Kayak Skills "102": Learn Life Saving Rescue Skills
Strokes & Maneuvers:
We will start the class off with a short review of some basic strokes and maneuvers. After a quick review we will introduce some new advanced strokes that are sure to increase your efficiency and control on the water. Any day we can learn to maneuver the kayak with less energy and fewer strokes is a great day!
Swimmer Rescues:
Time to get in the water! Next we will work on becoming comfortable in the water with a leisure swim to warm up. Afterwards we will play around with some swimmer rescues. This will focus on retrieving a swimmer to safely and efficiently paddle them to safety.
Capsizing & Rescue
Just like in the world of motorcycles the saying hold true here. Its not IF but WHEN. Be prepared for the unexpected. Learn the life saving skills of rescuing a kayak swimmer. We see it all too often where a kayak mishap becomes fatal. Be prepared and know what to do if you or a friend take an unexpected swim.
Review & Challenge
To conclude the class, its all about comfort and confidence level when performing a rescue. The more we practice the more relaxed and organized we will be in the event of a live scenario. We will review what we learned and have some fun games and challenges to finish the day, practicing multiple rescue techniques and have a duel off. Who will take home the victory!
Trip Details / Itinerary
Level: Beginner
Class Length: Approximately 6 Hours
Member Cost: $75-$85
Non-Member Cost: $85-$100
Course Objectives:
Advanced Strokes & Skills
- Draw strokes (Sculling, In water, Out of water)
- Bow Rudders, Low brace turn
- Hanging Draw, Slice
- Bracing (low, high, sculling, balance braces)
- Towing Discussion ( In-line tow, contact tow)
Rescues
- Swimmer Tow/Rescue (Bow, stern)
- Person, boat, gear
- Wet exit w/ spray skirt:
- Wet exits will be modeled and taught two ways: (1) utilizing the spray skirt grab
loop and (2) releasing the skirt off the hip.” - Boat over boat rescue (T-rescue)
- Heel-hook rescue
- Scramble & Side Saddle Rescue
- Scoop Rescue
- Paddle Float Re-entry (With/Without Sling)
Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC):
ACA courses are open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to perform the
following essential eligibility criteria.
- Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing)
- Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water
- Independently hold head upright without neck / head support
- Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion
- Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
- Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a
companion - Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up
while wearing a properly fitted life jacket - Get on / off or in / out of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance
- Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft
- Remount or reenter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize
independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance - Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities and rescues listed
in the appropriate Course Outline, and have the ability to recognize and identify
to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation
RECOMMENDED CLOTHING/ITEMS
Dress for the temperature of the water
- Leggings, long shorts(Boardshorts), wetsuit/drysuit
- Water shoes that fully cover the foot (not sandals/flip flops)
- Wide brim hat
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Beach Blanket
- Nose Plugs
- Water, snacks or bag lunch
- Ocean safe sunscreen or protective clothing (long sleeve SPF shirt)
Questions, Comments, Concerns
Email: [email protected]
Where will the class be held?
The planned venue will be held in Cherry Grove (North Myrtle Beach), SC. We will be in the calmer backwaters of the inlet area known as Hogs Inlet.