General Aims

This award is designed for sea kayakers wishing to develop advanced paddling and rescue techniques appropriate to moderate/rough sea conditions (Douglas Sea Scale, 2-3m swell and 17-21 knots winds/ 31-38km/h). It is an appropriate award for sea kayakers who paddle with others of similar ability on moderate/rough sea journeys.

The Level 5 Sea Kayak Skills Award is a pre-requisite for progression to Level 4 Sea Kayak Instructor.

Attendance Requirements

The Level 5 Sea Kayak Skills Award requires that a candidate attend a training course prior to assessment. The course for the Level 5 Sea Kayak Skills should be held over a minimum of one weekend (12-15hrs).

Requirements for attending a Level 5 Kayak Skills assessment:

  • Hold the Level 4 Sea Kayak Skills Award.
  • Have unrestricted access to a fully equipped sea kayak, personal equipment, and additional equipment as listed for a Level 5 Sea Kayak Skills Assessment.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be a member of Canoeing Ireland

Requirements

To obtain the Level 5 Sea Kayak Skills Award a participant must successfully explain and demonstrate the following knowledge, competence, and skills at a level higher than that required for the Level 4 Sea Kayak Skills Award.

β€’ Efficient forward and backward paddling.

β€’ Forward Sweep, Reverse Sweep, and a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep turning into and away from the wind (360 degrees in both directions).

β€’ Edging.

β€’ Bow Rudder.

β€’ Stern Rudder.

β€’ Low Brace Turn.

β€’ Low Recovery.

β€’ High Recovery.

β€’ Sculling for Support.

β€’ Sculling Draw.

β€’ Draw Stroke.

β€’ Hanging Draw.

β€’ An ability to control a sea kayak in advanced sea conditions.

β€’ An ability to control a kayak in following and beam seas.

β€’ An ability to deal with breaking waves.

β€’ An ability to perform assisted landings on a variety of shores.

β€’ An ability to follow a compass bearing.

β€’ The candidates should be able to explain and demonstrate the use of transits up ahead, laterally, and behind.

β€’ A Bow/paddle presentation Rescue.

β€’ An effective X Rescue of a capsized kayak.

β€’ Effective Roll on any side in appropriate conditions. Candidate will have to capsize through a full 360 degrees.

β€’ An effective method of towing another kayak. Suitable towing method may be either single or multiple tows and utilise a variety of lengths. The candidate should be familiar with the Fan and Tandem Tow. The Towing System must be readily accessible and have a quick release mechanism.

β€’ Dealing with a rescue scenario appropriate to the environment include the application of first aid in the advanced Sea kayaking environment.

The candidate should demonstrate a basic knowledge of the following:

β€’ Tidal Streams causes and effects and how to predict them.

β€’ Weather Forecasting, obtaining, and understanding forecasts.

β€’ Sea Kayaks, equipment, and clothing.

β€’ Sea Kayaking Camping Procedures.

β€’ Sea Kayaking Safety Procedures.

β€’ Sea Charts and Ordnance Survey maps.

β€’ The effects of wind on sea conditions.

β€’ A knowledge of the coastal environment including flora and fauna likely to encountered on the Irish coastline.

β€’ Navigation while at sea, including feature recognition, self-location, ability to route plan to alternate locations such as escape route.

β€’ First Aid, to include the symptoms and treatment of exposure and an awareness of the technique of artificial resuscitation. It is recommended but not mandatory that the candidate attend a First Aid course such as REC3.

Plan an advanced sea journey using an unfamiliar chart, pilot atlas, and tide tables. Explain the plan in a simple summary, including the following information:

β€’ Estimated paddling speed, compass bearings, and times estimated allowances made for wind.

β€’ Tidal considerations.

β€’ Places of interest (scenic or seascape).

β€’ Transits for gauging progress.

β€’ Departure and estimated time of arrival.

β€’ Sound and light signals in the area.

β€’ Information for shore contact.

Course Documents