Sea Scouts : Kayak Instructor Course

Dear Leader,

In 2010 Malahide Sea Scouts will be launching a Level 1 Kayak Instructor training programme initiative for our Scout leaders and scouts. The purpose of this note is to open up the programme to any Scout Leader or Scout across Ireland who would like to participate in the programme.

The programme will be run in conjunction with the Irish Canoe Union and will be based at our Dublin Den. Enclosed are details of the programme with copies of the requirements for Level 1 Kayak Instructor and the Level 3 Kayak Skills that one needs to have in order to attend the Level 1 Instructor training course. Details also included are provisional times and cost.

To be eligible to attend a Level 1 Kayak Instructor course

1. Be 16 years old on commencing the programme

2. Hold the Level 3 Kayak Skills Award (Details enclosed below)

a. As a part of the process we will help you achieve this, details are enclosed.

3. Be a current Irish Canoe Union member – Annual membership fee is €20.00

All you have to do at this stage is complete the attached application form at the end and e-mail it back to me at Robert@ mckernantraining.com. Following your application you will be e-mailed with an acknowledgement and when we have final numbers etc we will confirm all final dates and costs.

Kindest Regards,

Robert Mc Kernan

087 - 6774000

Programme timings and costings:

DATES	WHAT YOU NEED TO DO	YOUR COST

November 16th	Register with Robert Mc Kernan co coordinator	€0
	This is the last and final date for 2010 training

	Any registration after this date will be put
	forward onto the 2011 training session
	We will also register a waiting list so applications
	will be listed on the date they are received

December	All dates and locations will be confirmed for
	2010 training session

January 28th	Deposit required to secure your place. The	€100
	deposit is none refundable on cancellation
	if we can not find an alternative person to take
	your place. If we can, your deposit will be returned
	ICU registration[BRN1]	€20

February	Paddlers who are participating in the level 1
(Two days)	instructorship programme and do not have their	€20
	level 3 paddling skills we will run a training session
	to help you attain the skills to pass an assessment
	or if you want a brush up please consider
	attending
	This will take place in Wicklow, you will have to
	arrange your own accommodation etc

	The €20 cost it to cover the petrol cost of the
	instructors who will be helping me on the session
	And their food costs. All of our time is given free


March	Formal Level 3 paddling skills assessment. The	€50
(1 day)	assessment will be conducted by level 4 ICU
	Instructors in Wicklow.
	The cost is the cost charged by the ICU

	All assessments have a ratio of 1 instructor to three
	participants


April	Instructor level1 training. Two days in Malahide	€125
(2 days)	If you want to stay in our Den no problem	less deposit
		you paid
		Cost €25

Logging Instructor	Following the training you will need to log 25 hours
hours	Instructing with your troop

	This will have to be done when accompanied by an	No cost
	ICU instructor. As a part of the support we will	agreed yet
	be able to put you in contact with local instructors
	across Ireland who can help you



September	Level 1 instructor assessment at Malahide	Cost €75
(1 day)
	All assessments have 1 instructor to three
	participants
Notes:	Total Costs	€290
	Assuming you have to also complete the level 3
	paddling skills

	All accommodation and food, travel is your
	responsibility and cost

	All charges apart from the €20 is paid directly to
	the ICU. Which Robert will co –ordinate

	Following completition of level 1 instructorship	Cost to be
	we will run a level 2 Instructorship programme.	Confirmed €75

	On completing and passing the assessment
	you will need to get approval from your troup leader
	to participate as an instructor with in your troop

Level 1 Kayak Instructor

1.00 General Aims
The Level I Kayak Instructor Qualification aims to enable candidates to

1.01     become qualified to instruct Level 1,2 & 3 kayaking skills on water of no higher than
            Grade I difficulty including Very Sheltered water , Designated Lake Areas, and in
            Designated Sheltered Tidal Areas.

1.02 assess for the Level 1 Kayak Skills Award.

A Level I Kayak Instructor is specifically not qualified to lead groups and is restricted to static instructional sessions only.

