Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking

Article Index

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
Welcome, introductions, paperwork	Wind
Student & instructor course expectations and limitations	Waves
Course itinerary & site logistics	Weather
Review waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure	Water
About the ACA
PFD policy (always wear on water)
Appropriate personal behavior
No alcohol / substance abuse
Proper etiquette on & off the water
Respect private property
Practice Leave No Trace ethics
ACA Safety Resources

Personal Preparation	River Reading
Personal Ability	Current speed, direction and changes caused by streambed features
Swimming Ability	Safety & Rescue
Water comfort & confidence	Exercising judgment, safety as a state of mind
Fitness, conditioning, and warm up	Principles of Rescue
Safe paddle and boat handling	Priorities: first people, then boats, finally other gear
Safety and rescue considerations	Responsibilities of the victim
Personal equipment (reviewed by Instructor)	Responsibilities of the rescuers
Judgment. In addition to learning hard skills, the importance of developing personal judgment and group responsibility increases on more difficult paddling venues.	Responsibilities of the group
Getting Started	Types of Rescue
Warm up and stretching	Essential self-rescue and access tool
How to pick up a kayak safely	Boat assisted rescue, towing or bulldozing a tired swimmer, towing or bulldozing a capsized boat
Car topping: loading and unloading, racks, straps	Shoreline Rescue: Extension rescues, use of throw ropes/bags
Launching and landing	Maneuvers
Boarding, three points of contact, weight kept low, etc	J-lean / Heeling the boat
Posture, safety, comfort, effectiveness, rocking, balance	Paddling in a reasonably straight line
Water comfort and confidence	Spins
Wet Exits	Stopping: boat stops within a reasonable distance
How to empty a kayak	Ferries
Basic Terminology	Eddy Turns
Types of strokes: power, turning	Peel Outs
Stroke components: catch, propulsion, recovery (CPR), control, correction	Moving Abeam
Safe and effective body usage
Equipment
Life jackets (PFDs): fit and regulations
Kayaks: types, materials, parts (including safety features such as flotation)
Paddles: types, materials, parts, length, blade size & shape, hand position.
Spray skirts: types & material, grab loop!
Care of equipment
Personal equipment: water, food, shoes, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, sun glasses, eyeglass straps, protective clothing for heat or cold, sponge, bailer/pump, whistle, knife, light
Optional Equipment and Outfitting

Strokes	Conclusion & Wrap Up
Forward	Group debrief / Individual feedback
Back (stopping)	Course limitations
Draw	Importance of First Aid & CPR
Sculling draw	Importance of additional instruction, practice, experience
Sweep (including Stern Draw)	Importance of appropriate level of safety & rescue training
Reverse Sweep	Demo advanced maneuver
Rudder	Life sport / Paddling options
Sweep (including Stern Draw)	Local paddling groups / Clubs
Rescues	Handouts / Reference materials
Self Rescue	ACA Membership forms
Swimming in current	Course evaluation
Emptying a Kayak	Participation cards
Assisted Rescue
From shore
Extension
Rescue ropes
From Boat
Bulldozing
Towing