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Sample of course curriculum
Class Ratio - 5 students : 1 Instructor; with an additional instructor or qualified assistant the ratio can be 10 : 2
Succeeding courses:
Level 3: River Kayaking
Level 5: Advanced Whitewater Kayaking
Level 4: Whitewater Kayaking
The following is a general summary of course content for the Essentials of River Kayaking course. The
content covered and sequence of instruction should be adjusted to best fit the participant’s needs, class
location and time allowance.
Course Content
Introduction, Expectations, & Logistics:
Welcome, introductions, paperwork
Student & instructor course expectations
and limitations
Course itinerary & site logistics
Review waiver, assumption of risk,
challenge by choice, medical disclosure
About the ACA
PFD policy (always wear on water)
Appropriate personal behavior
No alcohol / substance abuse
Proper etiquette on & off the water
Respect private property
Practice Leave No Trace ethics
The Paddling Environment:
Wind
Waves
Weather
Water
Personal Preparation:
Personal ability
Swimming ability
Water comfort & confidence
Fitness, conditioning, and warm up
Safe paddle and boat handling
Safety and rescue considerations
Personal equipment (reviewed by
Instructor)
Judgment. In addition to learning hard
skills, the importance of developing
personal judgment and group
responsibility increases on more
difficult paddling venues.
Getting Started:
Warm-up and stretching
How to pick up a kayak safely
Car topping: loading and unloading,
racks, straps
Launching and landing
Boarding, three points of
contact, weight kept low, etc
Posture, safety, comfort,
effectiveness, rocking, balance
Water comfort and confidence
Wet exits
How to empty a kayak
Basic Terminology
Types of strokes: power, turning
Stroke components: catch, propulsion,
recovery (CPR), control, correction
Safe and effective body usage
Equipment:
Life Jackets (PFDs): types, fit
Kayaks: types, materials, parts
(including safety features such as
flotation)
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