Course itinerary & site logistics

ACA Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking

We will be using the ACA recommended Kayak Class agenda for this class.  I often combine Level 1 skills with Level 2 skills in my classes but this class can be completed in a one day class.  How much is covered depends a great deal on students experience and preparation. As a general rule, instructors tend to focus on topics that provide the most value to their class makeup. The ACA class agenda we are using is: ACA Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking.

Site Logistics

We hold this class on both US Park Service Property and parklands controlled by Maryland whom has jurisdiction over the waterway. Parking is limited at Lock 5 so we highly recommend arriving by 7:30 AM so we can organize parking and leave spaces for other visitors and park service vehicles. Please use discretion when changing clothes as many park visitors pass by this area. Leave no trace is always a good rule to follow. Although Lock 5 has restroom facilities, they may be out of order the day of the class. We are very fortunate to have such a great place to run our training classes - please treat this area with respect so we are always welcome in the future.

Introduction, Expectations, & Logistics

River KayakThis website is a compilation of a number of articles and various web resources that cover all topics listed in the ACA (American Canoe Association) Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking suggested curriculum. The ACA L2 class is suitable for beginning kayakers and prepares students for dealing with moving water features.  This class provides a nice entry point for novice whitewater runs. 

When I teach this class, I feel it is very beneficial to have students review this material at their leisure from home.  Although I've taught this class with a variety of kayak types, whitewater boats will make this class easier and more enjoyable. 

For those so inclined, there are a number of really nice books targeted towards beginner and more advanced kayakers.

Starting an exciting sport like kayaking can be very thrilling and somewhat scary (they often go hand in hand).  Classes like these have students that span great age differences and experience levels as well.  Don't be concerned if you are challenged at first or other students appear more skilled, this is a beginners class - no experience is expected. 

We start this class by getting to know the participants, their paddling backgrounds, and perhaps specifics goals they are interested in learning during this class. Safety in all ACA classes is absolutely paramount. A key rule in every ACA class is the concept of "Challenge By Choice". Put quite simply, if a particular exercise is well beyond your comfort level - skip it.

Flatwater Kayak Safety and Rescue

Course Overview

The Flatwater Kayak Safety and Rescue workshop introduces essential flatwater safety practices and rescue techniques that can be performed with a minimum of equipment, in the first few minutes of an emergency.

Appropriately fitted PFD designed for paddling, protective clothing suitable for extended swims, appropriate footwear, boat, paddle, and whistle. Recreational, whitewater or coastal kayaks may be used, at the instructor’s discretion.

NOTE: The CCA brings throw bags and other items.

This is typically a one day class to be taught on flatwater.

ACA Official Curriculum: Flatwater Kayak Safety and Rescue

Introduction, Expectations, & Logistics:

 Communication and Signals
  • Welcome, introductions, paperwork
  • Hand, paddle and whistle signals
  • Student & instructor course expectations and limitations
  • Cell phone or radio when appropriate
  • Course itinerary & site logistics

Equipment
  • Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure
  • Makes your trip safer and more comfortable
  • About the ACA
  • Clothing
  • PFD policy (always wear on water)
  • Kayaks with flotation or bulkheads
  • Appropriate personal behavior
  
  • Paddle float and pump
  • No alcohol / substance abuse
  • PFD
  • Proper etiquette on & off the water
  • Helmet (when appropriate)
  • Respect private property
  • Knife and whistle
  • Practice Leave No Trace ethics
  • First aid kit

The Paddling Environment:
  • VHF radio and/or cell phone
  • Wind

Swimming skills 
  • Waves
  • Basis for self-rescue; fundamental personal safety skill
  • Weather
  • Wet exits on-land practice, then inwater with one-on-one supervision
  • Water
  • Defensive swimming 

Personal Preparation:
  • Aggressive swimming 
  • Personal Ability
  • Swimming with kayaks 
  • Swimming Ability
 Assisted Rescues and Tows 
  • Water comfort & confidence
  • Allows one boater to assist another; fundamental group safety skills 
  • Fitness, conditioning, and warm up
  • T rescue with and without sling 
  • Safe paddle and boat handling
  • Eskimo bow and paddle rescue 
  • Safety and rescue considerations
  • Contact tow and cowtail use 
  • Personal equipment (reviewed by Instructor)
  • Back deck rescues for swimmers 

Introduction to Basic Safety and Rescue 

 Rope Handling Skills 
  • Avoiding trouble
 Selecting a tow line 
  • Trip planning, competent leader
 Handling tows in wind and current 
  • Rescue philosophy
 Throw rope use 
  • The big 3 – near drowning, Cold
 Rescue of Loose Boats and Gear 
  • Water Shock / Hypothermia and spinal management; need for further training
  • Self rescue, hold onto boat and paddle when appropriate − Group rescue, rescue people over boats, but don’t lose the boat in open water when adequate personnel available, split the load; one person rescues the swimmer, one the boat and one the paddle
  • RETHROG
  • Boat bumping / snowplow methods 
  • KISS
  • Boat over boat rescues 
  • Rescue organization
  • Towing – short line and short distance 
  • Reality of injuries and death
  

     

Conclusion & Wrap Up:  Resources: 
  • Group debrief / Individual feedback 
  • Sea Kayaking Safety and Rescue (J. Lull)
  • Course limitations 
  • Sea Kayak Rescue (Schumann and Shriner)
  • Importance of First Aid & CPR 
  • Handbook of Safety and Rescue (Pardy and Alderson)
  • Importance of additional instruction, practice, experience 

 
  • Importance of appropriate level of safety & rescue training

 
  • Demo advanced maneuver

 
  • Life sport / Paddling options

 
  • Local paddling groups / Clubs

 
  • Handouts / Reference materials 

 
  • ACA Membership forms 
 

 
  • Course evaluation 
 

 
  • Participation cards
 

 

Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking

Course Overview

The Essentials of River Kayaking course is designed to teach beginner paddlers to safely and enjoyably kayak on gentle rivers.

PFD designed for whitewater use, whitewater helmet, clothing suitable for paddling, protective footwear, boat, paddle.

NOTE: The CCA does not provide boating gear.  Participants need to acquire gear and properly outfit prior to the class.

This is typically a one day class to be taught on rivers up to class I rapids.

ACA Official Curriculum: Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking

Introduction, Expectations, & Logistics

 The Paddling Environment

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Personal Preparation

 River Reading
Safety & Rescue
Getting Started
 
Maneuvers
 
Equipment  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Strokes Conclusion & Wrap Up

Rescues