2.00 Course Outline
2.01 The Level I Kayak Instructor Qualification requires that a candidate attend a two day
training course (or a programme of similar duration) and a one day assessment.

3.00 Applying to attend a Training Course
Before applying to attend a Level I Kayak Instructor Training Course, a candidate must

3.01     have registered with the ICU Office as a Level I Kayak Instructor Trainee.

3.02     be of a skills level equivalent to the Level 3 Kayak Skills Award

3.03     be at least 16 years of age at the time of application.

3.04     have unrestricted access to a fully equipped kayak, personal equipment, and additional equipment as listed for a Level I Kayak Instructor Assessment.

4.00 Applying to attend an Assessment
Before applying to attend a Level I Kayak Instructor Assessment, a candidate must

4.01     have maintained registration as a Level I Kayak Instructor Trainee.

4.02     have obtained a Level 3 Kayak Skills Award.

4.03     be at least 16 years of age.

4.04 have unrestricted access to a fully equipped kayak, personal equipment, and
additional equipment as listed for a Level I Kayak Instructor Assessment.

4.05 have attended an approved Kayak Level I Instructor Training Course or Programme within
the 24 months preceding a selected assessment date.

4.06     have recorded in a Level I Kayak Instructor Logbook following the completion of a Level I
            Instructor Training Course at least 25 hours (on the water) of instructional experience
            under the supervision of at least two registered ICU Instructors who hold a Level 3 Kayak Instructor qualification or who are members of the Level 1 Kayak Instructor Mentor Panel.

4.07     have recorded in a Level I Instructor Logbook as part of the 25 hours supervised
            instructional experience details of assisting in the preparation of a group for a Level 2
            Kayak Skills Assessment. The group must consist of at least three participants.

4.08     possess a current and approved First Aid Certificate( e.g. REC 2 ).

4.09     be recommended for assessment by a registered ICU Level 3 Instructor.

4.10     return to the ICU Office, a completed Level I Kayak Instructor Logbook accompanied by a
            Level I Kayak Instructor Assessment Application no later than three weeks before a
            selected assessment date.

5.00 Format of a Level I Kayak Instructor Assessment
5.01     During a Level I Kayak Instructor Assessment, candidates must satisfy an assessor that
            they are competent to instruct on water of Grade I difficulty. Apart from teaching and
            personal canoeing ability, candidates must also demonstrate that they are sufficiently
            mature and responsible to manage a group.

5.02     During assessment, a candidate's personal canoeing skills and First Aid may be
            assessed. It would be expected that a candidate would have maintained a skills level
            equivalent to that of the Level 3 Kayak Skills Award and where possible improved on
            this.

As part of a Kayak Level I Instructor Assessment, a candidate will be expected to

5.03     select a lesson plan lasting up to three hours and to organise an instructional session
            for a novice/basic level group on water of Grade I difficulty or in a Sheltered Tidal
            Area.

5.04     teach any stroke, technique, or rescue applicable to flat water as outlined in the Level
            3 Kayak Skills Syllabus.

5.05     prepare a self-appraisal of the lesson plan/water session

5.06     demonstrate techniques and skills as required by the Level 3 Kayak Skills Award, if
            requested to do so.

5.07     demonstrate an ability to carry out the following rescues efficiently and effectively:
            Self-Rescue, X or Assisted X-Rescue, All-in Rescue, Unconscious Casualty, Curl or TX
            Rescue and Eskimo Rescue.

5.08     demonstrate an ability to roll competently without any prior set-up.
5.09     demonstrate an effective method of towing a kayak

5.10     present a suitable kayak correctly fitted out for instruction and with other appropriate
            personal equipment (See List of Equipment). It would be expected that a candidate's
            equipment would be of a standard consistent with the responsibilities likely to be
            encountered. Examination of equipment will form an important part of the overall
            assessment.

5.11     demonstrate effective group control, group rapport, and instructional ability.

5.12     demonstrate a thorough knowledge of basic First Aid as well as a thorough working
            knowledge of the cause/effect/treatment of Shock, Hypothermia, EAR, and CPR.

