Sea Kayak Level-2 Skills

Building on the skills developed in Level-1, Level-2 provides paddlers with the intermediate skills they need to go sea kayaking in class 2 conditions along semi-exposed shoreline with a possible overnight bivvy. Leadership, incident management, open-water rescue, self-care, and navigation are core parts of the curriculum.

General Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, the participant will be able to confidently sea kayak in class 2 conditions along moderately exposed shoreline in the company of one or more paddlers with similar skills and knowledge. The Level-2 paddler will be an asset to the group in all aspects of multi-day journeys with peers, including leadership, navigation skills and the ability to establish an overnight bivvy.

Course Details

Prerequisites

Skills Certification

Level-1 Sea Kayak Skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge at the discretion of the course director.

Paddling Experience

At least 3, one-day-long kayaking trips in Level-1 conditions in different locations.

Other Recommended Training

Wilderness first aid (16 hours) with CPR strongly recommended.

Minimum Course Length

32 hours of instruction (4 days) with a minimum of 20 hours instruction on the water.

Class Ratio

1 instructor:4 participants

1 instructor+1 assistant:6 participants

Minimum Staff and Certification

The instructor must be at least a Level-2 Instructor.

Any assistants must be at least Level-1 Instructors.

Environmental Conditions and Sea State

This course is run in coastal water class 2 conditions and/or currents class 2. To ensure a proper learning environment, moving water skills can be practiced and assessed on a class 2 section of a river. Please see Water Class Definitions and Water Classification for Rivers for a specific description of all water classifications.

Although coastal water class 2 conditions are defined as current speed of less than 3knots, instructors may conduct the course in up to 5 knots of tidal current if there are no significant hazards, in order to allow time to transit out of an area with increasing current speed.

In tidal waters, sea states will change over the course of the program. It is the instructor’s responsibility to ensure that environmental and sea state conditions for Level-2 are met. Certification is complete when all the key skills are demonstrated in class 2 conditions.

Teaching Notes

While there is no mandatory overnight camping component with this course, instructors can run a Level-2 in a wilderness setting with a camping component as long as the minimum requirements are still met.

Level-2 participants should be prepared with the necessary gear to keep warm, dry, and safe as part of an emergency overnight. While it isn’t expected that they come with enough gear for a multi-day trip, they should have enough gear for shelter, emergency food/water, extra dry clothing, and other key essentials. For example, a poncho, a tea-light candle, and a litre of water are not sufficient.

Any suggested teaching times listed are intended to be used as a resource for new instructors only. Instructors can use their discretion to shorten or lengthen suggested times as they see fit.

Prior Learning Evaluation

In the case of an exceptional participant with significant prior experience, knowledge, and evident skill; a prior learning evaluation (PLE) of Level-2 Skills for certification may be conducted. The evaluation is to be a two-day practical assessment of all aspects of the Level-2 program.

Final admittance to the PLE is at the discretion of the course director, who will ask for evidence to support claims of significant prior experience and knowledge, and evidence of skills.

Prior learning evaluations are on a pass/fail basis, with no option for a conditional pass. Participants should enter the exam with confidence and if they are uncertain about their ability to meet or exceed the standards, Paddle Canada strongly encourages participants to take the full training and assessment.

Participants who do not pass their PLE the first time are expected to take the full training course.

Participant Assessment

Assessment in Level-2 is done continuously throughout the program as the instructor observes the participant’s performance of each skill and overall development as a paddler.

Unless specifically noted, all Level-2 skills should be assessed with semi-loaded boats.

A skills checklist is available for this level and instructors are encouraged to use it to assist in both decision making and communication about a student’s progress. Refer to Assessment Guidelines for Skills Courses for details on pass/fail guidelines.

