Image: Three sea kayakers paddle through a rocky section of coast. Waves can be seen crashing on the rocks in the background

General aims

The Sea Kayak Level 5 Horizon Award aims to enable candidates to:

  • Handle their kayak in L5 conditions.
  • Be confident in open crossings and have the competence to approach longer and more exposed sea kayaking passages safely and confidently.
  • Have the ability to plan extended or remote trips.
  • Have complete situational awareness in all conditions.
  • Have the ability to execute sea kayak rescues in a challenging environment.
  • Display good decision making ability in challenging conditions
  • Demonstrate self-awareness and awareness of others in a team or group

Assessment Entry Requirements

Requirements for attending a Level 5 Sea Skills assessment:

  • Sea Kayak Level 4 Adventure Award certificate (or equivalent).
  • Obtain a Canoeing Ireland Level 5 Horizon Award Paddler Profile (at the bottom of this page), or their instructor before attending training.
  • Completion of a two and a half day L5 Horizon Award training course is a mandatory requirement towards L5 certification.
  • Short Range Certificate (SRC) for VHF operators.
  • Canoeing Ireland Advanced Navigation Certificate or equivalent.
  • Remote Emergency Care Level 3 First Aid Award (in date) or similar or higher.
  • Must be a current member of Canoeing Ireland.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Have unrestricted access to a fully equipped sea kayak, personal equipment, and additional equipment (see Equipment list).

Level 5 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.

Course Documents