Liquid Rhythm Kayaking.com
ACA American Canoe Association
ACA Basic Coastal Kayak Strokes and Rescues
COURSE OVERVIEW:
COURSE OBJECTIVES: Participants will be introduced to:
    · Proper fit and adjustment of their kayak for effective control and
    comfort
    · Attaching and releasing the spray skirt
    · Safely entering and exiting kayak, including wet exit
    · Effective use and control of the paddle
    · Performing basic strokes efficiently
    · Performing T-rescue and Paddle float self rescue
    · The importance and influence of weather and tides on the coastal
    kayaker
    · Dealing with marine hazards and other safety issues
    · Understanding personal limitations and skill level

PARTICIPANT QUALIFICATIONS: None

MINIMUM PERSONAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE CLASS: Properly sized and
outfitted kayak with front and rear flotation. Standard gear and safety
equipment (paddles, PFD’s, sprayskirts, paddle floats, bilge pumps, and
appropriate clothing for weather and immersion)

COURSE DURATION: One day

LOCATION: Ideal teaching conditions are a protected freshwater lake or
saltwater cove environment. Waves should not exceed 1 foot; winds should
not exceed 10 knots. Groups must be kept within ½ mile of shore

SUCCESSIVE COURSES: CK Strokes and Maneuvers Refinement, Open
Water Coastal Kayaking, Advanced Coastal Kayaking

The following is a general summary of course content for Coastal Kayak
Basic Strokes and Rescue. The content and sequence of instruction should
be arranged to best fit the student’s needs, safety, the class location, and
time allowance.

1) INTRODUCTION AND EXPECTATIONS (15 minutes)
    - Enrollment/registration/liability
    - Welcome and introductions
    - Student and instructor expectations
    - Course Itinerary
2) ON SHORE PRESENTATIONS (45 minutes)
    - Equipment orientation
    - Personal clothing and gear
    - PFD’s, wetsuits, spray skirts
    - Safety equipment
    - Basic boat design and kayak terminology
    - Boat fit and adjustment
    - Boat/body weld
    - Foot brace adjustment
    - Spray skirt attachment/release
    - Dry land “wet exit” drill
    - Paddle orientation and use
    - Correct hand placement
    - Control hand/relaxed grip
    - Torso rotation and paddler’s box

3) LAUNCHING and LANDING/ WET EXIT PRACTICE/ KAYAK
ORIENTATION (30 minutes)
    - Carrying kayak to and from water
    - Entry/exit of kayak from shore or dock
    - Boat stability, “hip wiggle,” j-lean
    - Practice wet-exits with one-on-one supervision by instructor (if in
    cold water environment, wait until rescue session)
    - Allow students a few minutes to paddle around and get oriented
    with their kayak

4) BASIC STROKES and SKILLS (120 minutes)
    - Rafting up
    - Sweep stroke (forward/reverse/pivot in place)
    - Forward Stroke
    - Reverse stroke and stopping
    - Draw stroke
    - High and low braces (hip snap/boat lean/lower body control)

5) LUNCH BREAK/ DISCUSSION (60 minutes)
    - Weather conditions
    - Chart use
    - Tides and currents (if applicable)
    - Signaling and safety devices
6) DEEP WATER RESCUES (90 minutes) Note: Use stirrup if necessary
    - Demonstrate and practice T-rescue
    - Demonstrate and practice paddle float self-rescue
    - Bonus: Reentry and roll with Paddle float

7) GROUP SAFETY TALK (15 minutes)
    - Group signals
    - Staying together (i.e. lead/sweep)
    - What to do in an emergency
    - Dealing with boat traffic

8) SHORT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT TOUR (if time allows)
    - Continue to develop efficient stroke technique
    - Practice course corrections
    - Have fun

9) CONCLUSION and WRAPUP (30 minutes)
    - Load boats showing proper tie-down technique
    - Reinforce idea of paddling with a partner or group
    - Provide individual feedback, if possible
    - Group debrief on how course went/questions
    - Explain what is next in the learning progression
    - Further practice on the water is essential
    - Course evaluation

REFERENCES
General:
    Shelly Johnson, Woman’s Guide to Sea Kayaking & TheComplete
    Sea Kayaker’s Handbook
    Andy Knapp, The Optimum Kayak
    John Robison, Sea Kayaking Illustrated
    David Seidman, The Essential Sea Kayaker

Safety/Rescue:
    John Lull, Sea Kayaking Safety & Rescue
    Schuman/Shriner, Sea Kayak Rescue

Feb. 2006 Basic Coastal Kayak Strokes and Rescues
7432 Alban Station Blvd, Suite B-232 Springfield, VA 22150
Phone: (703) 451-0141 / Fax: (703) 451-2245 www.americancanoe.org
The School of Liquid Rhythm Kayaking is a unique kayaking school that offers kayak and qajaq classes, kayak surfing classes, kayak trips, and kayak instruction clinics, to all people regardless of age,
limited flexibility, or disability, in Tampa Bay Clearwater FL.

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