Sea Kayak Level-2 Skills Summary

Re-entry Skills

• Solo Re-entry
• Assisted Re-entry
• All-in Re-entry
• Bow Rescue
• Re-entry Exercises and Scenarios
• Introduction to Rolling
• Towing

Knowledge

• Equipment
• Introduction to Tides and Currents
• Wilderness Navigation Techniques and Chart/Map Work
• Weather Interpretation and Basic Forecasting
• Heat and Cold Issues
• Emergency Overnight
• Leadership and Decision Making
• Risk Assessment, Incident Management and Evacuation Options
• Knots and Ropework
• Collision Regulations

Paddling Skills

• Launching and Landing
• Forward Stroke
• Turning Strokes
• Sweep Strokes
• Low and High Brace Turns
• Bow Rudders
• Low Brace Recovery
• High Brace Recovery
• Draws
• Stern Rudder: Draw & Pry
• Paddling in Rough Water

Re-entry Skills

Solo Re-entry

The participant will:

• demonstrate techniques to re-enter the kayak unassisted by another paddler. The paddler must show confidence and control throughout the exercises and be able to be underway again in a timely manner, and
• demonstrate a solo re-entry using a sea kayak packed for an extended day trip, including emergency gear needed for an unplanned night out.

Teaching Notes

Capsizes must be done with a spray skirt in place and simulate an unexpected incident — either while paddling or attempting to brace or scull for support.

The re-entry is complete when the participant is back in the boat with the cockpit pumped, spray skirt attached, and is ready to continue paddling.

While there is no specific maximum time a participant can take, participants will demonstrate consistent and confident progression through the rescue without rushing.

Assisted Re-entry

The participant will:

• demonstrate multiple techniques to re-enter the kayak while being assisted by a peer as well as assisting others. The participant must show confidence and control throughout the exercises,
• demonstrate assisted re-entries in sea kayaks packed for an extended day trip, including emergency gear needed for an unplanned night out, and
• be made aware of the inherent risks in lifting/draining loaded boats and be introduced to other techniques to mitigate the risk of back or shoulder injury.

Use of Re-entry Aids

Paddle Canada is committed to inclusive, skill-focused leaning for paddlers of all body types and abilities. Re-entry aids such as paddle floats, stirrups, and other tools are welcome and encouraged in all courses, at any level. These tools do not need special permission to be used and using them does not prevent a participant from passing. They should, however, be used competently and in a way that that matches the skill level being taught.

Teaching Note

While there is no specific maximum time a participant can take, participants will demonstrate consistent and confident progression through the rescue without rushing.

All-in Re-entry

The participant will:

• participate in an all-in re-entry whereby two (or more) paddlers capsize and assist each other in emptying and re-entering the kayaks, and
• work together as a group to complete the activity in as short an amount of time as possible while still demonstrating good re-entry technique.

Teaching Note

The exercise is complete when all the paddlers are back in their kayaks, water is pumped out, spray skirts are attached, and all paddlers can continue paddling.

Bow Rescue

The participant will:

• right a kayak from a capsized position using another paddler’s assistance, emphasizing the use of a hip flick, and
• present some portion of a rescue kayak or paddle shaft to assist a paddler in righting him or herself in a timely and effective manner.

Teaching Note

While the bow rescue can be an effective method of recovery, its primary inclusion in the overall progression is meant as a tool to further develop hip flick/leg drive and the foundation towards rolling a kayak.

Re-entry Exercises and Scenarios

The participant will participate in a series of group or solo scenarios that increase in complexity and time. Scenarios will include difficulties such as seasickness, shoulder injuries, repetitive strain injuries, hypothermia, and leaky boats.

Teaching Notes

Re-entry exercises must require the participant to demonstrate control, confidence, and sufficient skill to complete exercises in a timely manner.

Exercises and scenarios can extend to returning an incapacitated paddler to shore, remediation of simulated hypothermia and calling for external assistance.

Exercises should include responses to problems that occur in camp or during launching or landing on shore.

Introduction to Rolling

The participants will:

• understand the benefits of having reliable rolling skills,
• be introduced to the safe body mechanics involved in performing a roll ,
• attempt the components of a roll with the guidance of an instructor in the water beside them, and
• know how to access further information and training for developing this skill (for example, books, videos, courses).

Teaching Note

Participants should be informed that a roll is a required skill for Level-3 Skills, and they should be strongly encouraged to seek out further rolling coaching prior to participating.

