Level 1 Award

 

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ACA LEVEL 1 Kayak Award                       

VENUE: Sheltered water, not a swimming pool

KAYAK & EQUIPMENT

q     General purpose kayak or sea kayak equipped with suitable floatation, deck lines (recommended) and grab loops

q     PFD, , paddle, food, drink, spare clothing, whistle

q     Clothing suitable for immersion and appropriate to the conditions

STROKES & MANEUVERS

q     LIFTING ~ CARRYING:   good safe technique

q     LAUNCHING:   low dock or bank entering boat

q     EFFICIENT FORWARD PADDLING:   100yards paddle with reasonable steerage control

q     STOP:   stop the kayak from a good speed, forwards or reverse

q     REVERSE: 25 yard paddle with reasonable control, looking over shoulder

q     ROTATE 360º ON THE SPOT:  spin kayak using full forward and reverse sweeps

q     TURNING ON THE MOVE:  sweep strokes underway to turn boat

q     FIGURE OF 8:  Paddle a figure of 8 course using a variety of strokes

q     LANDING: return to dock or bank and exit boat

  BEGINNINGS

q       DRAW SIDEWAYS:  move the boat sideways 10 feet, both sides

q       RUDDERING:  trailing paddle  to keep the boat straight at reasonable speed

q       PREVENTING A CAPSIZE:   low brace recovery to prevent off balance boat from capsize

RESCUE & RECOVERY

q     WET EXIT:   capsize and wet exit, swim boat to shore and empty

KAYAK TRIPPING

q     ONE DAY TRIP:  Show evidence of at least one day trip of at least 5 nautical miles

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

q     EQUIPMENT:   have a working knowledge of paddling equipment

q     SAFETY:   understand the dangers of kayaking and how to avoid trouble

q     HYPOTHERMIA ~ HYPERTHERMIA:  understand body heat control

q     ENVIRONMENT ISSUES:   understand ecology, seamanship and water sense

q     TRIP PLANNING:    comfortable in preparing for a short day trip

q     GROUP AWARENESS:   familiar with whistle and paddle signals and group dynamics

q     GENERAL:   familiar with the different disciplines of paddle sport

q     SECURING BOATS TO RACK:   attach kayak to rack using rope and suitable knots or straps

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Last modified: January 16, 2023