Level One Coach or Level Two Trainee Coach or above
Teacher with Two Star Kayak or higher, subject to approval of Regional Coaching Organiser
Level Five Pool Blade Award Holder
Theory Sample Questions:
Describe the difference between left and right handed paddles.
Name three different types of paddle sport.
How much buoyancy should be in a kayak?
Where is your nearest canoe club?
Name two local rivers?
What are the differences between a pool kayak and a general purpose kayak?
What is the canoeists code of conduct?
What is it important to do before getting on the water to train or play?
What is meant by feathering?
Practical
Take part in a minimum of 3 hours of pool sessions.
As session times vary minimum requirement 3 hours, record to be kept in back of log book for all sessions.
Know how to handle a paddle correctly and understand the use of the control hand.
Candidate should be able to select length of paddle to suit their height and demonstrate use of control hand.
Get in and out of kayak unassisted.
Launching:Candidate to demonstrate good lifting and carrying principles. Boat to be afloat and entry into it
without any aid from the paddle.
Disembarking:Correct approach to the bank, exit kayak without use of the paddle. Balance and control of kayak to be maintained.
Paddle forwards in a straight line, the length of the pool.
Posture upright but natural. Continuous rhythmic paddling, some trunk rotation in evidence. A reasonable degree of steering accuracy to be achieved.
Turn the kayak, through 360 degrees , using sweep strokes- in three strokes or less on each side - forward and reverse.
Spinning using the appropriate combination of forward and reverse sweeps. Some body rotation in evidence.
Paddle backwards half the length of the pool, in a straight line.
Candidates should demonstrate controlled accurate reverse paddling towards a point defined by assessor. Looking over one or both shoulders and unwinding the trunk to produce power must be in evidence. Back (non drive) face of the paddle presented to the water.
Stop in both directions in less than four strokes.
The kayak should be travelling at a good cruising speed and motion in the opposite direction should be evident by the fourth stroke.
Low support stroke - both sides - kayak off balance.
A good firm push, with associated hip rotation, should be evident.
Make the kayak move sideways - half width of pool (both sides) using simple draw stroke.
Top hand high, blade well covered. The boat must keep a straight line sideways through the water. Blade to remain under water throughout.
Sit on back of the kayak with legs either side and paddle.
Capsize and exit ( with spraydeck) and empty kayak ,with assistance.
Wearing of spraydeck is optional for younger candidates or those with special needs. The candidate should remain calm and quickly regain and maintain contact with kayak. The paddle should be retained, or collected by swimming the kayak to the paddle. Swim no more than 5 metres and empty the boat on the side. Help can be requested as long as the candidate remains in charge of emptying.