skills and knowledge

 

Day 1 

Morning – Navigation - keeping un-lost 101

Afternoon – Strokes: basic control and turning, support and recovery.

Evening – Video & analysis of strokes & night navigation exercise

 

Day 2 

Morning – Weather - Tides - Currents

Noon – Review kayak equipment and design

Afternoon -- Strokes: maneuvering and towing, rolling and rescue review,

Evening -- Trip Planning

    - Prepare for trip and relax

 

Day 3 - Trip begins

Morning – All day – On the water navigation & leadership – paddle to TBA

Evening – Discussion on hypothermia, communication & evacuation 

 

Day 4 

Morning – All day – On the water navigation & leadership – paddle to TBA

Evening – Night Navigation - Reflection

 

Day 5 

All day – On the water navigation & leadership – paddle to TBA

Individual de-briefing

 

Equipment List

For the on-water training, candidates are expected to provide the following equipment. A more detailed equipment list will be forwarded upon registration. 

 

A seaworthy kayak with either float bags or bulkheads with secure hatches.  Paddle 

Spare paddle

Tow line with quick release

Pump

Cold water immersion gear

PFD

Whistle, or other louder than voice hailer

Additional communication equipment appropriate to the area including, but not limited to flares, VHF radio, cell phone, or satellite telephone.

Compass (marine or orienteering) – if a marine compass, additional tools to plot routes and lay lines of position.  Adjustable orienteering compasses must be set to 0.

An ability to insulate and warm a cold or hypothermic person, including the ability to serve a warm drink.

First aid kit

Repair kit

General Outcomes

For additional information on the outcomes of the course, please contact the Rising Tides

 

Strokes

Candidates will demonstrate a range of paddling skills such that they are able to maintain efficient control of the angle, motion, and tilt of their kayak in moderate sea conditions.  Strokes must be demonstrated on both sides.

 

Self Rescues

Candidates will demonstrate at least 1 self-rescue technique in addition to the working on the roll (no time limit). 

 

Assisted Rescues

Candidates will demonstrate at least 2 assisted-rescue techniques in moderate sea conditions.  The T rescue must be performed in less than one (1) minute.

 

Towing

Candidates will demonstrate contact tows, short-tows, and long tows in moderate sea conditions over a variety of distances.

 

Rescues

The candidate will combine a variety of rescue-techniques to successfully return a capsize victim to full function including getting the water out of the kayak, getting the victim back into the kayak, and ensuring the victim’s stability.

 

Navigation

The candidate will use a variety of navigation tools including charts/maps, compass, tides tables, and chart one to plan and execute a multi-day sea kayak trip in moderate sea conditions.

 

Weather

The candidate will use a variety of weather aids to make reasonable 6 to 12 hour weather predictions to be used within the context of a multi-day sea kayak trip in moderate sea conditions.

 

Communication

The candidate will demonstrate proficiency with a variety of communication techniques appropriate to the area of travel including arm, hand and paddle signals.  

 

Currents & Surf

Students will be exposed to tidal currents < 3 knots and surf < 3 feet. Students will demonstrate a variety of maneuvers including entering and exiting the current, ferries, and surf landings and launches.

 

Judgment

The candidate will demonstrate good judgment (a combination of knowledge, experience, and reflection) in their actions.