General Aims

The Sit-on-Top Flat Water Skills Award aims to enable participants to:

  • Paddle safely and competently on a Sit-on-Top on sheltered flat water as a member of a group being led
  • Assist in basic flat water rescues.

Award Requirements

  • All strokes must be demonstrated on both sides.
  • The Sit-On-Top Flatwater Award is not a compulsory pre requisite for any subsequent Canoeing Ireland skills awards.
  • No age restriction applies to this award

Requirements

Participant must successfully demonstrate the following techniques and skills:

  • Forward Paddle
  • Reverse Paddle
  • Emergency Stop
  • An ability to turn while stationary using Forward Sweep Stroke, Reverse Sweep Stroke and a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes.
  • Simple Draw Stroke.

  • An ability to Mount and Dismount a Sit-on-Top correctly from the bank.
  • A water based Capsize Drill and dismount from the Sit-on-Top
  • Self rescue following a capsize drill, including righting the Sit-on-Top and completing a water based remount.

• An understanding of the Basic Safety Rules of canoeing.

• An understanding of the correct use of Sit-on-Top back rests and knee straps.

Course Documents