Paddle Canada: Level 2 Sea Kayaking Certification

Cost - $450.00 (does not include ferry/transportation costs or overnight accommodation at Discovery Island Lodge)

Instructors: Doug Taylor, Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer; Vicki Cirkvencic, Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer

Welcome to this Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking skills course. Please read this page 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 & Canoes at 250.334.2628 or drop in to the shop near the Air Park on Cliffe Ave in Courtenay.

This is a 5 1/2 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 sea 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. We often split this course over two separate periods (into two 2- or 3-day sessions).

The first two days 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 tripping component, also off Quadra Island, focuses on peer group touring and includes equipment preparation, boat packing, planning and completion of 3-day 2-night trip, sustained paddling and on-water scenarios.

Expect to be in the water on each day of the course, especially the first two skills days. 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 2012

Check back in summer 2012!

Additional Information

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. If you keep a paddling log, please bring it to the first session to provide details on your day-trips.

-Wilderness First Aid (16 hours) with CPR strongly recommended. If you are certified, please bring a copy of your certification to the first day of the course.

Course length: 5 1/2 days including two overnights

Class ratio: 1 instructor: 4 participants.

Location: Moderately exposed coastline with frequent easy landing opportunities.

Conditions: Paddle Canada defines Level 2 conditions 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	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. W 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)		Extra dry bags (if needed)
Tight fitting spray skirt
Spare paddle
Chart 3539 and chart case
Note taking material and log book
Chart #1
Tides and currents Tables; Volume 5 & 6
Compass, watch
Towline with a quick release
Appropriate paddling clothing
Paddling footwear (not flipflops or crocs)
For the camping weekend(all the necessary gear to camp out 1 night)
Tent, sleeping bag, mattress/.pad
Cooking gear
Food, water
Appropriate clothing
Dry bags for your kit/equipment

*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 syllabus from us via email or snail-mail. If you have any questions, please contact us at Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes or drop in and talk to us.