Image: Two kayakers in blue equipment paddle down a whitewater section of river

General Aims

The Level 4 Kayak Instructor Qualification aims to enable candidates to:

  • Level 4 River Kayak Instructors will be qualified to operate on Grade 3+* rivers with up to four students.
  • L4RKIs will be able to train and assess Level 4 Kayak Skills and deliver RSR3 courses.
  • Grade 3 definitions will align with Canoeing Ireland’s published grading guidelines – Canoeing Ireland river grading.

*Grade 3+ will be defined as “Grade 3 rivers that may include an occasional Grade 4 rapid, where river levels reduce the consequences and difficulty to be consistent with Grade 3 paddling”

Attendance Requirements

Before applying to attend a Level 4 Kayak Instructor Training Course a candidate must:

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

    Course Outline

    The Level 4 Kayak Instructor Qualification requires that a candidate attend a registered two-day Level 4 Kayak Instructor training course (with optional 3rd day) and a one-day assessment.

    The training course is a mixed of practical and theory sessions, 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 skills and competencies covered on the course.

    These are as follows:

    • Personal skills and technical knowledge
    • Logistics and planning
    • Safety and rescue skills
    • 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 completed the relevant training and certification, and for details on the format of the assessment –