see when Level 2 is available

General Aims
Course outline
Requirements prior to assessment
Assessment
Guidelines

Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Syllabus

1.00 General aims of the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award

The Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award aims to enable participants to

1.01 kayak safely and competently on flat water and calm seas as a member of a group.

1.02 assist in basic rescues.

1.03 foster further participation in canoeing


2.00 Requirements for the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award


To obtain the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award, a participant must successfully demonstrate the following techniques and skills

2.01 an understanding of the Basic Safety Rules of canoeing.

2.02 an ability to Enter and Exit a kayak correctly.

2.03 Forward Paddle, Reverse Paddle, and Stop.

2.04 An ability to turn while stationary using Forward Sweep Stroke, Reverse Sweep Stroke and a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes.

2.05 Simple Draw Stroke.

2.06 Low Brace.

2.07 Low Brace Turn.

2.08 Edging while the kayak is moving.

2.09 Capsize Drill.

2.10 An ability to assist in an Assisted X Rescue.

2.11 Lower Body Rotation.


3.00 Assessment for the Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award

3.01 During an assessment all techniques and skills must be performed to an assessor's satisfaction in order to achieve this award.

3.02 No part of an assessment may be taken in a swimming pool. All assessment criteria must be demonstrated outdoors on flat water (i.e. water of Grade I difficulty).

3.03 It may not be feasible for a junior or disabled person to assist fully in rescues - such candidates should, however, have a full understanding of the correct sequence of each of the required rescues and have some role to fulfil in the completion of these rescues.

3.04 A spraydeck must be worn throughout an assessment.

3.05 All strokes should be demonstrated in relevant situations i.e. use of a simple draw stroke to manoeuvre the kayak to the bank. Strokes should be demonstrated on both sides of the kayak.

3.05 The Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award is not a compulsory pre-requisite for any subsequent Irish Canoe Union awards.

3.07 All required assessment rescues to be kept until the end of an assessment.

3.08 No age restriction applies to this award.

Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award Assessment Guidelines

· The Level 2 Kayak Proficiency Award can only be assessed by a currently registered who holds, at minimum, an Irish Canoe Union Level 2 Kayak Instructor qualification

· The assessment will be carried out with a maximum of six candidates to one assessor; however, a ratio of 4:1 is preferable.


· Generally guidelines will be given, should a candidate fail an assessment, as to the areas that they need to improve on.

Safety Rules of Canoeing


1. You must be able to swim.
2. Always wear a buoyancy aid and ensure that there is adequate kayak buoyancy.
3. Never canoe alone.

Entry and Exit
Can be carried out with or without the use of paddles, depending on what is most appropriate to the situation.

Forward Paddling
Some directional instability is allowed for. This should not include complete loss of forward movement or continuous veering from side to side, aiming for a point/gap as a task.

Reverse Paddling
Some directional instability is allowed for. This should not include complete loss of reverse movement or continuous veering from side to side. A wider stroke than that used for forward paddling is permissible.

Stopping
Stopping should occur in a straight line allowing some leeway, but not veering from side to side. Ability to stop should be demonstrated while paddling forward and in reverse.

Forward Sweep Stroke
There should be full arm extension. The sweep should be initiated at the front of the kayak and continued to stern with trunk rotation evident.

Reverse Sweep Stroke
Trunk rotation to place paddle in the water at stern should be evident. There should be continuous sweep to the front of the kayak as the trunk unwinds. There should be full arm extension throughout.

Draw Stroke
The paddle should remain in the water throughout. Some slight bow or stern swing is acceptable. An ability to maintain the paddle shaft vertical, should be evident. Some body rotation towards the paddling side should be evident.

Low Brace Support
The kayak must be sufficiently tilted for water to reach the spraydeck. A good push down with the elbows above paddle and associated knee lift and lower body rotation should be evident.

Low Brace Turn
The kayak should be moved at an acceptable speed and a turn induced by applying a sweep on the opposite side, followed by edging into the turn, the back of the blade on the surface of the water for support on the turning side and at a suitable angle/feather.

Capsize Drill
While wearing a spraydeck, and followed by a 10 metre swim towing the kayak and paddle to the bank, then emptying the kayak correctly. The paddle should be retained.

Lower Body Rotation
A demonstration of the use of the lower body in controlling the kayak, for example the initial stages of an Eskimo Rescue.

Price: €170

see when Level 2 is available