Level 3 Coastal Kayaking Skills Training & Assessment

I am excited to offer a Coastal Kayaking Level 3 Assessment on July 13-14th.

This assessment is weather dependent, but will be run in SW Michigan on the coast of Lake Michigan. We will provisionally be based in South Haven, and we can move north or south based on the wind.

You will need:

• A sea kayak with three bulkheads, full static rescue lines, sealed hatches, and end toggles.
• A wetsuit/drysuit appropriate weather gear
• a helmet
• a tow belt
• spare clothing
• dry bags
• communication device (uhf preferred/cell phone in waterproof bag)
• paddle and spare paddle
• Food & water for a day journey

Conditions Remit
Course Location / Venue: Lakes or coastal waters with potential areas of exposure to mild wind
and wave conditions, with constant access to safe landing and within 1.5 nm from shore:

• 10 – 15 knot winds
• 1 – 2 foot waves (chop) (0.3 – 0.6 meters)
• 1 – 2 foot surf (0.3 – 0.6 meters)
• 1 – 2 knots of current

Skills and Knowledge Tested:

Technical Skills
 Effective wet exit
 Launching and landing
 Effective forward paddling
 Effective reverse paddling
 Rotate 360˚
 Turning with forward momentum
 Turning with reverse momentum
 Sideways movement—static
 Sideways movement with forward momentum
 Preventing capsize
 Sculling for support
 Deep water rescue
 Self-rescue
 Towing
 Rescues
Knowledge
 Weather (knowledge of weather resources and the impact of weather on kayakers)
 Basic navigation (interpret basic chart datum, plotting a course and adjusting for
variation)
 Leave No Trace skills and ethics
 Group awareness and communication
 Hazard assessment and avoidance
 Recognition and avoidance of hypothermia and hyperthermia

At least 3 of the above conditions must be present during some part of the assessment

The full course outline from the ACA can be found here.  

Camping Accommodations can be pursued  @ Van Buren State Park  

Please reach out with any questions regarding the requirements of the course.  I will notify candidates the evening before the course of the precise location of the first meeting spot based on conditions forecasted for the 13th.