5.13     answer questions on aspects of canoeing covered during the Level I Kayak Instructor
            Training Course.

5.14     attend an interview, where the candidate will present their self-appraisal.

5.15     have recorded in the Level I Kayak Instructor Logbook following registration as a trainee,
            all canoeing activities relevant to the Level 1 Instructor Pre Assessment requirements,
            including details of the Level I Instructor Training Course. Details of canoeing activities
            prior to applying for the Level I Kayak Instructor Award should also be recorded.

List of Equipment required for Assessment

A properly equipped kayak:

· Rigid end loops and/or toggles
· Kayaks over 270cm in length must have decklines fitted front and back
· Kayaks 270cm or less in length must have cowtails fitted front and back
· Method of securing paddles
· Suitable buoyancy
· Suitable foot rest
· A kayak must be of sufficient volume to carry out all necessary safety equipment and perform any rescue as required by the Level 4 Skills Award

Personal canoeing equipment:

Paddle
Wetsuit or sufficient thermal clothing
Spray Deck
Buoyancy Aid
Cagoule
Helmet
Canoe Booties or adequate footwear

Equipment must also include:

Towing System
Bivvy Bag and/or group shelter
First Aid Kit
Whistle
Flask and Food
Waterproof Bag or other method of keeping equipment dry
Repair Kit*
Spare Clothes*

*Those items marked with an asterisk need not be carried in the kayak during assessment but should be on site.

Level I Kayak Instructor Qualification Guidelines

A Level 1 Kayak Instructor Qualification can only be assessed by a member of the Level 1 Kayak Instructor Qualification Assessor Panel

It is recommended that the Level 1 Kayak Instructor Qualification is assessed by an Instructor other than the Instructor who has run the training course leading to the assessment.

Clear guidelines should be given in writing should a candidate fail the assessment as to the areas they need to improve on.

Candidates cannot depend on any assistance (material or practical) during the course of the assessment.

No other award may be assessed at the same time as the Level 1 Kayak Instructor Assessment.

The candidate/assessor ratio should be maximum of 3:1 though 2:1 is preferable

A Level 1 Kayak Instructor under 18 years must be accompanied on the water by another qualified and registered adult Instructor

Level 3 Kayaking Skills (Amended March 08)

General aims

The Level 3 Kayaking Skills Award aims to enable participants to

1.01 kayak safely and competently on river up to and including Grade 2 rivers as a member of a group.

1.02 be capable of negotiating obstacles likely to be encountered on Grade 2 rivers.

1.03 assist in rescues.

1.04 foster further participation in canoeing.

Requirements

Participants must successfully explain and demonstrate the following techniques and skills at a level higher than that required for the Level 2 Kayaking Skills Award.

Strokes

2.01 Forward Paddle, Reverse Paddle, Emergency Stop.

2.02 Forward Sweep, Reverse Sweep and a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep.

2.03 Draw Stroke

2.04 Sculling Draw

2.05 Hanging Draw

2.06 Sculling for Support

2.07 Low Brace

2.08 High Brace

2.09 Low Brace Turn

2.10 Stern Rudder

2.11 Bow Rudder

Techniques

2.12 Entry and Exit

2.13 Edging

2.14 Forward Ferry Gliding

2.15 Reverse Ferry Gliding

2.16 Breaking In

2.17 Breaking Out

2.18 Capsize Drill

Rescues

2.19 Assisted X Rescue and an X Rescue

2.20 Eskimo Rescue

2.21 Eskimo Roll

Theory

2.22 Safety Rules

2.23 an understanding of the use of Defensive Swimming

2.24 an understanding of Eddies, Standing Waves, V Waves, Stoppers, and Easy River Routes i.e. the main flow down a Grade II rapid

2.25 an understanding of good control (i.e. responding to various signals and commands)

Assessment

3.01 During an assessment a participant must explain and demonstrate all techniques and skills at a level higher than that required for the Level 2 Kayak Skills Award. All techniques, skills and rescues must be demonstrated to an assessor's satisfaction in order to achieve this award.

