Course Levels
Our Courses Use The Following Levels of Challenge
Our Course Levels
INTRODUCTION TO SEA KAYAKING COURSE
Level 1 - Beginner Course on sheltered to easy moderate water (see below)
Level 2 - This level of course includes journeying into minimal moderate water conditions (see below) and is often pitched at recently trained sea kayakers or more experienced sea kayakers who enjoy easy journeys. Participants should have a reasonable understanding of forward paddling and boat handling techniques, with a view to developing these skills furtherer on relatively easy journeys.
INTERMEDIATE SEA KAYAKING COURSE
Level 3 - This level of course includes journeying in moderate water conditions (see below) and is often pitched at fairly experienced sea kayakers who enjoy journeying and aspirant BC Sea Kayak Award holders. Participants should have a reasonable understanding of forward paddling and boat handling techniques, with a view to applying them to some moderate water conditions.
Level 4 - The journeys and exercises at this level are in sustained moderate water (see below) with some moderate water plus conditions. It may include easy tide races, rock gardening and swell/surf. This level of course is often pitched at aspirant BC Coastal Sea Kayak Award holders and BC Sea Kayak Leaders.
Level 5 - At this level we are seeking out advanced water conditions (see below) in tidal rapids and/or exposed swell. This level of course is often pitched at aspirant BC Advanced Sea Kayak Award holders and BC Advanced Sea Kayak Leaders.
SEA KAYAK LEADER/ADVANCED SEA KAYAK LEADER TRAINING COURSE
Level 4/5 - Become a Sea Kayak Leader/Advanced Sea Kayak Leader (tidal)!
“Do you want to lead a group of sea kayakers in moderate/advanced tidal water?
Do you want to support your club or work professionally?
If so, the Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) Awards could be for you!”
https://paddlesuptraining.com/courses/sea-kayak-leader-tidal/
FULL DOCUMENT - British Canoeing Environmental Conditions
British Canoeing Environmental Conditions - 2018
Sheltered Water
Definition
Areas of open water (e.g. lakes and lochs) where the paddlers are no more than 200 metres offshore and the wind strength does not exceed Beaufort force 3, avoiding the group being swept/blown out of the safe working area. Slow moving estuaries (less than 0.5 Knots)
Examples: Small enclosed bays, enclosed harbours where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore, defined beaches with easy places to land throughout, no tide races, overfalls or surf.
Moderate Water
Definition
Sea: A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straight forward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Up to 2 Knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort force 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1 metre, trough to crest height).
Advanced Water
Definition
Sea: Any journey on the sea where tidal races, overfalls or open crossings may be encountered and which cannot be avoided; sections of coastline where landings may not be possible or are difficult; sea state 4 and winds above Beaufort force 4; launching and landing through surf (up to 1.5 metres trough to crest height).