ACA L2: Essentials of River Kayaking

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!

We'lll start promptly at 8:30AM and gountil 4:30PM. 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. This 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
• Nose clip
• You'll want to dress with the 3 Ws of Layering in mind
• 10 Outdoor Essentials
• Lunch
• Snacks (That won't melt)

Level 2: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!

Planning

• The Paddling Environment
• Personal ability & judgment
• Personal equipment (reviewed by Instructor)
• Water comfort and confidence
• Kayaks: types, materials, parts (including safety features such as flotation)
• Paddles: types, materials, parts, length, blade size & shape, hand position.
• Personal equipment: The 10 outdoor essentials, kayak gear, etc
• River gauges (Current (cfs), volume, direction)
• River obstacles Importance of First Aid & CPR

Participation

• Safe paddle and boat handling
• Appropriate personal behavior
• River etiquette
• Safety and rescue considerations
• Warm-up and stretching
• Boarding the kayaks
• Posture, safety, comfort, effectiveness, rocking, balance
• Strokes, Sweeps, Draws
• Wet exits/How to empty a kayak
• Principles of Rescue
• Priorities: first people, then boats, finally other gear
• Responsibilities of the victim/Responsibilities of the rescuers/Responsibilities of the group
• Types of Rescue/Self Rescue
• Boat assisted rescue, towing or bulldozing a tired swimmer, towing or bulldozing a capsized boat
• Shoreline Rescue: Extension rescues, use of throw ropes/bags
• Swimming in current
• Self Rescue/Assisted Rescue/ Boat Emptying
• From shore: Extension, Rescue ropes/From boat: Bulldozing

Putting Away

• How to properly load a kayak on a vehicle (loading and unloading, racks, strap)
• Group debrief / Individual feedback