British Canoe Union 4 Star Kayak Skills

Aim: provides paddlers with sufficient knowledge and skill to be a useful member of a sea paddling group in up to moderate conditions: wind Force 4 (11-17 knots), 3' Surf (4.5' breaking waves), and up to 3 knots of tidal stream current.

One of the pre-requisites for Coach 3 Training and a pre-requisite for 5 Star Sea Kayak Training.

Theory

Equipment
Safety
Hypothermia/First Aid
Access and Environment
Planning - Map and Compass
Weather
Group Awareness

Appropriate Equipment

Kayak and Paddle
Personal Clothing
Personal Flotation Device, helmet and spray skirt
Simple First Aid Kit
Spare Clothing
Food
Emergency Equipment for Personal Use
Water-proof bags/Dry Bags

Skills

Eskimo Roll
Launching
Forward Paddling
Turning the Kayak 360 degrees
Emergency Stops
Draw the kayak sideways both directions
High and Low Recovery Strokes
Paddle Brace
Stern Rudder
Landing
Capsize and Rescue
Handling Waves - head sea, beam sea, following sea
Negotiate Moderate Surf - 4.5' breaking waves