Discuss the kayaks available to the paddler, their benefits/disadvantages.
What type of clothing should be worn outdoors?
How can you customise the fit of the kayak?
Discuss the construction of current boats.
Who is the Chairman of the WCA?
What features should a kayak always have9
Describe a warm up / cool down prior to paddling in the swimming pool.
Practical
Take part in a minimum of 6 hours of pool sessions.
As session times vary minimum requirement 6 hours, record to be kept in back of log book for all sessions.
Capsize with spraydeck and swim to the side of the pool (self rescue) - minimum 3 metres from side.
Support strokes - water on deck and on both sides
High support Kayak well off balance. Both stationary and on the move,
Sculling for ten seconds.The paddle to be kept low, nearly horizontal, the kayak edged so that it is off balance. Good confident committal to the paddle both sides. Drive face on the water (controlling hand side), leading edge of blade raised on each slow scull. Arms flexed in a natural position.
Make the kayak move sideways - the width of the pool (both sides)
Simple Draw. Move boat sideways maintaining directional stability. Blade to remain submerged throughout stroke. Top arm no lower than shoulder height. Body Rotation. Lower arm extends fully at start of stroke, top hand acts as pivot.
Sculling Draw
Body well rotated. Paddle shaft vertical, blade deep in the water. Kayak edged slightly to avoid water going onto deck. An effective sideways movement must be in evidence without the kayak turning.
Stand upright in boat from sitting position.
Candidate should be well away from bank and other paddlers to avoid injury if control is lost. Paddle may be used for support but must not touch the sides or bottom of pool.
Exit boat leaving it upright and re-enter.
Exit from the kayak in deep water , leaving it upright. Re-enter without assistance
Dribble length of pool with a ball (polo or football)
The candidate should show an ability to dribble a ball. The boat must be moving constantly during the test. Some directional instability is acceptable. The ball should be no more than 5 metres in front of the kayak and the candidate must use no more than 6 strokes between throwing the ball and collecting it each time.
Perform an Eskimo rescue as casualty and rescuer - demonstrate two methods.
A confident capsize and banging on the hull, with the rescuer moving in from 5 metres distance. A first time recovery must follow, but two attempts may be made. Candidate to act as both rescuer and casualty. Both styles of Eskimo rescue to be shown ie bow and paddle presentation. The rescuer must not approach at right angles to where the hands or body are located.
Perform an X rescue as a casualty and rescue.( Time limit 2 minutes).
The candidate to perform an efficient deep water rescue, with the candidate in complete control. Help may be given by the second person. It isimportant that boats have sufficient buoyancy and if possible air bags. Time limit for each task is two minutes, which includes replacing spray decks and recovering paddles.