Towing

The participant will:

• demonstrate safe, efficient towing techniques in a variety of scenarios,
• demonstrate the use of a variety of tow systems such as long and short lines, pigtails, and deck mounted equipment,
• give examples of the inherent dangers of towing and how best to mitigate them, and
• outline the use of accessible safety knives as an entanglement rescue tool.

Teaching Notes

All towlines must be equipped with a one-handed quick release system.

Towing should be incorporated into several scenarios such as sea sickness, equipment failure or holding position at sea.

Paddling Skills

Launching and Landing

The participant will:

• demonstrate a variety of boat launchings and landings including beach and dock,
• if conditions allow, demonstrate a safe beach landing in gentle surf (knee high or less),
• if conditions allow, demonstrate a safe beach launch in gentle surf (knee high or less), and
• identify appropriate locations to launch and land which minimize exposure to surf and other water users.

Forward Stroke

The participant will:

• demonstrate an efficient forward stroke with attention to the catch, power, exit and recovery phases. The principles of leg and lower core engagement, smooth and proper application of cadence as well as use of leg muscles to drive hull will be part of the stroke development coaching, and
• demonstrate efficient and sustained forward paddling during a journey of 4 nautical miles in 2 hours.

Turning Strokes

The participant will:

• turn the kayak in each direction while in motion (with little loss of forward momentum) from the stern, middle and bow of the kayak, and
• demonstrate the turns in Level-2 conditions.

Teaching Note

Participants should demonstrate good edge control, proper torso rotation, and blade control that assists turning.

Sweep Strokes

The participant will:

• demonstrate effective leg drive for more power to assist with turning,
• look where they are going rather than watch the paddle blade, and
• experiment with both off and on-side edging.

Teaching Note

For enhanced power and boat control in Level-2 conditions, the concept of using both bow and stern quarter sweeps should be encouraged.

Low and High Brace Turns

The participant will:

• demonstrate low and high brace turns should be executed under forward momentum and initiated with a sweep stroke on the outside of the turn,
• state the potential risk of shoulder injury with these turns and how to mitigate it, and
• ensure proper body position for shoulder protection.

General Description

While in a low or high brace position, place the blade on the surface of the water with a slight lift on the blade’s leading edge, gently lean into the paddle and hold the kayak on edge, allowing the boat to turn without stalling out.

Proper and safe body position is critical with these turns.

The turn can be extended by rotating the blade toward the bow and completed with a forward stroke on the same side.

Bow Rudders

The participant will:

• demonstrate the bow rudder under forward momentum and initiated with a sweep stroke on the outside of the turn, and
• demonstrate the turn on both edges (inside versus outside of the turn).

General Description

The blade is placed in the water just ahead of the pivot point with the power face toward the boat and opened towards the bow. The top hand crosses the centreline of the kayak to support the paddle shaft.

Effective torso rotation toward the inside of the turn and an outside edged kayak should be evident throughout the turn when executed on flat water. The turn can be extended using a bow draw and completed with a forward stroke on the same side.

Bow rudders should be practiced as a way to turn the kayak while moving forwards, as a stroke to help enter and exit current, and as an effective way to transition from paddling across the wind to paddling upwind.

Teaching Note

Participants should be discouraged from resting the top hand on their shoulder. Keeping the hand lifted slightly provides for greater wrist comfort and paddle control.

Low Brace Recovery

The participant will:

• demonstrate an effective low brace recovery in class 2 conditions, and
• demonstrate proper body positioning for shoulder protection to protect against shoulder injury.

General Description

With the elbows up, forearms near vertical and wrists straight (stacked joints), the back of the paddle blade, or the non-power face, will make contact with the water.

The paddle blade is pushed down into the water for stability; however, the primary means of recovery is with the hip flick and proper torso and head motion.

High Brace Recovery

The participant will:

• demonstrate an effective high brace recovery in class 2 conditions, and
• demonstrate proper body positioning for shoulder protection to protect against shoulder injury.

General Description

With the elbows low and near the body, forearms near vertical and wrists straight, the power face of the paddle will make contact with the water.

The paddle blade is pulled down into the water for stability, however, the primary means of recovery is with the hip flick and proper torso and head motion.

