Image: A kayaker sits close to the bank on a whitewater section of river as another kayaker paddles past

General Aims

The Level 5 River Kayak Instructor Qualification aims to enable candidates to:

  1. Become qualified to instruct advanced kayaking skills and lead safe kayaking trips on Grade 4+ water with groups of up to 4 students. Grade 4 and above water as defined by canoeing Ireland here – River grading and area definitions.
  2. Train and Assess for the Canoeing Ireland Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Kayak Skills Awards.
  3. Teach advanced River Safety and Rescue and run SR 1, RSR 2 and RSR 3 Training Courses.
  4. Promote safe kayaking standards, foster further participation and improvement in kayaking standards
  5. Provide the highest quality instruction and coaching in their discipline, craft and environment.

Award Requirements

Before applying to attend a Level 5 Kayak Instructor process.

  1. Hold the Level 4 Kayak instructor qualification.
  2. Have completed Level 5 Kayak Skills Assessment.
  3. Have unrestricted access to a suitable kayak, personal equipment and additional equipment as listed for the Level 5 Kayak Skills award.
  4. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
  5. Be registered as a member with Canoeing Ireland.
  6. Completed your Garda vetting form.
  7. Possess a current and Canoeing Ireland approved First Aid Certificate (REC 3, WFA 3 or equivalent)
  8. Have completed a Sport Ireland approved Child Protection Awareness Workshop.

Outline

The Level 5 Kayak Instructor Qualification is an application-based process.The process recognises prior learning and experience gained as an instructor to date, and any learning or experience beneficial to instruction at a higher level (other discipline qualifications, academic).

Ratios
The ratios for L5RKIA are as follows

  • Grade 4+ – 1:4
  • Grade 3 – 1:4 (1:6 if the instructor judges’ conditions allow)
  • Grade 2 – 1:6

River Grading Definitions

Level 5 Qualification Process

Satisfy the prerequisites listed above.

  1. Request and complete a Level 5 Instructor pathway application and return to Canoeing Ireland office, with supporting evidence and external qualification.
  2. Return the form to development@canoe.ie
  3. A Training Advisory Panel will review the form and make a pathway recommendation to the applicant.
  4. Complete the tasks outlined in the L5RKIA pathway document
  5. Complete an observed delivery by members of the Level 5 Instructor assessment panel.

 

 

 

Level 5 Pathway

At the higher level of qualifications, we acknowledge that formal training and assessment is difficult as the numbers of applicants applying do not warrant a course or assessment.

Added to the unique nature of instructor’s experience at this level, we intend to use the process to tailor the process to each applicant based on their needs.

The pathway document below outlines those task and requirements

Course Documents