3.02 No part of an assessment can be taken in a swimming pool. All assessment criteria must be demonstrated outdoors on water of Grade 2 difficulty as part of a river trip.

3.03 All strokes should be demonstrated in relevant situations i.e sculling in a small stopper. Strokes should be demonstrated on both sides of the kayak.

3.04 Generally, required assessment rescues will be kept until the end of an assessment.

3.05 Participants for this award must be at least 12 years of age.

Assessment Guidelines

§ It is recommended that a Level 3 Kayak Skills Award is assessed by a Instructor other than the Instructor who ran the training course leading to assessment

§ The Level 3 Kayak Skills Award can only be assessed by a currently registered ICU Instructor.

§ The assessment will be carried out with a maximum of four candidates to one assessor, however, a ratio of 3:1 is preferable.

§ Generally guidelines will be given, should a candidate fail an assessment, as to the areas that they need to improve on.

Notes for Level 1-3 Kayaking Skills Awards

Safety Rules of Canoeing

1. You must be able to swim.

2. You must always wear a buoyancy aid.

3. You must always ensure that there is adequate kayak buoyancy.

4. You must never canoe alone.

Entry and Exit

Can be carried out with or without the use of paddles, depending on what is most appropriate to the situation.

Forward Paddling

Some directional instability is allowed for. This should not include complete loss of forward movement or continuous veering from side to side, aiming for a point/gap as a task.

Reverse Paddling

Some directional instability is allowed for. This should not include complete loss of reverse movement or continuous veering from side to side. A wider stroke than that used for forward paddling is permissible.

Stopping

Stopping should occur in a straight line allowing some leeway, but not veering from side to side. Ability to stop should be demonstrated while paddling forward and in reverse.

Forward Sweep Stroke

There should be full arm extension. The sweep should be initiated at the front of the kayak and continued to stern with trunk rotation evident.

Reverse Sweep Stroke

Trunk rotation to place paddle in the water at stern should be evident. There should be continuous sweep to the front of the kayak as the trunk unwinds. There should be full arm extension throughout.

Draw Stroke

The paddle should remain in the water throughout. Some slight bow or stern swing is acceptable. An ability to maintain the paddle shaft vertical, should be evident. Some body rotation towards the paddling side should be evident.

Low Brace Support

The kayak must be sufficiently tilted for water to reach the spray deck. A good push down with the elbows above paddle and associated knee lift and lower body rotation should be evident.

Low Brace Turn

The kayak should be moved at an acceptable speed and a turn induced by applying a sweep on the opposite side, followed by edging into the turn, the back of the blade on the surface of the water for support on the turning side and at a suitable angle/feather.

Capsize Drill

While wearing a spray deck, and followed by a 10 metre swim towing the kayak and paddle to the bank, then emptying the kayak correctly. The paddle should be retained.

Lower Body Rotation

A demonstration of the use of the lower body in controlling the kayak, for example the initial stages of an Eskimo Rescue.

Please e-mail me the following details as a part of your application. One per person only. If two people are applying please send me on separate applications.

NAME:

SCOUT TROOP:

AGE:

MOBILE NO:

DIRECT LINE:

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

FIRST AID CERT LEVEL:

NO PADDLERS IN YOUR TROOP

NO OF FULL SETS OF PADDLIN EQUIPMENT YOU HAVE:

BRIEF DESCRIPTOR OF YOUR PADDLING SKILLS:

RIVERS PADDLED AND GARDE:

CAN YOU ROLL IN MOVING WATER:

HOW MUCH INSTRUCTING DO YOU DO:

HAVE YOU ANY ICU QUALIFICATIONS AND DATE OF:

WHEN ATTENDING THE SESSIONS IN MALAHIDE WILL YOU NEED TO STAY IN OUR DEN:

We expect to have significant interest in this development. Please discuss this with your troop and respond as soon as possible. If you have any questions please drop me an e-mail

Regards,

Robert Mc Kernan

Malahide Scout Leader.

[BRN1]xtra or included with the €100?