Draws

The participant will incorporate confident edging into all draw strokes.

Pulling Draw

The participant will:

• use a draw stroke (with underwater recovery) to move the kayak directly sideways, and
• use edging to help with weight shift and power.

General Description

The torso will be well rotated towards the direction of travel and the paddle shaft vertical. The lower hand should be close to the surface of the water with the blade fully immersed in the water.

Sculling Draw

The participant will use a sculling draw to move the kayak directly sideways, as well as diagonally.

General Description

Body position should be similar to the draw stroke.

Hanging Draw

The participant will use a hanging (or running) draw to move sideways while moving forward, in order to avoid an object just ahead.

General Description

The torso should be well rotated towards the direction of travel and the paddle shaft vertical.

The lower hand should be close to the surface of the water with the blade fully immersed in the water.

Stern Rudder: Draw & Pry

The participant will:

• demonstrate the use of a stern rudder,
  • apply a stern rudder in neutral to maintain direction while paddling downwind on small waves,
  • apply a stern pry while paddling downwind on small waves, and
  • apply a stern draw while paddling downwind on small waves.
• demonstrate effective torso rotation for solid paddle placement while also looking forward and edging.

Teaching Note

Detailed description of the technique and body mechanics of stern rudders are outlined in Level-1.

Paddling in Rough Water

The participant will:

• demonstrate the foundation skills needed for paddling in rough water such as small surf and/or current,
• demonstrate an understanding of how a boat reacts to surf and current, and
• demonstrate a ferry across gentle current or wind using appropriate landmarks to maintain course.

Teaching Notes

Skills such as edging appropriately, bow and stern rudders for directional control, and bracing should be discussed in the context of moving water, and if possible, attempted in gentle current and breaking waves.

Any surf zone instruction should take place with knee-high waves or less.

Knowledge

Equipment

The participant will describe the key features and attributes of paddling equipment and clothing including:

• Advantages and disadvantages of various sea kayak outfitting/design variations.
• Sea kayak paddle and spray skirt features, designs, and materials.
• Advantages and disadvantages of foot, handheld, and electric pumps.
• Life jacket supplementary features designed for sea kayaking.
• Rescue and safety equipment features necessary for coastal kayak tripping.
• Clothing design and fabric attributes for paddling in harsh conditions.
• First-aid kit basics.
• Repair-kit general preparation and use.

Introduction to Tides and Currents

The participant will:

• state the basic science behind what tide is and how it can generate current,
• demonstrate how to locate and interpret relevant tide heights and current speeds from reference ports and stations in tides and currents tables or websites (for example, gc.ca),
• identify on a nautical chart where those values apply and make inferences on how they will manifest themselves given the local bathymetry in the surrounding areas,
• conclude what current speeds are manageable at a Level-2 skill level as well as how current interact with the sea state, and
• give examples of potentially hazardous environments due to tide and/or current activity.

Teaching Note

If appropriate for the specific teaching environment, it may be advisable to formally address secondary ports and current stations.

Wilderness Navigation Techniques and Chart/Map Work

General navigation teaching notes:

• Wilderness navigation is a core element of Level-2 and thus the instructor should incorporate elements of it into various segments of the course.
• All navigation content is to be taught in the context of a multi-day trip in Level-2 conditions regardless of whether the course will include camping.

Navigation: Planning

The participant will:

• complete a route-planning exercise that includes the following activities:
  • measure distance on a chart/map for a route that is at least 9 nautical miles in length. The proposed route should include a combination of shoreline paddling and short crossings, and
  • identify significant features along the route including prominent navigational features appropriate for piloting, alternate landing and camping sites, likely sources of water, and hazards.
• describe the advantages and limitations of a GPS for navigation.

Nautical Charts and Topographic Maps

The participant will:

• give examples of the benefits, drawbacks and applicable uses of both nautical charts and topographic maps,
• use charts and/or topographic maps to interpret aids to navigation and determine potential hazards as well as identify common symbols on a chart/map. Participants should be able to co-locate those features in the real world,
• use charts and/or topographical maps to determine possible launching/landing sites, possible campsites or other practical features for sea kayakers,
• orient a chart/map to the environment,
• use charts and/or topographical maps to navigate a route,
• confidently take a bearing from a chart/map, and
• confidently shoot and follow a bearing for at least 1 nautical mile.

