Paddle Canada: Level 2 Sea Kayaking Certification- NEW
Cost - $450.00 ( does not include ferry/transportation costs and 1 night accommodation at Discovery Island Lodge)
Instructor: Doug Taylor, Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer
Welcome to this paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking skills course. The purpose of this document is to give you a more detailed description of this course. Please read this document and any recommended reading before signing up for this course through CRA (call 250 338-5371). If you have any questions, please contact us at Comox
Valley Kayaks at 250 334-2628 or drop in to the shop near the Air Park on Cliffe Ave in Courtenay.
This is a four-day, overnight touring and intermediate boat-handling course split over two weekends. It will provide the theory and skills necessary for proficient kayak touring, in moderate, open seas conditions. Skills and knowledge covered include weather interpretation, tides, currents, navigation, risk assessment, at-sea rescues, efficient bracing, sculling for support, combined strokes, sustained paddling, introduction to rolling and kayak tripping with overnight camping.
The first weekend will be conducted out of Discovery Island Lodge on Quadra Island and will focus on all on-water sklls and rescues as well as classroom topics such as weather, navigation, tides and currents.
The second weekend, also off Quadra Island, focuses on peer group touring and includes equipment preparation, boat packing, planning and completion of an overnight trip, sustained paddling and on-water scenarios. Expect to be in the water on both days of both weekends. The water is cold - you will need immersion gear; drysuits are preferred but a wetsuit (provided by us) and a paddling jacket will also work. Helmets are also required. We have a small number and will try to fit everyone with an appropriate size.
Dates for 2010
- Course 1 May 29, 30 and 12, 13 of June
- Course 2 July 24, 25 and July 31, Aug 1
So what is this course all about??
The following is a synopsis of the Paddle Canada Level 2 curriculum.
Aim: The aim of this course is to provide the skills and knowledge for proficient kayaking in moderate conditions, on overnight trips along a moderately exposed shore with frequent, easy landing opportunities.
Prerequisites:
-Paddle Canada Level-1 Skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge.
-Experience: At least 3, one day, kayaking trips in different locations.
-Wilderness First Aid (16 hours) with CPR strongly recommended.
A word on the prerequisites:
• Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge. While a good portion of the first two days is devoted to paddling skills, it does not equate to a full level 1 course.
• Experience: At least 3, one day long kayaking trips in different locations. If you keep a trip log, please bring it to the first session or provide details of day-trips that you have taken
• Wilderness First Aid (16 hours) with CPR. First Aid qualifications are strongly recommended. Defining first aid requirements for paddling and touring activities is a real challenge. Wildness First Aid courses are increasingly difficult to find. The Red Cross Standard FA course and the St John First Responder course are acceptable equivalents. As mentioned, they are strongly rcommended only. If you are certified, please bring a copy of your certificatiøn to the first day of the course.
Course length: 4 days including one overnight
Class ratio: 1 instructor; 4 participants.
Location: Moderately exposed coastline with frequent easy landing opportunities.
Conditions: Paddle Canada defines level 2 conditions to be as follows: moderate winds (12-19 knots), combined sea state less than 1 metre with a moderate sea state. Surf < 1 meter. Current < 3 knots.
Course Overview
| Rescue skills |
Paddling skills |
Knowledge |
Assisted rescues
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Forward/reverse stroke |
Equipment |
| Unassisted rescues |
Sweep forward/reverse |
Knots |
| All in rescues |
Low/high brace |
Journeying and seamanship |
| Bow rescue on demand |
Draw/sculling draw |
Safety |
| Rolling |
Low/high brace |
Kayaking resources |
| Towing |
Bow/stern rudder turns |
Heritage |
| Communications |
Edging with all strokes |
Environment |
This is just a synopsis. A full description of the course can be viewed on the Paddle Canada website; www.paddlingcanada.com Go to the drop down menu below the banner and select courses, sea kayaking and click on programs then sea kayaking level 2 skills. I encourage you to have look!!
Equipment List
| Both weekends (as appropriate) |
Bring if you have |
CVK will provide for the group |
| Sea worthy touring kayak* |
VHF radio |
VHF radio |
| CCG required gear* |
Personal "ouch" kit |
First Aid kit |
| Immersion gear |
Personal boat repair kit |
Small group tarp |
| Helmet (if you don't have one, let us know) |
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Extra dry bags (if needed) |
| Tight fitting spray skirt |
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| Spare paddle |
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| Chart 3539 and chart case |
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| Note taking material and log book |
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| Chart #1 |
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| Tides and currents Tables; Volume 5 & 6 |
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| Compass, watch |
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| Towline with a quick release |
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| Appropriate paddling clothing |
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| Paddling footwear (not flipflops or crocs) |
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For the camping weekend(all the
necessary gear to camp out 1 night) |
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| Tent, sleeping bag, mattress/.pad |
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| Cooking gear |
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| Food, water |
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| Appropriate clothing |
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| Dry bags for your kit/equipment |
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*If you do not have your own kayakad CCG required gear, you can rent from us for a modest fee
This equipment list is not exhaustive - we will discuss gear for the camping weekend, at Discovery Lodge during the first weekend of the course.
Other important things to note:
Once you have enrolled in this course through CRA, you will receive a detailed course instruction from us via email or snail-mail. If you have any questions, please contact us at Comox Valley Kayaks or drop in and talk to us.
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Lessons 