ACA L2: Essentials of River Kayaking

Blues City Kayaks

ACA Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking

ACA Certfied Kayaking Courses

These classes are part of the American Canoe Association's certified curriculum for river kayaking and are taught by instructors certified by the ACA. For more information, please contact Blues City Kayaks at (901) 762-1133.

Blues City Kayaks' certified instructors are excited to offer the American Canoe Association (ACA) curriculum for the Level 2 course "Essentials of River Kayaking."This class is perfect for kayakers who have been paddling rivers for years and want to hone their skills and for kayakers who have only kayaked in lakes and are ready to learn the necessary techniques to take their skills to get to the next level!This class will start promptly at 8AM and last until 5PM. You are responsible for bringing your own kayak. If you do not have a kayak you will be able to rent one from Blues City Kayaks for $45 for the day. There will be one hour for lunch and numerous breaks throughout the day. If you do not wantThis course will be 100% outside so please prepare to dress appropriately, bring plenty of sunscreen, bring bug spray, and bring plenty of water. Additional items you will want to bring:- Folding chair- Pen/Paper- Kayaking gear you already have-

<h1>Level 2:Essentials of River Kayaking </h1><h2>Course Content</h2>Introduction, Expectations, &amp; Logistics:<ul><li>Welcome, introductions, paperwork</li><li>Student &amp; instructor course expectations and limitations</li><li>Course itinerary &amp; site logisticsReview waiver, assumption of risk, challenge by choice, medical disclosure</li><li>About the ACA</li><li>PFD policy (always wear on water)</li><li>Appropriate personal behavior</li><li>No alcohol / substance abuse</li><li>Proper etiquette on &amp; off the water</li><li>Respect private property</li><li>Practice Leave No Trace ethics</li></ul>The Paddling Environment:<ul><li>Wind</li><li>Waves</li><li>Weather</li><li>Water</li></ul>Personal Preparation:<ul><li>Personal ability</li><li>Swimming ability</li><li>Water comfort &amp; confidence</li><li>Fitness, conditioning, and warm up</li><li>Safe paddle and boat handling</li><li>Safety and rescue considerations</li><li>Personal equipment (reviewed by Instructor)</li><li>Judgment. In addition to learning hard skills, the importance of developing personal judgment and group responsibility increases on more difficult paddling venues.</li></ul>Getting Started:<ul><li>Warm-up and stretching</li><li>How to pick up a kayak safely</li><li>Car topping: loading and unloading, racks, straps</li><li>Launching and landing</li><li>Boarding, three points of contact, weight kept low, etc.</li><li>Posture, safety, comfort, effectiveness, rocking, balance</li><li>Water comfort and confidence</li><li>Wet exitsHow to empty a kayak</li><li>Basic Terminology</li><li>Types of strokes: power, turning</li><li>Stroke components: catch, propulsion, recovery (CPR), control, correction</li><li>Safe and effective body usage</li></ul>Equipment:<ul><li>Life Jackets (PFDs): types, fit</li><li>Kayaks: types, materials, parts (including safety features such as flotation)</li><li>Paddles: types, materials, parts, length, blade size &amp; shape, hand position.</li><li>Care of equipment</li><li>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</li><li>Optional equipment and outfitting</li></ul>River Reading:<ul><li>Current (cfs), volume, direction, and changes caused by streambed features</li></ul>Safety &amp; Rescue:<ul><li>Exercising judgment, safety as a state of mind.</li><li>Principles of Rescue</li><li>Priorities: first people, then boats, finally other gear</li><li>Responsibilities of the victim</li><li>Responsibilities of the rescuers</li><li>Responsibilities of the group</li><li>Types of RescueSelf Rescue</li><li>Boat assisted rescue, towing or bulldozing a tired swimmer, towing or bulldozing a capsized boat</li><li>Shoreline Rescue: Extension rescues, use of throw ropes/bags</li></ul>Maneuvers:<ul><li>J-lean</li><li>Paddling in a reasonably straight line</li><li>Spins</li><li>Stopping</li><li>Ferries</li><li>Eddy Turns</li><li>Peel Outs</li></ul>Strokes:<ul><li>Forward</li><li>Back (stopping)</li><li>Draw</li><li>Sweep (including Stern Draw)</li><li>Reverse Sweep</li><li>Rudder</li><li>Low Brace</li></ul>Rescues:<ul><li>Self Rescue</li><li>Swimming in current</li><li>Boat Emptying</li><li>Assisted Rescue</li><li>From shore: Extension, Rescue ropes</li><li>From boat: Bulldozing, Towing</li></ul>Conclusion &amp; Wrap Up:<ul><li>Group debrief / Individual feedback</li><li>Course limitations </li><li>Importance of First Aid &amp; CPR</li><li>Importance of additional instruction, practice, experience</li><li>Importance of appropriate level of safety &amp; rescue training</li><li>Demo advanced maneuvers</li><li>Life sport / Paddling options</li><li>Local paddling groups / Clubs</li><li>Handouts / Reference materials</li><li>ACA Membership forms</li><li>Course evaluation</li><li>Participation cards</li></ul>

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ACA L2: Essentials of River Kayaking

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