Navigation: Journeying

The participant will:

• use wilderness navigation techniques in the context of a multi-day trip in level-2 conditions such as: piloting, including the use of handrails and backstops, aiming off, lines of position, deduced reckoning, and declination/variation/deviation,
• confidently use a compass for simple navigation,
• calculate the group’s speed, time, and distance traveled,
• give examples of how to identify or describe their position to the outside world using latitude/longitude and a local description,
• record dead reckoning data and calculations,
• determine and follow a range in either wind or current in Level-2 conditions,
• use ranges and other simple piloting methods to aid in navigation, and
• demonstrate an understanding of the difference between heading, bearing and course.

Weather Interpretation and Basic Forecasting

The participant will:

• describe local and regional weather patterns,
• identify 4 different types of clouds and what types of weather they likely precede,
• identify low- or high-pressure systems, cold/warm fronts and their effects on local/regional weather,
• identify the signs of weather change,
• describe the effects of wind over water or land including channeling/funneling, corner effects, land and sea breezes, fog, anabatic and katabatic winds,
• obtain and record a marine weather forecast via VHF, internet, or weather radio, and
• describe and apply backcountry lightning risk management and avoidance.

Heat/Cold Issues

The participant will:

• identify and describe symptoms, causes, effects of hypothermia and hyperthermia,
• state and demonstrate the basic treatment for hyperthermia with a focus on prevention and early intervention, and
• state and demonstrate the basic treatment for hypothermia with a focus on prevention and early intervention.

Emergency Overnight

The participant will:

• state the importance of being prepared for an emergency overnight as well as be familiar with the essential necessary gear,
• demonstrate how to set-up an emergency overnight shelter to keep warm and dry,
• demonstrate how to make an emergency hot meal as well as ensure water is safe to drink, and
• be prepared with the necessary gear in the kayak for a possible overnight emergency throughout the length of the course.

Leadership and Decision Making

The participant will:

• demonstrate effective leadership and decision-making in the context of leading peers,
• participate in scenarios and exercises that reflect differing styles of outdoor leadership,
• demonstrate group awareness by paying attention to the location and energy levels of other members of the group while on the water,
• demonstrate the ability to make good decisions for the group during simulated incidents, and
• lead the group effectively and safely on the water during designated segments of a day trip or environment transitions (for example, headlands, getting on/off the water).

Teaching Note

See Outdoor Leadership for more resources on outdoor leadership.

Risk Assessment, Incident Management and Evacuation Options

The participant will:

• complete a formal route plan for a multi-day journey that accounts for hazards and effectively manages risk,
• assess and mitigate risks as they apply to a multi-day journey with peers in Class 2 conditions,
• demonstrate a strong understanding of current risk assessment concepts and terminology,
• participate confidently in scenarios requiring a complex and efficient response,
• demonstrate effective group management formations for incident management while on the water,
• explain various pieces of technology available to summon help in the event of an emergency. This can include VHF radios, personal locator beacons, satellite messengers, flares, and
• state the procedures for evacuation as well as how to summon outside help (Canadian Coast Guard, police or local search and rescue).

Teaching Notes

Instructors should ensure a minimum of 2 opportunities for each participant to be in a co-leadership position and identify and analyze risks in route planning, decision-making and incident response. This can be tied together with the leadership assessment component.

Ensure that participants are debriefed of their planning and response decisions and actions for further learning.

See Risk Assessment and Mitigation Frameworks for resources and further learning.

Knots and Ropework

The participant will demonstrate the use of various knots to effectively tie down/secure a kayak and set up a tarp or emergency shelter, (for example, clove hitch, bowline, taut-line hitch, trucker’s hitch).

Collision Regulations

The participant will outline the collision regulations as they apply to sea kayakers.

Teaching Note

The material covered should be appropriate to the location of the course, with a more general view to the principles of collision avoidance.