Recreational Kayak Program

The maximum group size is 6 participants to ensure safety on the water and an optimum learning environment

 1st Session: Classroom
Topics to be covered:

• Different kinds of kayaks (i.e. designs and materials)
• Parts of a kayak
• Required equipment
• Optional/highly recommended equipment
• Other resources
• Trip Planning
• Group Dynamics – choosing paddle partners, trip goals, personal comfort levels
• Trip Locations – around Victoria and Vancouver Island
• Basic Chart reading – scale, coloring, some common symbols, direction
• Accessing weather information – Environment Canada website printout
• Accessing tide and current information
• Contingency Plans – alternate takeouts, emergency contacts, filing a float plan
• Trip Checklist Handout
  
  

2nd Session: Pool
Topics to be covered:

On the deck

• Putting on a spray skirt
• Fitting a PFD correctly
• Holding a paddle correctly
• Entering/Exiting cockpit correctly
• How to sit in a kayak, adjusting foot pedals
• Demonstrate how to pop off skirt
• How to lift a kayak

In the Pool

• Paddling Skills: Forward & Reverse strokes, Sweep Stoke, Draw Stroke, Low Brace
• Rescue Skills: Rafting, Wet Exit, Assisted Rescue, Self Rescue with paddle float

* If time allows demonstrate a T-rescue, self rescue without paddle float, and edging.

 #3rd Session: Open Water Paddle
Topics to be covered:

• Assessing conditions at paddling site
• Reiterate some of the topics from the 1st session
• Double-checking gear (i.e. checking hatches etc)
• Paddling as a group
• Practice strokes learned at pool session
• Gear and equipment care