General Aims

The Level 3 Kayak Instructor Qualification aims to enable participants to:

  1. Become qualified to instruct intermediate kayaking skills and lead kayak trips on Grade II water with groups of up to 6 students.
  2. Become qualified to instruct basic kayaking skills and lead kayaking journeys on flat water with groups of up to 8 students.
  3. Train and Assess for the Canoeing Ireland Levels 1, 2 and 3 Kayak Skills Awards.
  4. Teach intermediate River Safety and Rescue and run RSR 1 and RSR 2 Training Courses.
  5. Mentor Level 1, 2 and 3 Kayak Instructor trainees.
  6. Have an awareness of the competitive canoeing disciplines.

Attendance Requirements

Before applying to attend a Level 3 Kayak Instructor Training Course, a candidate must:

  1. Hold the Level 2 Kayak Instructor Qualification.
  2. Hold the Level 3 Kayak Skills Award.
  3. Have begun training for the Level 4 Kayak Skills Award
  4. Possess a current and Canoeing Ireland approved First Aid Certificate (REC 3, WFA 3 or equivalent)
  5. Be registered as a member with the Canoeing Ireland.
  6. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
  7. Have unrestricted access to a fully equipped kayak, personal equipment, and additional equipment as listed for a Level 3 Kayak Instructor Assessment.
  8. Garda vetted.

Course Outline

The Level 3 Kayak Instructor Qualification requires that a candidate attend a registered four-day Level 3 Kayak Instructor training course (or a programme of similar duration), and a two-day Assessment.

The training course is a mixed of indoor and outdoor practical and theory session, exploring various aspects of paddle sports instruction at the intermediate level. While all courses are tailored to the participant group there are a number of knowledges that are cover on the course. These are as follows:

  • Personal skills and technical knowledge
  • Logistics and planning
  • Safety
  • Coaching and teaching
  • Leadership and guiding
  • Mentorship and professional practice

Course Documents

Please consult the following documents prior to applying for an assessment to ensure you have complete the relevant training and certification, and for details on the format of the assessment –