General Aims

The Sea Kayak Level 1 Discovery Award aims to enable participants to:

  • Control a kayak safely in L1 conditions.
  • Ready to join a trip led by a certified leader/instructor.
  • Know the basic safety rules of kayaking.
  • Demonstrate the fundamental paddle strokes and am aware of kayaking equipment and its purpose.
  • Understand how to leave no trace of my presence on the seashore.
  • Identify the next step involved in the Canoeing Ireland Sea Kayak Skills Awards.

Attendance Requirements

Requirements for attending a Level 1 Sea Kayak Skills assessment:

  • Candidates should be familiar with all aspects of theory and should be able to verbally answer questions on theory aspects of the award.
  • Recommended 7-14 hours contact time with a qualified instructor. Obtain a Canoeing Ireland Sea Kayak L1. Discovery Award Paddler Profile from the Canoeing Ireland website at canoe.ie or their instructor.
  • No age restriction applies to this award.
  • U18 Level 1 skills paddlers should be appropriately supervised by a person who is over 18 and who has suitable experience.

Course Documents