Intermediate River Kayak Skills

Emphasis for this course is placed on understanding the principles of moving water and kayaking safety.

General Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to confidently navigate Class II rapids on rivers that contain a mix of Class I/II rapids in a group setting.

Prerequisites

Skills Certification

Beginner River Kayaking course or equivalent skills with the permission of the course director.

Paddling Skills

Participants must be able to perform a controlled and calm wet exit in current.

Kayak Type

Kayaks must have sufficient buoyancy, float bag/bulkhead, to float after a wet exit.

Equipment

A helmet approved for use in moving water.

Minimum Course Length

16 hours (2 days) minimum.

Class Ratio

1 Instructor:6 participants

Minimum Staff and Certification

One Intermediate Kayak Instructor.

It is strongly recommended to have a second leader with Advanced or higher skills certification for all courses. The inclusion of a non-instructor additional leader does not alter the number of participants allowed on the course.

First Aid and Other Training

Participants are encouraged to take a Basic First Aid course and a Swift Water Rescue course.

Environmental Conditions

All maneuvers and skills are to be performed on Class II Moving Water, unless otherwise specified.

Please see Moving Water Classifications for specific definitions of water classifications.

Participant Assessment

Assessment at the Intermediate Skill level happens throughout the program. The participants must show safe river habits. All skills are to be performed with control. There is an expectation that at this level Eddy turns are consistent and smooth. A successful candidate should be able to paddle as part of a group on a Class I/II river, and be able to identify higher classed rapids, so they can be portaged.

Learning Outcomes

Safety Skills

The participant will:

• demonstrate all rescue skills introduced at Beginner Level in Class II water, and
• demonstrate Rolling in Class II current with no obstacles, at least once; a consistent roll is not required at this level.

Teaching Note

The roll at this level should be performed in a safe and easy location with reasonable moving current. While there is no maximum number of attempts, the instructor should feel confident that the participant’s roll is developed enough to be a realistic rescue option in calm conditions.

Paddling Skills

The participant will:

• perform all skill items from the Beginner River Kayaking level in Class II water, and
• perform all paddling skills using effective body mechanics, including rotation and proper paddle technique.

Eddy S-Turn

The participant will peel out into the main current (eddy in), stop the turn when the bow is pointing at, or above the target eddy, paddle diagonally across the current, and eddy out into an eddy on the other side.

Teaching Note

The same criteria listed in eddy turns in the Beginner River Kayak level must be met to a higher proficiency.

Jet Ferry

The participant will:

• begin in an eddy with an adjacent eddy across the river at a reasonable distance to allow for success, and
• utilize edging, boat angle, effective paddle strokes, and a small wave or friendly hole to jet across the current and into the eddy on the opposite side with minimal to no down river travel while executing the maneuver.

Teaching Notes

The participant should show consistent edging, exaggerated angle and good speed while performing this skill.

Effective choice of exit position from initial eddy to facilitate a clean entry onto the small wave is desired at this level, but not required.

Hydraulic Control

The participant will:

• enter and exit a small friendly hydraulic, maintaining control and proper edging to avoid capsizing, and
• demonstrate knowledge of how to move around in the hydraulic left, right, forward, back, and attempt to exit the hydraulic by carving off.

Teaching Note

Emphasis should be put on proper body position and balance to remain upright, and using the properties of the hydraulic to their advantage. This isn’t about playboating, but demonstrating comfort and control.

Static Draw

The participant will:

• demonstrate effective use of a static draw to make a quick sideways movement in the current without changing boat direction,
• demonstrate effective use of a static draw to enhance the turn coming out of an eddy, and
• use proper body position and angle to prevent possible injury.

Teaching Notes

Done incorrectly this stroke can expose the shoulder to injury, as such participants may demonstrate this in Class I conditions. This should be done with elbow down and upper hand at face height.

The stroke must be finished with a forward stroke, and speed should be maintained throughout the turn.

Sculling

The participant will:

• use a sculling draw to move the kayak to the left, right and diagonally, and
• demonstrate a sculling brace for effective support.

Teaching Notes

Sculling braces should be done during a simulated capsize, as part of an effective low or high brace.

There is no minimum distance when using the sculling draw for movement, the emphasis should be on effective body and blade position, and proper technique.

Theory

The participant will:

• demonstrate an understanding of all theory items from the Introduction Beginner River Kayaking level, and
• start to show an understanding of how a paddler can utilize river features to move the boat effortlessly around the river.

Teaching Note

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the classifications of water, and how to identify water that is above Class II is critical for this course.