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Level 1 Kayak Proficiency
1. General Aims
2. Requirements
3. Assessment
4. Guidelines
General aims of the Level 1 Kayak Proficiency Award
The Level 1 Kayak Proficiency Award aims to enable participants to
1. Perform fundamental Kayaking Skills.
2. Understand and explain the fundamental safety rules of canoeing.
3. Foster further participation in canoeing.
Requirements for the Level 1 Kayak Proficiency Award
To obtain the Level 1 Kayak Proficiency Award a participant must successfully demonstrate the following techniques and skills
1. An understanding of the Basic Safety Rules of canoeing.
2. An ability to Enter and Exit a kayak correctly.
3. Forward Paddle, Reverse Paddle, and Stop.
4. An ability to turn while stationary using Forward Sweep Stroke, Reverse Sweep Stroke and a combination of Forward and Reverse Sweep Strokes.
5. Capsize Drill
Assessment for the Level 1 Kayak Proficiency Award
1. There is no formal assessment for the Level 1 Kayak Proficiency Award, however, a participant must be able to demonstrate the required skills in the presence of a registered Irish canoe Union Instructor before being given an award.
2. All strokes must be demonstrated on both sides.
3. The Level 1 Kayak Proficiency Award is not a compulsory pre requisite for any subsequent Irish Canoe Union proficiency awards.
4. No age restriction applies to this award
Level 1 Kayak Proficiency Award Assessment Guidelines
The Level 1 Kayak Proficiency Award can only be assessed by a currently registered Irish Canoe Union Instructor.
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
Entry and exit with or without the use of a paddle is acceptable.
Forward Paddling
Veering is allowed for, but a participant must be able to maintain reasonable forward direction for at least 25 meters.
Reverse Paddling
Veering is allowed for, but a participant must be able to maintain reasonable direction in reverse for at least 15 meters.
Stopping
A participant should demonstrate an ability to stop when moving forward and in reverse.
Forward and Reverse Sweep Stroke
There should be an efficient use of the paddle in turning the kayak.
Capsize Drill
The capsize and exit from the kayak, should be carried out in water of sufficient depth adjacent to the shore/bank. The use of a spraydeck is optional.