Image: Three paddlers on sit-on-top kayaks paddle on a river with greenery in the background

General aims

The Level 2 Sit-on-Top Kayak Skills Award aims to enable participants to:

  • Kayak safely and competently on flat water, very sheltered coastal areas, very slow moving water (Grade I rivers), as a member of a group of peers.
  • Be able to carry out basic safety techniques with the assistance of another member of the group or the person in the water.
  • Be able to safety plan and carry out a trip in a flat-water environment considering all relevant factors.
  • For level two skills holders U-18 it is recommended that these paddlers be supervised by a person over the age of 18 who has suitable experience.
  • Access the Level 1 Sit on Top Kayak instructor Award.

Attendance Requirements

  • Requirements for attending a Level 2 Sit on Top 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.
  • The Level 2 Sit on Top Kayak Skills Award is compulsory prerequisite for the Level 1 Sit on Top Kayak instructor award.
  • No age restriction applies to this award.
  • U18 Level 2 skills paddlers should be appropriately supervised by a person who is over 18 and who has suitable experience.

Award Requirements

To obtain the Level 2 Sit on Top Kayak Skills Award, a participant must successfully explain and/or demonstrate the following techniques and skills:

  • Forward
  • Reverse
  • Emergency Stop
  • An ability to turn the Kayak through 360 degrees in both directions using a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes. Or other appropriate strokes
  • Simple Draw Stroke
  • Low Brace

  • Entry and exit of the kayak
  • Edging/ leaning
  • Turning on the moving
  • Edging/ leaning while moving

  •  Capsize drill.
  • Self rescue remount of the SOT (as a swimmer)
  • Rescue of another Sit on Top Kayak and paddler(as a rescuer with assistance)
  • Simple tow (without equipment)
  • Knowledge of (can talk through) a tow using equipment.

  • Be able to list the basic safety rules of canoeing.
  • Describe how to contact the emergency services.
  • Be able to outline weather and environmental factors that affect a kayaking session including be able to identify the following: General weather outlook, wind direction and speed, air temperature and water conditions for in land water or coastal water.
  • Be able to list the aspects of good group management and identify, explain, and give examples of the CLAP concept of group management.
  • Be able to list the most important factors to trip planning including equipment.

Course Documents