ACA Instructor Jeff Atkins is offering a free (for Lowcountry paddlers club members) Level 1 skills training class on Tuesday November 22nd, 9:00 am to Noon. (This is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving) This is a rare opportunity to get some top notch ACA level 1 skills training. Jeff Atkins is an ACA Level 5 Coastal Kayaking Instructor, as well as a Coastal Kayaking Instructor Trainer Educator (ITE) and he was awarded Instructor of the year in 2021 by the ACA leadership. As an ITE, Jeff travels nationwide to certify ACA Instructors and Instructor Trainers from California to Maine. There are 10 spots open in this class - first come first serve. Please contact Bev Cosslett if you would like to register for class. Call or text: 914-299-0919.
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You may ask...What is Level 1 Skills training? Here's a snapshot from the Level 1 skill curriculum:
Course Venue: Flat water, protected from wind, waves and outside boat traffic, with current less than 0.5 knots, and within swimming distance of shore.
Maneuvers: to be performed with appropriate and efficient strokes, while maintaining the trim and balance of the craft
● Enter and launch kayak from shore in a controlled manner, checking for clear departure
● Propel the kayak forward in a straight line 15-20 boat lengths
● Stop the kayak within two boat lengths
● Move the kayak backwards 3-4 boat lengths
● Turn the kayak from a stationary position 180° to the right and left
● Move the kayak sideways 10 feet (3 meters) to each side
● Propel the kayak in a figure of 8 course around markers 3-4 boat lengths apart
● Turn the kayak while maintaining forward motion 90° to the right and left
● Arrive at destination point, checking for clear approach, and exit the kayak in a controlled and safe manner
Safety and Rescue
● Demonstrate awareness of rescue priorities: people, kayak, paddle, gear
● Describe the responsibilities of: the group, rescuer, swimmers
● Identify and demonstrate the use of appropriate rescue and safety gear for the craft and planned activity
● Exit the craft after capsize, using proper body position and contact with the craft and paddle.
● Rescue self and the kayak using an effective self rescue technique (e.g., swim self and boat to shore, or deep water reentry).
● Rescue a person in the water and capsized kayak using appropriate techniques and equipment for the craft (bailers, pumps, paddle floats, tow lines, etc)
● Perform assisted rescues: boat over boat or side by side or T-rescue or others appropriate to conditions
● Perform assisted re-entry: heel hook or rescue sling or /paddle floats or others appropriate to conditions
● Techniques for bulldozing or towing a kayak or swimmer to shore