Image: Sea kayakers paddle in choppy waters near a rocky coast

General aims

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

  1. Become qualified to instruct advanced kayaking skills and lead safe kayaking trips on Advanced L5 sea conditions. As defined by Canoeing Ireland here.
  2. Train and Assess for the Canoeing Ireland Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Sea Kayak Skills Awards.
  3. Teach Essential and Advanced Coastal navigation training Courses.
  4. Promote safe sea kayaking standards, foster further participation and improvement in kayaking standards
  5. Provide the highest quality instruction and coaching in their discipline, craft and environment.

Attendance Requirements

Before applying to attend a Level 5 Sea Kayak Instructor process.

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

L5 Sea Conditions

  • Wind (Beaufort): F0-5
  • Sea State (Met Éireann): Moderate (1.25 – 2.5m significant wave height) swell of 1.25 to 2.50 metres
  • Surf: ≤ 1.5m broken waves/surf
  • Flow: Overfalls, tidal streams and tide races ≥ 3kn
  • Coastal Environment: The following may exist, in combination with several of the above: Clapotis, wind against tide, strong tidal currents, local anomalies, sea breeze effect, katabatic effects, downwind paddling, interaction between swell and shoreline.
  • Open Crossings: Open crossings where the destination is out of sight.

 

Remit guidance relevant to local observed conditions.

Outline

The Level 5 Sea 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 L5SKIA are as follows –

  • L5 Conditions – 1:4
  • L4 Conditions – 1:4 (1:6 if the instructor judges’ conditions allow)
  • L3 Conditions – 1:6

Condition Grading Definitions

 

Level 5 Qualification Process

  1. Satisfy the prerequisites listed above.
  2. Request and complete a Level 5 Instructor pathway application and return to Canoeing Ireland office, with supporting evidence and external qualification. 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 L5 pathway document.
  5. Complete an observed delivery by members of the Level 5 Instructor assessment panel.

Level 5 Pathways

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