Course Outcomes:

The planned outcome is that a participant will know how to load their sea kayak for a multi-day expedition and be supportive of the group leader in the duties of expedition leadership. This is in areas of rescue and camp craft.

An accomplished Level Three sea kayaker will know how to conduct repairs; how to rescue a casualty; how to assemble a variety of tows; and have a sound understanding of navigation and planning, both on land and at sea. A successful participant will be able to control a sea kayak effectively in winds of up to Beaufort Force 4; a running sea of up to three feet; launching and landing effectively in dynamic surf; rolling a sea kayak upright after an inadvertent capsize; and, if it has been necessary to exit the craft, practically demonstrate an understanding of the steps required to re-enter.

Trainer Qualifications: ISKGA Coastal Guide / Advanced Guide.

Environmental Conditions: Up to Beaufort F4. Moderate Sea State.

Duration: 5 days. This can be completed as part of a multi-day expedition.

Technical Skills

Where possible dynamic environmental features will be used to add context to the application of strokes, rescues and towing techniques. Also included will be launching and landing through surf; entering and exiting tidal flow; eddy line navigation; and effective paddling in wind.

• Efficient Forward and Backwards Paddling

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to show effective forward and backwards paddling in a variety of environments which include the surf zone; clapotic wave action; head/ following/ side winds; across eddy lines and tidal flow.

• Static Turning

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to show positive core body rotation and paddle position along with a confident application of edge control, to enable an effective turn in variety of conditions. A participant will be able to demonstate efficiency while turning in wind, wave and tidal flow, utilising good body and blade position with minimal use of strokes.

• Turning on the Move

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to apply various strokes effectively to turn a sea kayak on the move. A participant will develop the ability to show autonomy in the usage of appropriate ruddering and sweeping strokes.

• Moving Side ways

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to show effective core body rotation and paddle positioning to progressively move the kayak sideways. This will include draws on the move, as well as hanging and prying strokes. A participant will have applied tactics to negotiate obstacle, having learnt how to position a sea kayak in dynamic conditions.

• Support and Bracing Strokes

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to show confident application of high and low recovery strokes in dynamic swell and surf conditions, as well as safe execution of bracing on a surf wave.

• Sculling for support

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to demonstrate their understanding of the sculling support stroke for use in katabatic winds or strong down drafts. A participant will be able to show good commitment lying over the water with the sea kayak inclined towards the stroke.

• Kayak Roll

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to demonstrate effective paddle positioning along with coordinated body motion to achieve a roll on both sides in dynamic conditions.

Rescues and Recovery:

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to confidently rescue a fellow paddler using a variety of techniques and applying the principles of conducting a personal rescue risk assessment following the STOP process, in more dynamic conditions.

• Rescues:

Deep Water Rescue – Bow & Back Deck Carry – Unconscious Capsize Recovery – Scoop (Face Up & Down)

• Towing Systems:

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to show an understanding of various towing methods with and without a tow-line including ‘V’ Push/Pull; Contact tows; Short tows; Long tows; In-line towing; Rafted tows;).

• Surf Zone Rescues: 

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to show an understanding of towing techniques of a raft, and capsize rescues, in the surf environment. A participant will be able to demonstrate the ability to land and launch in surf using appropriate techniques.

• Rock Garden: 

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to negotiate rock garden obstacles and show an understanding of the need for adhering to good group control within this environment, while undertaking various rescues in gullies and caves.

• Repairs: 

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to perform a variety of realistic repairs on a sea kayak and related equipment.

Expedition Skills:

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to demonstrate an understanding of how to effectively prepare for a multi-day voyage.

Participants will build upon expedition skills learnt at Level Two and show confidence in constructing a temporary shelter; making and lighting a fire; show how to source and collect water; as well as prepare a warm and nutritious meal.

Navigation, Oceanography and Meteorology:

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to further apply learning in the planning of a journey in moderate conditions through their understanding of charts usage and tidal information along with relating weather forecasts and swell reports to form a realistic overview of a proposed trip.

Participants will explore wave formation by looking at different wave types and the way in which seabed morphology can affect wave shape and rip currents as well as looking at the effect of wind on the surf zone.

First Aid:

The outcome of instruction will be that a participant is able to show how to effectively deal with a number of injury related scenarios and apply appropriate first aid.

Version 2.1.1

Review Date: 01 May 2016