Joseph Tyrey

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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